Psalm 55:20-23 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

In these verses, I. David perseveres in his resolution to call upon God, being well assured that he should not seek him in vain (Ps. 55:16): ?As for me, let them take what course they please to secure themselves, let violence and strife be their guards, prayer shall be mind; this I have found comfort in, and therefore this will I abide by: I will call upon God, and commit myself to him, and the Lord shall save me;? for whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, in a right manner, shall be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands ,.... The psalmist returns and describes, in this verse Psalm 55:3 , the cruelty, perfidy, and hypocrisy of his false friend; who had stretched forth his hands against such as be at peace with him , or he pretended to be at peace with. So Ahithophel put forth his hands against David, by whom he had been admitted into his privy council, and there had taken sweet counsel together, by entering into a conspiracy and rebellion against him, and by forming a scheme... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:21

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter ,.... Such were the words of Ahithophel, when in counsel with David; and such the words of Judas, when he said to Christ, "hail, master", and kissed him, Matthew 26:49 ; but war was in his heart ; even a civil war, rebellion against his prince; that was what Ahithophel meditated in his heart; and nothing less than to take away the life of Christ was designed by Judas. The words may be rendered, "they were divided" F5 חלקו ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord ,.... These are either the words of the Holy Ghost to David, according to Jarchi; or of David to his own soul in distress, and may be directed to any good man in like circumstances. The word rendered "burden" signifies a gift and so the words are translated by many, "cast thy gift upon the Lord" F6 יהבך "donum tuum", Montanus; "quicquid dat tibi", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; what he has given in a way of providence and of grace, acknowledge him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shall bring them down ,.... Ahithophel and his accomplices in the conspiracy against David, Judas and the wicked Jews concerned in Christ's death; and did not believe in him; into the pit of destruction , or "corruption" F9 שחת "corruptionis", Vatablus, Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so Ainsworth; approved by Gussetius, p. 850. ; either the grave, where bodies being put corrupt and putrefy; or hell, where the wicked are punished with everlasting... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands - A farther description of Ahithophel. He betrayed his friends, and he broke his covenant with his king. He had agreed to serve David for his own emolument, and a stipulation was made accordingly; but while receiving the king's pay, he was endeavoring to subvert the kingdom, and destroy the life of his sovereign. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:21

Were smoother than butter - He was a complete courtier, and a deep, designing hypocrite besides. His words were as soft as butter, and as smooth as oil, while he meditated war; and the fair words which were intended to deceive, were intended also to destroy: they were drawn swords. This is a literal description of the words and conduct of Absalom, as we learn from the inspired historian, 2 Samuel 15:2 , etc. He was accustomed to wait at the gate; question the persons who came for justice... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord - Whatever cares, afflictions, trials, etc., they may be with which thou art oppressed, lay them upon him. And he shall sustain thee - He shall bear both thee and thy burden. What a glorious promise to a tempted and afflicted soul! God will carry both thee and thy load. Then cast thyself and it upon him. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved - While a man is righteous, trusts in and depends upon God, he will never suffer him to be shaken. While... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction - The Chaldee is emphatic: "And thou, O Lord, by thy Word ( במימרך bemeymerach ) shalt thrust them into the deep gehenna, the bottomless pit, whence they shall never come out; the pit of destruction, where all is amazement, horror, anguish, dismay, ruin, endless loss, and endless suffering." Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days - So we find, if there be an appointed time to man upon earth,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:20

Verse 20 20.He hath sent his hands against those that were at peace with him He afterwards speaks in verse 23d in the plural number, but here it is probable that he begins by addressing the leader and head of the wicked conspiracy. He accuses him of waging war in the midst of peace, and being thus guilty of a breach of faith. He had neither suffered provocation, nor had he announced in an open manner his intention to give battle, but had commenced the attack unexpectedly and with treachery. The... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:20

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