Psalm 55:21 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 55:21

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 55:21

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

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 55:21

The words of his mouth wore smoother than butter ; literally, smooth were the butters of his mouth — i.e; his flattering utterances. But war was in his heart; literally, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords; i.e. keen, cutting—according to our own idiom, "like daggers." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:21

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter - Prof. Alexander renders this, “Smooth are the butterings of his mouth.” This is in accordance with the Hebrew, but the general meaning is well expressed in our common version. The idea is, that he was a hypocrite; that his professions of friendship were false; that he only used pleasant words - words expressive of friendship and love - to deceive and betray. We have a similar expression when we speak of “honeyed words,” or “honeyed accents.”... 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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:1-23

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

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

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

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:1-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:16-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:21

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

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:1-23

Group of Brands