psalm-55:17-24-esv

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray - In another place Psalms 119:164 the psalmist says that he engaged in acts of devotion seven times in a day. Daniel prayed three times a day, Daniel 6:10. David went, in his troubles, before God evening, morning, and mid-day, in solemn, earnest prayer. So Paul, in a time of great distress, gave himself on three set occasions to earnest prayer for deliverance. See the notes at 2 Corinthians 12:8. This verse, therefore, does not prove that it was a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:18

He hath delivered my soul in peaee - The Hebrew is, “He has redeemed;” so also the Septuagint and Vulgate. The meaning is, He has “rescued” me, or has saved me from my enemies. Either the psalmist composed the psalm “after” the struggle was over, and in view of it, here speaks of what had actually occurred; or he is so confident of being redeemed and saved that he speaks of it as if it were already done. See Psalms 55:19. There are many instances in the Psalms in which the writer is so certain... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:19

God shall hear and afflict them - That is, God will hear my prayer, and will afflict them, or bring upon them deserved judgments. As this looks to the future, it would seem to show that when in the previous verse he uses the past tense, and says that God “had” redeemed him, the language there, as suggested above, is that of strong confidence, implying that he had such certain assurance that the thing would be, that he speaks of it as if it were already done. Here he expresses the same... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him - Against those who were his friends, or who had given him no occasion for war. The Septuagint and Vulgate render this, “He hath put forth his hands in recompensing;” that is, in taking vengeance. The Hebrew would bear this construction, but the more correct rendering is that in our common version. The “connection” here would seem to indicate that this is to be referred to God, as God is mentioned in the previous verse. But... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:21

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter - Prof. Alexander renders this, “Smooth are the butterings of his mouth.” This is in accordance with the Hebrew, but the general meaning is well expressed in our common version. The idea is, that he was a hypocrite; that his professions of friendship were false; that he only used pleasant words - words expressive of friendship and love - to deceive and betray. We have a similar expression when we speak of “honeyed words,” or “honeyed accents.”... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord - This may be regarded as an address of the psalmist to himself, or to his own soul - an exhortation to himself to roll all his care upon the Lord, and to be calm. It is expressed, however, in so general language, that it may be applicable to all persons in similar circumstances. Compare Matthew 11:28-29; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7. The Margin here is, “gift.” The “literal” rendering would be, “Cast upon Jehovah what he hath given (or laid upon) thee; that is,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction - The word “them,” here evidently refers to the enemies of the psalmist; the wicked people who were arrayed against him, and who sought his life. The “pit of destruction” refers here to the grave, or to death, considered with reference to the fact that they would be “destroyed” or “cut off,” or would not die in the usual course of nature. The meaning is, that God would come forth in his displeasure, and cut them down for their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:16-17

Psalms 55:16-17. As for me, I will call upon God Let them take what course they please to secure themselves; let violence and strife be their guards, prayer shall be mine. By this I have found deliverance, support, and comfort, and therefore this I will abide by. And the Lord shall save me While he destroys them. For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, in a right manner, shall be saved, Romans 10:13. As they and I differ in the course of our lives, so shall we in our end. ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:18

Psalms 55:18 . He hath delivered my soul He may be considered, either as referring to former deliverances, and mentioning them as a reason why he should now trust in God; or as speaking of a future deliverance as already effected, because he was confident it would be effected. He adds, in peace, because he was persuaded God would restore him to his former peace and tranquillity. But, perhaps, he speaks of inward peace, peace of soul. By patience and trusting in God, he kept possession of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:19

Psalms 55:19. God shall hear My prayer against them, mentioned Psalms 55:15, or their reproaches, Psalms 55:12, their deceitful and treacherous speeches, Psalms 55:21. He had said, God would hear his voice, Psalms 55:17, now he adds that God will hear his enemies’ voice also, of which he spake, Psalms 55:3. And afflict them Or, testify against them; or, give an answer to them, as יענם , jagnaneem, may be properly rendered; not in words, but in deeds, and by dreadful punishments, as... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:20

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:22

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:23

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:16-17

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:18

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:19

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