Psalms 55:10

KJV

Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow [are] in the midst of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Day {H3119} and night {H3915} they go about {H5437}{H8779)} it upon the walls {H2346} thereof: mischief {H205} also and sorrow {H5999} are in the midst {H7130} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Day and night they go about its walls; within are malice and mischief.

Berean Standard Bible

Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within.

American Standard Version

Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: Iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 55:10 vividly portrays the pervasive and relentless nature of evil and distress within a city, reflecting the psalmist's profound anguish and sense of being besieged by wickedness from within. This verse underscores that the threats are not merely external but are deeply embedded in the very fabric of the community, where malevolent activity and its sorrowful consequences are a constant, inescapable presence, day and night. It paints a grim picture of a society consumed by internal corruption, leading to widespread suffering and moral decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament, widely attributed to David, expressing the profound suffering caused by betrayal from a trusted confidant. The preceding verses, particularly [Psalm 55:4-8](/psalms/55-4 "Psalm 55:4-8 - David's Anguish and Desire to Flee"), reveal the psalmist's overwhelming fear and desire to escape the turmoil, wishing for "wings like a dove" to flee from the "stormy wind and tempest." Verse 10 serves as a crucial explanation for this intense desire to escape, detailing the inescapable nature of the evil that permeates the city. It sets the stage for the revelation of the betrayer in [Psalm 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Betrayal by a Close Friend"), where the psalmist laments that it was not an enemy, but a friend, who dealt the grievous blow. Thus, verse 10 highlights the pervasive internal corruption that makes the betrayal even more devastating.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While not explicitly stated, the historical context most commonly associated with Psalm 55 is King David's flight during Absalom's rebellion, as described in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). During this time, David faced not only external threats but also profound internal treachery, notably from his trusted counselor Ahithophel ([2 Samuel 15:12](/2_samuel/15-12 "2 Samuel 15:12 - Ahithophel's Betrayal")). The "city" in this verse is likely Jerusalem, which should have been a place of security and divine presence, but is here depicted as a hotbed of "mischief and sorrow." The imagery of "walls" typically represents protection and defense, but here they are ironically depicted as pathways for pervasive evil, suggesting a breakdown of order and security from within. This reflects a society where the very structures meant to protect have become conduits for corruption.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 55 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **pervasive evil**, highlighting that wickedness is not merely an occasional occurrence but a constant, relentless force that operates "day and night." Secondly, it underscores **internal corruption**, revealing that the source of distress is not only external enemies but also internal moral decay and treachery, turning a supposed sanctuary into a place of suffering. This resonates with the psalmist's later lament regarding the betrayal by a close friend, a profound internal wound. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **divine justice and the psalmist's plea for deliverance**, as the overwhelming nature of the evil depicted here drives the psalmist to seek God's intervention and ultimate vindication, as seen in [Psalm 55:16-19](/psalms/55-16 "Psalm 55:16-19 - David's Prayer for Deliverance"). The contrast between the ideal city and the reality of its corruption also foreshadows prophetic critiques of unrighteous cities throughout the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _'amal'_):** This word (עָמָל) carries a multifaceted meaning, encompassing trouble, toil, labor, and hardship, but frequently refers to wickedness, perversity, or active wrongdoing that results in distress. It denotes not just the *state* of evil but the *activity* of evil-doing and the painful consequences it produces. In this context, it suggests deliberate, harmful actions being perpetrated within the city.
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _'aven'_):** The Hebrew word (אָוֶן) is closely related to _'amal'_ and often appears alongside it. It signifies wickedness, iniquity, or trouble, but often with a stronger emphasis on moral evil and the resulting pain, vanity, or emptiness. It can refer to the destructive fruit of sin. The combination of _'amal'_ and _'aven'_ paints a picture of a city consumed by active wrongdoing that leads directly to profound distress, moral failure, and spiritual emptiness.
* **Day and night (Hebrew, _yomam valaylah'_):** This phrase (יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה) is an idiom emphasizing the unending, relentless, and pervasive nature of the activity described. It suggests there is no respite or escape from the evil and sorrow, indicating a constant, vigilant presence of malevolence that never ceases its operation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof:"** This clause establishes the ceaseless and pervasive nature of the threat. The phrase "day and night" emphasizes relentless activity, suggesting a constant vigilance or patrolling by those with ill intent. "They go about it upon the walls thereof" is striking imagery. The walls, typically symbols of security and defense, are here depicted as routes for the wicked. This could imply surveillance, active plotting, or the open display of nefarious activity, suggesting that the city's defenses are compromised or even used by its internal enemies. The "they" refers to the wicked, the unrighteous, or the psalmist's adversaries who are actively engaged in harmful deeds.
* **"mischief also and sorrow [are] in the midst of it."** This second clause shifts focus from the periphery (the walls) to the very heart of the city. The presence of "mischief" (_'amal'_) and "sorrow" (_'aven'_) "in the midst of it" signifies that the corruption and distress are not merely external threats but have deeply permeated the community. This indicates an internal breakdown of moral order, where wickedness and its painful consequences are deeply entrenched, affecting the very core of society. The city, which should be a place of safety and community, has become a source of fear and suffering due to its own internal moral decay.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 55:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's distress. **Pervasive Imagery** is central, with "day and night" and "upon the walls thereof" painting a vivid picture of inescapable, constant evil. The walls, usually a symbol of protection, are ironically transformed into pathways for the wicked, intensifying the sense of vulnerability. **Personification** is evident in "mischief also and sorrow [are] in the midst of it," giving abstract concepts an active presence within the city, almost as if they are tangible entities dwelling there. This emphasizes their deep entrenchment and active influence. The phrase "day and night" also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the constant nature of the threat to underscore the psalmist's feeling of utter hopelessness and lack of respite. Finally, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between the external activity "upon the walls" and the internal state "in the midst of it," highlighting that the city is besieged both from its outer defenses and its inner core, creating a comprehensive sense of pervasive corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the reality of sin's pervasive nature, not just as individual acts but as a corrupting force that can permeate entire societies and institutions. It reminds us that evil is often not just an external enemy but can fester within, turning places of supposed safety into sources of distress. The psalmist's lament over the city's condition reflects a deep theological concern for righteousness and justice, echoing prophetic calls for cities to turn from their wicked ways. It highlights God's awareness of such pervasive evil and the ultimate certainty of His justice, even when it seems delayed. The verse also underscores the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by the world's brokenness, driving the believer to seek refuge and deliverance in God alone, who is the righteous judge and the ultimate source of peace.

* [Psalm 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord")
* [Proverbs 4:16](/proverbs/4-16 "Proverbs 4:16 - The Wicked Cannot Sleep Without Doing Evil")
* [Jeremiah 5:1](/jeremiah/5-1 "Jeremiah 5:1 - Search Jerusalem for a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 55:10 offers a stark mirror to the realities of our own world, where "mischief and sorrow" often seem to permeate our communities and even our personal spheres. This verse challenges us to honestly assess the sources of distress around us, recognizing that corruption and injustice can originate from within trusted systems, relationships, or even our own hearts. It calls for a spiritual discernment to identify the "day and night" activities of evil, whether they manifest as systemic injustice, pervasive moral decay, or personal betrayals. In the face of such overwhelming realities, the psalmist's anguish is relatable, prompting us to consider where we place our hope and how we respond. This verse encourages us not to despair, but to actively seek God's righteousness and to be agents of His truth and healing in a broken world, remembering that true refuge is found not in human institutions, but in the steadfast character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do you observe "mischief and sorrow" most prominently in your community or in the broader world today?**
* **How does the idea of evil operating "day and night" challenge your understanding of spiritual vigilance and resilience?**
* **What are the "walls" in your life or community that are meant for protection but might be compromised by internal corruption or pervasive sin?**
* **How does the psalmist's response to pervasive evil (as seen throughout Psalm 55) guide your own approach to seeking justice and peace?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who "go about it upon the walls thereof" in this verse?**

Answer: The "they" in Psalm 55:10 refers to the psalmist's adversaries, the wicked individuals who are actively engaged in harmful and deceitful practices. Given the broader context of Psalm 55, which details a profound betrayal, "they" likely includes not just external enemies but also those within the psalmist's own circle, particularly the close friend who turned against him ([Psalm 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Betrayal by a Close Friend")). This highlights the painful reality that the threat is not solely from outside forces but is deeply embedded within the community, making the city itself a source of anguish.

**What does "upon the walls thereof" signify if walls are typically for protection?**

Answer: The phrase "upon the walls thereof" is highly symbolic. While city walls traditionally represent security and defense, their depiction here as a place where "they go about it" suggests a profound inversion of their purpose. It can signify that the city's defenses are compromised, that the wicked are openly parading their malevolence, or that surveillance and plotting are occurring even in places meant for safety. It emphasizes that the threat is not merely at the gates but has infiltrated the very structures designed to protect, making the city a place of constant threat and surveillance, rather than refuge. This imagery underscores the pervasive nature of the evil described.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 55:10, with its lament over pervasive "mischief and sorrow" within the city, finds its ultimate echo and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the psalmist grieved over a corrupt Jerusalem, Jesus Himself wept over the city that rejected God's ways, declaring, "[O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you!](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")" He faced the ultimate betrayal not from an enemy, but from one of His own disciples, Judas, fulfilling the pattern of internal treachery. The "mischief and sorrow" that permeate the world are ultimately the works of the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus Speaks of the Prince of This World")), a spiritual reality that Jesus came to confront. Through His death and resurrection, Christ entered into the very depths of human suffering and the pervasive evil of sin, conquering it on the cross. He is the true refuge from all "mischief and sorrow," offering a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation promises a city where God Himself dwells with His people, and "[He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death, Mourning, Crying, or Pain")"—a complete and final fulfillment of the longing for a world free from the pervasive evil and sorrow lamented in Psalm 55:10.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 59:14

And at evening let them return; [and] let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

Psalms 59:15

Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.

Isaiah 59:15

Yea, truth faileth; and he [that] departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw [it], and it displeased him that [there was] no judgment.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

John 18:3

Judas then, having received a band [of men] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Acts 9:24

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.