Psalm 55:1-23 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
8 How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.15 Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.16 But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.17 Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.19 God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
8 How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.15 Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.16 But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.17 Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.19 God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
A Protest Against The Wicked
This Psalm like many written by David is set in the context of conflict. This one, unlike the ones written when he was running for his life while being pursued by Saul. This time the trouble is coming from a trusted adviser and from within his own family.
Psalm 55:9-14 (NLT2)9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. (emphasis mine)
David had seen opposition from many quarters, but betrayal from within added a bitter dimension to his trials. His restlessness, hurt, and fear are on full display.
Psalm 55:1-5 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.
The urge to escape overwhelms him.
Psalm 55:6-8 (NLT2)6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.8 How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.
There are times in life when we can identify with David’s desperation and the urge to escape from life’s trials, but the psalm ends on a with a more sure course of action:
Psalm 55:22 (NLT2)22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
This verse is the focal point of the psalm. David’s fear and the bitter opposition of his betrayers lead him to this conclusion
Throughout the Psalm, David addresses God.
Psalm 55:1,9,23 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
But it’s as though he is talking to us when he says cast your burdens on the :Lord because He will take care of you.
The Hebrew word yehāb which is translated burdens mean “lot” or whatever is appointed to you. So it is more comprehensive of how we envision the English wore “burden”, defined as “a load, typically a heavy one.” What David is really saying encourages us to cast our very lives upon the Lord, seeking His refuge and guidance in all things.
This Psalm like many written by David is set in the context of conflict. This one, unlike the ones written when he was running for his life while being pursued by Saul. This time the trouble is coming from a trusted adviser and from within his own family.
Psalm 55:9-14 (NLT2)9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. (emphasis mine)
David had seen opposition from many quarters, but betrayal from within added a bitter dimension to his trials. His restlessness, hurt, and fear are on full display.
Psalm 55:1-5 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.
The urge to escape overwhelms him.
Psalm 55:6-8 (NLT2)6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.8 How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.
There are times in life when we can identify with David’s desperation and the urge to escape from life’s trials, but the psalm ends on a with a more sure course of action:
Psalm 55:22 (NLT2)22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
This verse is the focal point of the psalm. David’s fear and the bitter opposition of his betrayers lead him to this conclusion
Throughout the Psalm, David addresses God.
Psalm 55:1,9,23 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
But it’s as though he is talking to us when he says cast your burdens on the :Lord because He will take care of you.
The Hebrew word yehāb which is translated burdens mean “lot” or whatever is appointed to you. So it is more comprehensive of how we envision the English wore “burden”, defined as “a load, typically a heavy one.” What David is really saying encourages us to cast our very lives upon the Lord, seeking His refuge and guidance in all things.
Proverbs 18:10 (NLT2)10 The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
The promise is not that God will eliminate every fear and resolve every problem, but that He will at special times of need, especially during adversity or suffering.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(emphasis mine).
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (emphasis mine)
As David found out, escape is not the answer that God provides; what He does provide is the strength and grace to navigate the path ahead.
As important as this lesson is, an even greater reality looms behind it.
As a type of Christ, David’s experience is unique in that it portrays the suffering of our Lord on our behalf. The betrayal of a friend, was played out in Christ’s life. David even prophesied this in one of his other Psalms
Psalm 41:9 (NLT2)9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
John 13:18-19, 26 (NLT2)18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah. 26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.
Even as David sees the whole city in an uproar against him, we remember that the crowd of the same city, Jerusalem cried out, "Crucify Him!".
.Psalm 55:9-11 (NLT2)9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
Matthew 27:22 (NLT2)22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
Psalm 55 powerfully and prophetically depicts the bitterness that Christ endured for our salvation.
Christ exemplified the lesson of this Psalm in the Garden of Gethsemane. where we see the outline of Psalm 55 unfold.
First, Christ described His sorrow and fear, as David did.
Matthew 26:36-38 (NLT2)36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Then, He cast His burden on the Father in prayer, as David did.
Matthew 26:39, 42 (NLT2)39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
The Lord did not give Christ an escape from this dark hour of suffering, but He did give Christ the grace and strength to fulfill His mission and accomplish our salvation. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified the what this Psalm admonishes us to do and that is: "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you”
The promise is not that God will eliminate every fear and resolve every problem, but that He will at special times of need, especially during adversity or suffering.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(emphasis mine).
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (emphasis mine)
As David found out, escape is not the answer that God provides; what He does provide is the strength and grace to navigate the path ahead.
As important as this lesson is, an even greater reality looms behind it.
As a type of Christ, David’s experience is unique in that it portrays the suffering of our Lord on our behalf. The betrayal of a friend, was played out in Christ’s life. David even prophesied this in one of his other Psalms
Psalm 41:9 (NLT2)9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
John 13:18-19, 26 (NLT2)18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah. 26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.
Even as David sees the whole city in an uproar against him, we remember that the crowd of the same city, Jerusalem cried out, "Crucify Him!".
.Psalm 55:9-11 (NLT2)9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
Matthew 27:22 (NLT2)22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
Psalm 55 powerfully and prophetically depicts the bitterness that Christ endured for our salvation.
Christ exemplified the lesson of this Psalm in the Garden of Gethsemane. where we see the outline of Psalm 55 unfold.
First, Christ described His sorrow and fear, as David did.
Matthew 26:36-38 (NLT2)36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Then, He cast His burden on the Father in prayer, as David did.
Matthew 26:39, 42 (NLT2)39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
The Lord did not give Christ an escape from this dark hour of suffering, but He did give Christ the grace and strength to fulfill His mission and accomplish our salvation. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified the what this Psalm admonishes us to do and that is: "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you”
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