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Dave Burnette's Commentary

Psalm Chapter 55

Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and the Sons of Korah
Date Penned: (1440-586 BC)
Overview: Poetry for the Expression of Praise and Worship to God (c 1-150)
Theme: The Second Book of Psalms (c 42-72)
Message: When Friends Hurt Us (v 1-23)

Psalms 55 Commentary

(55:1) This psalm was most likely written during the time of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal (2 Samuel 15-17). Some say the words of Psalm 55:12-14 are messianic because they also describe Judas's betrayal of Christ (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25). 


(55:6-8) Running from God - Even those who are especially close to God, as David was, have moments when they want to escape from their relentless problems and pressures. Escape, while an overwhelming urge, cannot be found in running away. For believers, the right kind of escape comes from quieting our hearts and minds in prayer and worship. We lift ourselves spiritually to God, running for his cover. We also find solace by serving people who really need us. 


(55:9-11) Sin in the Church - The city that was supposed to be holy was plagued by internal problems: violence, strife, mischief, sorrow, wickedness, deceit, and guile. External enemies, though a constant threat, were not nearly as dangerous as the corruption inside. Even today, churches often look to defend themselves against attacks and hostility from the sinful world while failing to see that their own sins may be causing their troubles. 


(55:12-14) Real Friends - Nothing hurts more than a wound from a friend. At times friends may need to lovingly confront you in order to help you, but betrayal truly hurts. Betrayal by a friend caused David great anguish. Real friends stick by us in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. What kind of friend are you? Don't betray those you love. 


(55:17) Prayer - Praying morning, noon, and evening is an excellent way to maintain close contact with God and set priorities for the coming day. David followed this pattern, as did Daniel (Daniel 6:10) and Peter (Acts 10:0-10). The prayers of God's people are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world. Find three psalms that express your requests to God, and try praying one each at three different times during the day. 


(55:22) the power of God - God wants us to give our burdens to him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in him. This is like standing up and holding all your luggage during a long plane ride. Trust the same power from God that sustains you each day to also carry your cares and burdens.


Dave Burnette's Life Application

Our Lord Listens


Each day, we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter, making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue in the Book of Psalms with Chapter 55. In our text today, we see a theme of David's expression of pain when being hurt and how the words of the Lord bring comfort. In applying, we know that we have a true friend in Jesus. When others let us down, we can go to the Lord in prayer and express our pain, and in return, the Lord will speak to us with His Words, giving us comfort and peace. It is so comforting to know that we can call upon the Lord in our time of need and that He listens, works in our lives, and gives us words of comfort from the Bible. How about you? Are you going through a tough time? Let us learn from our Psalm and Text today to remember that we can talk to the Lord, and He listens, responds, and has words of comfort for us with those who hurt us.

 

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Psalm 55

Psalm 55

 1Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

 2Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

 3Because 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.

 4My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

 5Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

 6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

 7Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

 8I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

 9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

 10Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.

 11Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

 12For 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:

 13But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

 14We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

 15Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

 16As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

 17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

 18He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

 19God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

 20He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

 21The 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.

 22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 23But 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.