Psalms 55 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
55:1
1. hide not thyself, c.--(compare Psa 13:1; 27:9), withhold not help.
55:2
2. The terms of the last clause express full indulgence of grief.
55:3
3. oppression--literally, "persecution." they ... iniquity--literally, "they make evil doings slide upon me."
55:4–5
4-5. express great alarm.
55:6
6. be at rest--literally, "dwell," that is, permanently.
55:7–8
7-8. Even a wilderness is a safer place than exposure to such evils, terrible as storm and tempest.
55:9
9. Destroy--literally, "swallow" (Psa 21:9). divide their tongues--or, "confound their speech," and hence their counsels (Ge 11:7). the city--perhaps Jerusalem, the scene of anarchy.
55:10–11
10-11. which is described in detail (compare Psa 7:14-16).
55:12–14
12-14. This description of treachery does not deny, but aggravates, the injury from enemies.
55:15
15. Let death, c.--or, "Desolations are on them." let them go--literally, "they will go." quick--or, living in the midst of life, death will come (compare Nu 16:33). among them--or, "within them," in their hearts (Psa 5:9; 49:11).
55:16–18
16-18. God answers his constant and repeated prayers.
55:19
19. God hears the wicked in wrath. abideth--or, "sitteth." of old--enthroned as a sovereign. Because ... no changes--Prosperity hardens them (Psa 73:5).
55:20–21
20-21. The treachery is aggravated by hypocrisy. The changes of number, Psa 55:15, 23, and here, enliven the picture, and imply that the chief traitor and his accomplices are in view together.
55:22
22. thy burden--literally, "gift," what is assigned you. he shall sustain--literally, "supply food," and so all need (Psa 37:25; Mt 6:11). to be moved--from the secure position of His favor (compare Psa 10:6).
55:23
23. bloody ... days--(compare Psa 5:6; 51:14), deceit and murderous dispositions often united. The threat is directed specially (not as a general truth) against the wicked, then in the writer's view.