Table of Contents
Historical Background and Context
While Psalm 55 does not have a specific title linking it to a historical event, its content points powerfully to one of the darkest periods in David’s life: the rebellion of his own son, Absalom, as detailed in 2 Samuel chapters 15-18. The psalm is filled with themes of chaos in the city (Jerusalem), the threat of death, and—most painfully—a devastating betrayal by a close and trusted friend.
This “familiar friend” is widely believed to be Ahithophel, one of David’s most respected counselors. His advice was considered as reliable as an oracle from God (2 Samuel 16:23). When Absalom conspired to usurp the throne, the Bible records a pivotal moment: “Absalom also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh” (2 Samuel 15:12). This betrayal was a massive blow to David, both personally and strategically. Upon hearing the news, David prayed a desperate, short prayer: “LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31).
Psalm 55 reads like the full, emotional outpouring of David’s heart during this crisis. He is fleeing his home, the city is in turmoil, and his heart is broken not just by his son’s rebellion, but by the treachery of a man he considered his equal and companion.
Theological Themes
This psalm navigates some of the most difficult human emotions and anchors them in profound theological truths.
The Reality of Deep Betrayal: The psalm does not shy away from the intense pain caused when a trusted friend becomes an enemy. It gives voice to the shock and sorrow that this kind of wound inflicts, acknowledging that the deepest hurts often come from the closest relationships. The betrayal is worse than an attack from a known enemy.
The Conflict Between Escape and Endurance: A powerful theme is the psalmist’s raw desire to simply escape the pain. The wish for “the wings of a dove” to fly away to a place of peace is a deeply human response to overwhelming stress. However, the psalm does not end there. It models the journey from wishing for escape to finding the strength to endure through prayer and trust in God.
The Power of Persistent Prayer: In his distress, David’s solution is to turn to God. He commits himself to constant prayer—”evening, morning and noon.” This demonstrates a belief that God hears and is attentive to the cries of His people. Prayer becomes the weapon against anxiety and the pathway to deliverance.
Casting Burdens on God: The psalm culminates in one of the most comforting invitations in all of Scripture: “Cast your cares on the LORD.” This is not a denial of the problem but an active transfer of the weight of the problem to God. It is an act of trust, based on the promise that God will sustain the righteous and will not allow them to be ultimately defeated.
Literary Structure and Genre
Psalm 55 is an individual lament. It follows a common, though emotionally turbulent, path for such psalms. The structure can be seen in three distinct movements:
- Anguished Complaint (verses 1-8): An outcry of overwhelming personal distress and a desperate longing for escape.
- Specific Accusation (verses 9-15, 20-21): The focus narrows to the source of the pain: the chaotic, violent city and the specific, treacherous actions of a close friend.
- Confident Trust (verses 16-19, 22-23): A deliberate turn from the problem to God, expressing a commitment to prayer and a firm belief in God’s power to save and sustain.
This flow mirrors a real-life struggle, moving from being consumed by a problem to identifying its cause and finally finding resolution and peace by placing it in God’s hands.
Verse by Verse Commentary on Psalm 55
Verses 1-8: The Cry of a Crushed Spirit
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked… My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm1.'”
The psalm opens with a raw, desperate cry. David feels that God is distant, and he pleads not to be ignored. He is “distraught” and troubled, overwhelmed by the verbal attacks and threats of his enemies.
The external pressure creates intense internal turmoil. His heart is in “anguish,” and he feels the “terrors of death.” The language is visceral: “fear and trembling” and being overwhelmed by “horror.” This is the description of a full-blown anxiety attack, a soul crushed by circumstance.
His response is a natural human desire: escape. He longs for the “wings of a dove,” a bird symbolizing peace and swiftness, to fly away from the “tempest and storm.” He imagines a peaceful resting place in the solitude of the desert, far from the chaos. This is an honest admission of a desire to run from a situation that feels too heavy to bear.
Verses 9-15: The Pain of a Friend’s Betrayal
“Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their speech… Violence and strife are in the city… Malice and abuse are within it… If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God… Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among them.”
David’s prayer shifts from a desire for personal escape to a plea for divine intervention against his foes. He asks God to “confuse” them, echoing his prayer against Ahithophel. He then describes Jerusalem, the city of God, as being filled with “violence and strife,” malice and abuse.
Then comes the heart of the psalm in verses 12-14. The source of his deepest pain is revealed. It is not a known “enemy,” which would be predictable and easier to handle. The betrayer is “a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.” This was a peer, an equal. They shared “sweet fellowship” and even worshiped together “at the house of God.” The treachery is so profound because it comes from a place of deep trust and shared spiritual experience. The sacred bond of friendship has been violated.
This deep wound leads to a harsh prayer in verse 15, an imprecation. He prays that his enemies would “go down alive to the grave” (the realm of the dead, Sheol). This is a prayer for a sudden and decisive judgment, like the one that befell Korah and his rebellious followers in Numbers 16. It is a cry for God’s ultimate justice against evil that is lodged deep within them.
Verses 16-23: The Resolution of Faith
“As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice… Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay… As for me, I trust in you.”
Following the raw emotion of the previous section, David makes a conscious turn. The phrase “As for me” marks a deliberate choice. While his enemies practice deceit, his response will be to “call to God.” He commits to persistent prayer—evening, morning, and noon—expressing a constant state of dependence on God. He is confident that God hears him.
He looks again at his betrayer in verses 20-21, describing him as a covenant-breaker whose words are as smooth as butter but whose heart is full of war. His words are soothing like oil, yet they are like drawn swords.
This leads to the psalm’s triumphant conclusion in verse 22. It is an instruction David gives to his own soul and to all who are listening: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you.” The word for “cares” can also be translated as “burden” or “what God has allotted to you.” It means to entrust your entire situation—the pain, the anxiety, the future—into God’s capable hands. The promise is twofold: God “will sustain you” (He will hold you up), and He “will never let the righteous be shaken” (He will not allow them to be ultimately overthrown).
The final verse is a statement of ultimate confidence. The wicked will come to a premature and dishonorable end, but David’s final declaration is simple and profound: “As for me, I trust in you.“
Practical Lessons for Today
It is Okay to Be Honest with God: David’s prayer gives us permission to be completely honest with God about our feelings. He expresses fear, anguish, a desire to run away, and anger. God is big enough to handle our rawest emotions.
Betrayal is a Deep Wound, But It Doesn’t Have the Final Say: Psalm 55 acknowledges the unique pain of being betrayed by a close friend. It is devastating. Yet, the psalm shows that even this deep wound can be brought to God for healing and justice.
Prayer is the Antidote to Panic: When overwhelmed, David’s solution was consistent, persistent prayer. When we feel the “tempest and storm” of life, the discipline of crying out to God throughout the day can anchor our souls and bring us peace.
The Action of Trusting is a Choice: The invitation to “cast your cares on the LORD” is an active command. It is a choice we make to consciously hand over our anxieties and burdens. Trust is not just a feeling; it is a decision to rely on God’s character and His promises, especially His promise to sustain us.
Cross References
2 Samuel 15:31: “When David was told, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom,’ he prayed, ‘LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.'” This verse provides the most likely historical event behind the psalm, identifying Ahithophel’s betrayal as a key moment in David’s distress.
Micah 7:5-6: “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” The prophet Micah speaks of a time of social breakdown where betrayal is rampant, reflecting the same deep relational pain described by David.
Jeremiah 9:4: “Beware of your friends; do not trust your brothers. For every brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.” Like Micah, Jeremiah laments a society where trust has been shattered, providing a parallel to David’s personal experience of betrayal.
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” The Apostle Peter directly quotes the principle of Psalm 55:22 and applies it to Christians suffering persecution. He grounds the command in the character of God: we can cast our anxiety on Him because He personally and tenderly cares for us.