Psalm 55:20-21

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

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

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

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