Psalm 55:20

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:1-23

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

In conclusion, the psalmist turns altogether to God, whom he now addresses as "Jehovah" ( Psalms 55:16 , Psalms 55:22 ), and expresses his confidence that, in answer to his continual prayers ( Psalms 55:17 ), God will come to his aid, will deliver his soul from the machinations of his enemies, and will visit them with "affliction" ( Psalms 55:19 ) and "destruction" ( Psalms 55:23 ). Still grieved chiefly by the defection of his unfaithful friend, he once more describes the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

Contrasts in the character and experience of the righteous and the wicked. I. CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS . 1 . His life is a continued exercise of prayer and faith. Calls upon God, evening, morning, and at noon. Carries all his anxieties and fears to God; casts upon him his burden ( Psalms 55:22 ). And he does all this with an assured faith ( Psalms 55:16 , Psalms 55:17 ). "And he shall hear my voice." "The Lord shall save me." 2 . He has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him. Some explain "he" as "the wicked collectively,'' and maintain that in this verse and the next no particular person is pointed at; but it seems better to regard the psalmist as "suddenly reverting to the fixed and deepest thought in his heart—the treachery of his friend" (Canon Cook). Ahithophel had put forth his hand against such as were at peace with him." He hath broken his covenant . The covenant of friendship with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him - Against those who were his friends, or who had given him no occasion for war. The Septuagint and Vulgate render this, “He hath put forth his hands in recompensing;” that is, in taking vengeance. The Hebrew would bear this construction, but the more correct rendering is that in our common version. The “connection” here would seem to indicate that this is to be referred to God, as God is mentioned in the previous verse. But... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:20-21

Psalms 55:20-21. He, &c. I speak especially of “that perfidious person, who hath not only violated all the laws of friendship, but profanely broken his promise and oath of fidelity, wherein he was engaged to me.” Bishop Patrick. Although, as we have seen, David did not excuse the rest that were concerned in these treacherous and treasonable practices, yet the base conduct of Ahithophel grieved him most, and dwelt most upon his mind; and, therefore, having mentioned the wickedness: and... read more

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