Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 55

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

The psalmist faces enemies led by a former friend (Psalm 55:12–14). This causes him great distress. He prays to the Lord and trusts him for justice (Psalm 55:22–23).

Jesus went through similar pain when Judas, his friend, betrayed him. He also experienced the psalmist’s prayer being answered:

1. by taking the place of the wicked and receiving their punishment (Isaiah 53:7–9), and

2. by trusting the Father, who saved (Luke 23:46) and rewarded him (Isaiah 53:10–12).

The occasion for this prayer is an attack by an enemy.

In the experience of deep anguish, the psalmist confesses that his adversity has become unbearable and he seeks an escape.

The psalmist's enemy used to be a friend. Remembering their close relationship causes him pain (see Psalm 31:11).

God is good and faithful, but the psalmist’s enemies and so-called friend are deceitful and wicked.

The psalmist commits all his cares to the Lord.

To die young means missing out on God's full blessings (compare Proverbs 3:2, 16).