Commonplace –
In this Psalm, David has been betrayed by one close to him. He is beside himself with sorrow.
“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. (Psalm 55:12-14).
Betrayal by a close friend is traumatic. We expect such things from our enemy but not from those we have taken sweet counsel with or with whom we have attended church. The temptation is to seek solace in others and pour out our hearts seeking human comfort in times of trouble. However, this only leads to gossip and cannot be good. We must follow David’s example:
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (Psalm 55:16).
This psalm was a source of good counsel for me this morning, after feeling hurt and grieved over the unkind words of someone close. I am thankful for David, who points me to God.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).
Amen and amen.
Matthew Henry notes:
“Prayer is a salve for every sore and a relief to the spirit under every burden: Give ear to my prayer, O God! [Psalm 55] v. 1, 2″ (361)
Works Cited
Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 55.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2025 Angela Hormberg
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