Psalms 55

23 verses

TL;DR

The psalmist pours out deep distress at the hands of a betrayer, yet ultimately turns to God for protection and deliverance.

Summary

Psalm 55 begins with a heartfelt appeal to God, asking for hearing amid sorrow and fear. The psalmist laments the persecution and hostility of enemies, describing their wickedness and deceit. He expresses a desire to escape, longing for wings like a dove to flee the turmoil. The core conflict is not a stranger but a close companion, someone equal, who betrayed him, deepening the pain. Despite this betrayal, the psalmist declares unwavering faith, promising to pray continuously and trust in God's justice. He acknowledges God's power to defeat the wicked and sustain the righteous, ending with confidence in divine salvation.

Outline

1. Plea for divine attention amid distress
2. Conflict with an intimate betrayer and the wicked
3. Firm faith and assurance of God’s deliverance

Themes

Trust in God amid betrayalThe anguish of unjust persecutionGod’s justice and deliverance

Keywords

prayerenemybetrayaltrustdeliverancejusticefaith

People

GodLordman mine equal (friend/guide)

Places

citywilderness

Things

wings like a dovewindy stormtempestwallspit of destruction

Key Verses

Psalms 55:1: The psalm opens with a plea for divine hearing, setting the tone of vulnerability.
Psalms 55:13: Highlights the betrayal by a close companion, the turning point of the psalm.
Psalms 55:18: Declares God’s deliverance, shifting from distress to hope.
Psalms 55:23: Affirms trust in God’s judgment and promises of protection.

Questions

What makes the psalmist’s plea in verse 1 urgent?
How does the betrayal in verse 13 affect the psalmist’s relationship with God?
In what ways does the psalm illustrate the theme of divine justice?
How can the psalm’s depiction of hope amidst despair inform contemporary faith practice?

Sentiment

negative
The psalm reflects deep distress and fear, but balances it with hopeful trust in divine intervention.