PSALM 55
THE LORD SUSTAINS THE RIGHTEOUS
1-3
LIFTING THE PRAYER
Although this appears to be a song, since stringed instruments are instructed, it is also a prayer. David wrote “give ear to my prayer, O God”.
But, we can also assume, since it is a song, that David wrote it for corporate worship, making it a hymn for the people to sing when calling upon God.
The first stanza, the first three verses, shows David praying for mercy and expressing urgency. He asked God to hear (give hear), to not hide, to attend, and to answer. These are all pleas for God to answer David’s requests.
David is also urgent in his need. He said he was restless in his complaint. His enemy is causing him trouble and he wants God to deliver him as soon as possible.
We cannot connect this song to a specific event in David’s life. Some in the early church saw it as a reflection of Jesus on the betrayal of Judas.
It is common for believers who are afraid or suffering to be impatient for God to answer and to act. We all want our needs met and our suffering ended. We know that God will act in his own time, but it is ok to ask God to act now.
4-8
David’s Emotions
David was an emotional man. He did not hide his emotions from God. He felt anguish. (4) He was afraid (terrors of death, fear & trembling, horror).
Like many who are suffering, David longed to escape. He would fly away if he had wings (6), he would wander into the wilderness (7), or he would hurry to a shelter (8). It is not uncommon for people under stress to dream of sailing away in a boat, or taking off in a camper, or moving to a new place.
David was a heroic man at times, but he was also a human who longed to escape from his problems.
9-11
Prayer for Vengeance
If David could not escape, he wanted God to destroy his enemies, or at least to destroy their ability to hurt him. He made a reference to God acting against the people who built the Tower of Babel. God made them speak different languages, or divided their tongues, and so destroyed their ability to work together for evil. (Genesis 11:1-9)
David described these people as causing violence and strife in the city, so they were not enemies from the outside. They were those working iniquity among the people of Jerusalem.
This is something we see in our time. We certainly have enemies from outside the church. But there are also those within the church bringing strife and error into the body.
12-15
The Betrayer
David continued saying the enemy was not from the outside by homing in on one person. This person had been a friend and companion. (13) He and David had taken counsel together and attended church (the temple) together. (14)
David did not mince words about what he wanted God to do. He wanted God to kill them. (18) He wanted them buried alive. “Sheol” means the grave. He felt that they were evil and they deserved it.
16-19
Faith in God
In contrast to the evil men, David called upon God and believed God would save him. He prayed three times per day and believed God heard him.
David believed God would save him, redeem him, from his enemies. (18) He would hear David and humble his enemies. (19) God would and could do this because he is sovereign, he reigns from of old. (19) He would also act against these men because they did not fear God.
20-23
Casting Burdens Upon the Lord
David’s friend hurt him by violating his covenant with him and trying to hurt him while being a smooth talker. (20-21) But, believing God would deliver him, David could counsel the other worshippers to cast their burdens on the Lord, believing he wold protect them.
The Septuagint version of this Psalm says to cast your “anxieties” on the Lord. Peter used this language when he said to cast your anxieties on the Lord, for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
The final verse shows David’s confidence that God will bring down those who are treacherous. They will not have long lives. David trusts in God for his protection.
Takeaways:
pray when you are in distress
don’t hide your emotions (fear, anxiety)
trust God
wait for God’s timing
Godspeed.
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