22. thy burden—literally, "gift," what is assigned you. he shall sustain—literally, "supply food," and so all need (Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:11). to be moved—from the secure position of His favor (compare Matthew 6:11- :). read more
23. bloody . . . days—(compare Psalms 5:6; Psalms 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. read more
Psalms 55The occasion that inspired the composition of this individual lament psalm was David’s betrayal by an intimate friend. We do not know with certainty who he was, though some commentators have suggested Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31). One manuscript of Jerome’s Latin Version has the title "The voice of Christ against the chiefs of the Jews and the traitor Judas." [Note: Kirkpatrick, p. 308.] David prayed that God would deliver him from his plight. He also lamented his distress that a... read more
Rather than practicing evil, as his enemies did, David said he would pray to God for deliverance (cf. Daniel 6:10). Rather than creating havoc in the city, he would petition the courts of heaven for justice. In place of a violent death, David anticipated a peaceful salvation. God, the eternal sovereign, will give to each person what he or she deserves. He will give peace to the guiltless and punishment to the guilty, eventually. read more
3. A call out of confidence 55:16-23 read more
David further described the deceitfulness of his former friend’s treachery. read more
The psalmist concluded this poem with a homily to the reader. He encouraged the righteous to roll their burdens on the Lord rather than bearing them themselves (cf. 1 Peter 5:7). He trusted in the Lord’s ability to sustain His own-having experienced it many times in his life (cf. Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). However, he had also learned that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). Normally those who live by the sword perish by the sword and die prematurely (Genesis 9:6; Matthew 26:52). In view of... read more
The author of this Ps. can hardly be David, for he speaks as a citizen of a distracted city rather than as its king, and the friend of whom he complains is his equal and not his subject. There is really nothing to fix the date of the Ps., though some of the experiences of Jeremiah may illustrate it. It falls into three portions, which have been described as marked by despair (Psalms 55:1-8), indignation (Psalms 55:9-15), and trust (Psalms 55:16-23).3. Cast iniquity upon me] attack me with... read more
(18) From the battle.—The reading of the LXX. is preferable, “from these drawing near to me.”For there were many with me.—This is only intelligible if we insert the word fighting. “For there were many fighting with me,” i.e., “against me.” But the text seems corrupt. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:20
20, 21. The treachery is aggravated by hypocrisy. The changes of number, Psalms 55:15; Psalms 55:23, and here, enliven the picture, and imply that the chief traitor and his accomplices are in view together. read more