This psalm is the last "maskil" (Psalms 52-55) or 'instruction' for the faithful to God, in the time of the great tribulation. It has been assumed that the occasion for this psalm is the betrayal of Ahithophel (2Samuel 15:31). It is an assumption that has good grounds, especially when it comes to the prophetic application. David has to deal with the betrayal of Ahithophel, the Lord Jesus with the betrayal of Judas, and the remnant with the betrayal of the antichrist. Judas and the antichrist are both called "the son of perdition" (John 17:12; 2Thessalonians 2:3).
The background to David's feelings is the betrayal of a friend. Ahithophel is at first a trusted advisor to David. In this Psalm we hear something of David's intense grief over this betrayal. In this respect there is a parallel with Psalm 41, where David also complains about the betrayal by a friend (41:6-9). We also hear in the Psalm Christ's Spirit in David as he reflects what the Savior felt at the betrayal by Judas. We also hear what the remnant is going through in the end time because of the conspiracy of the antichrist and his followers against them.
His heart trembles in anguish within him because of the grimness (55:4). He is overcome by visages that, representing death, appear to him. "Fear and trembling" come upon him, and "overwhelmed him" (55:5). For this reason, he says that he would like to flee the city, in which hatred and violence are coming upon him from all sides (55:6). (Matthew 24:16-20) He would hasten to escape, for the threat of being seized is great (55:8).
Psalms 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
(This prayer will also be prayed by the believing remnant in the end time.) "and he shall hear my voice," (v. 17). "(God shall hear, and " (v. 19a) and answer my prayer (v. 19b~23). Thankfully will not blame us, either for coming too often, or being too earnest and importunate.
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Psalms 55:2
Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
Psalms 55:3
Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.
Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
Psalms 55:5
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.
Psalms 55:6
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Psalms 55:7
Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
Psalms 55:8
I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
Psalms 55:9
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Psalms 55:10
Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Psalms 55:11
Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
Psalms 55:12
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
Psalms 55:13
But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
Psalms 55:14
We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
Psalms 55:15
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
Psalms 55:16
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psalms 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Psalms 55:18
He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
Psalms 55:19
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Psalms 55:20
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
Psalms 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Return
HOME
