Psalms 55 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.51.1-65.13
These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.
Ps.55.1-23
The psalmist is faced with adversaries whose leader is a former friend (55:12-14), and he is overwhelmed with anguish. He turns to the Lord in prayer and commits himself to the Lord for redress (55:22-23). Jesus experienced similar suffering when his friend (Judas) betrayed him. He also experienced the answer to the psalmist’s prayer: (1) by taking the place of the wicked and receiving their judgment (Isa 53:7-9), and (2) by committing himself to the Father, who rescued (Luke 23:46) and rewarded him (Isa 53:10-12).
Ps.55.1-3
The occasion for this prayer is an attack by an enemy.
Ps.55.4-8
In the experience of deep anguish, the psalmist confesses that his adversity has become unbearable and he seeks an escape.
Ps.55.12-20
The psalmist’s enemy was once a friend; memories of that close relationship bring him pain (see 31:11).
Ps.55.19-21
God is good and faithful, but the psalmist’s enemies and so-called friend are deceitful and wicked.
Ps.55.22-23
The psalmist commits all his cares to the Lord.
Ps.55.23
To die young means that one fails to experience God’s full blessing (cp. Prov 3:2, 16).