But it was thou, a man mine equal ; literally, a man according to my valuing ; i.e. one of my social rank, with whom I was on familiar terms. My guide; or, "my companion." But the LXX . have ἡγέμων . And mine acquaintance. "My confidant" (Kay); "my familiar friend" (Cheyne, and Revised Version). read more
We took sweet counsel together . And walked unto the house of God in company; rather, in the throng (Cheyne, Revised Version); i.e. in the midst of the crowd of worshippers. When David went up to the house of God, who is more likely to have accompanied him than his chief "counsellor"? read more
For it was not an enemy that reproached me - The word “reproached” here refers to slander; calumny; abuse. It is not necessarily implied that it was in his presence, but he was apprized of it. When he says that it is not an enemy that did this, the meaning is that it was not one who had been an avowed and open foe. The severest part of the trial did not arise from the fact that it was done by such an one, for that he could have borne. That which overwhelmed him was the fact that the reproach... read more
But it was thou, a man mine equal - Margin, “a man according to my rank.” Septuagint, ἰσόψυχε isopsuche, equal-souled, like-souled, “second self” (Thompson); Vulgate, “unanimus,” of the same mind; Luther, “Geselle,” companion. The Hebrew word used here - ערך ‛êrek - means properly a row or pile, as of the showbread piled one loaf on another, Exodus 40:23; then it would naturally mean one of the same row or pile; of the same rank or condition. The word also means price, estimation, or value,... read more
We took sweet counsel together - Margin, “who sweetened counsel.” Literally, “We sweetened counsel together;” that is, We consulted together; we opened our minds and plans to each other; in other words, We found that happiness in each other which those do who freely and confidentially communicate their plans and wishes - who have that mutual satisfaction which results from the approval of each other’s plans.And walked unto the house of God in company - We went up to worship God together. The... read more
Psalms 55:12-14. It was not an enemy Not an open and professed enemy, or, not an old and inveterate enemy, (as appears from the following description to be his meaning,) that reproached me That misrepresented me, and my government, as if I either abused my power, or neglected the proper use of it, and who industriously spread other similar accusations to incense the people against me; then I could have borne it With more patience, because I could have expected nothing better from such... read more
Psalms 55:0 Betrayed by a friendDavid is worried and uncertain. He has found that so-called friends have been plotting against him (e.g. Ahithophel; 2 Samuel 15:12,2 Samuel 15:31; 2 Samuel 17:1-3) and he knows not which way to turn. He remembers things he saw certain people do and realizes now that they were treacherously aimed at his downfall (1-3).Overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, David fears that death is upon him (4-5). He wishes that he could escape from it all. He would like to fly... read more
a man = a mortal. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 . mine equal = as mine equal: i.e. esteemed by David as such; refers to Ahithophel. My guide: or counselor. Compare 2 Samuel 16:23 and Acts 1:17 . read more
in company = with the multitude. Hebrew. regesh. Occurs only here. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:12
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it. The psalmist passes from the general to the particular—from the great mass of his opponents to one special individual. Even Professor Cheyne allows this, and suggests that we have here Jeremiah inveighing against Pashur. But the general sentiment of commentators has always been that Ahithophel is intended. And, if we allow the psalm to be David's, we can scarcely give any other explanation. Ahithophel was known as... read more