Psalms 55:10

Psalm 55:10 (KJV) describes the pervasive nature of evil and distress within a city, reflecting the psalmist's deep anguish and sense of being surrounded by wickedness.

Context of Psalm 55:10

Psalm 55 is a profound lament, widely attributed to King David, expressing intense personal suffering, likely due to betrayal by a close confidant. This psalm captures the heart of someone overwhelmed by enemies and deceit. The preceding verses reveal the psalmist's longing to escape the turmoil, wishing for "wings like a dove" to fly away from the "stormy wind and tempest." Verse 10 specifically paints a grim picture of the city (likely Jerusalem) where danger is not just external but deeply embedded. This imagery resonates with periods of civil unrest or moral decline, such as during Absalom's rebellion, where David faced treachery from within his own ranks and city.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pervasive Evil: The phrase "Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof" suggests a relentless, constant presence of nefarious activity, implying surveillance or patrolling with ill intent. This evil is not just a passing threat but a persistent force that encroaches on the city.
• Internal Corruption: "Mischief also and sorrow [are] in the midst of it" highlights that the trouble is not confined to external enemies. Instead, wickedness and distress permeate the very heart of the community, turning what should be a place of safety into a source of fear and moral decay. This reflects a society where injustice and suffering are deeply entrenched.
• Distress and Betrayal: The verse powerfully conveys the psalmist's feeling of being trapped in a corrupt environment, emphasizing the profound spiritual and emotional distress caused by such pervasive wickedness. It underscores the theme of betrayal that runs through Psalm 55, where evil originates from within trusted circles, not just external foes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words behind "mischief" and "sorrow" provide deeper understanding:

• "Mischief" translates from the Hebrew word 'amal (עָמָל), which denotes trouble, toil, labor, but often specifically refers to wickedness or perversity that brings about hardship. It implies active wrongdoing and the resulting distress.
• "Sorrow" comes from 'aven (אָוֶן), which can mean wickedness, iniquity, or trouble. It often refers to moral evil and its painful consequences. The combination of 'amal and 'aven paints a picture of a city consumed by active wickedness leading to deep distress and moral failure.
• The phrase "Day and night" (yomam valaylah) emphasizes the unending and relentless nature of this pervasive evil, suggesting no respite from its presence.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalm 55:10 resonates today in various contexts. It reminds us that:

• Evil Can Be Pervasive: Just as the psalmist described, wickedness can permeate societies, institutions, and even personal relationships, leading to widespread distress and moral decay.
• The Importance of Discernment: We are called to discern the nature of the challenges we face, recognizing that sometimes the greatest threats to peace and well-being come from within, rather than solely from external forces.
• Finding Refuge in God: In the face of overwhelming corruption and betrayal, the psalmist ultimately turns to God for deliverance (as seen in Psalm 55:22). This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when mischief and sorrow seem to dominate, true hope and salvation are found in the Lord, who sees all and acts righteously. It encourages believers to cast their burdens on Him and trust in His justice.