Psalms 55:14

KJV

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.

KJV (with Strong's)

We took sweet {H4985}{H8686)} counsel {H5475} together {H3162}, and walked {H1980}{H8762)} unto the house {H1004} of God {H430} in company {H7285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We used to share our hearts with each other; in the house of God we walked with the crowd.

Berean Standard Bible

We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

American Standard Version

We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:14 is a poignant recollection by the psalmist, likely David, of a cherished past intimacy with a now-betraying friend. It vividly contrasts the former bond, characterized by deep, confidential discussions and shared worship at the house of God, with the present agony of treachery. This verse underscores the profound pain inflicted when trust is shattered by one who was once a most trusted confidant, highlighting the devastating impact of such a betrayal on both personal and spiritual fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a passionate lament, a cry of distress from the psalmist, widely believed to be David, in the face of overwhelming fear and betrayal. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for God to hear his prayer and deliver him from his enemies (cf. [Psalms 55:1-8](/psalms/55-1-8 "Psalm 55:1-8 - The Psalmist's Lament and Plea")). The intensity of his anguish increases as he reveals that the source of his deepest pain is not an external foe, but a close companion (cf. [Psalms 55:12-15](/psalms/55-12-15 "Psalm 55:12-15 - The Betrayal by a Friend")). Verse 14 specifically serves as a flashback, a painful memory of the profound intimacy and shared spiritual life that once existed between the psalmist and his betrayer. This recollection heightens the sense of shock and sorrow, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent imprecations against his enemies and his ultimate resolve to cast his burden upon the Lord (cf. [Psalms 55:16-23](/psalms/55-16-23 "Psalm 55:16-23 - Trust in God Amidst Betrayal")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes Psalm 55 to David, its specific historical backdrop is often linked to Absalom's rebellion and the defection of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor (cf. [2 Samuel 15:12](/2_samuel/15-12 "2 Samuel 15:12 - Ahithophel's Betrayal") and [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel")). In ancient Israelite society, "counsel" (Hebrew: *sôd*) was not merely advice but intimate, confidential deliberation shared within a select, trusted circle. Shared worship at "the house of God" (likely the tabernacle during David's reign) was a cornerstone of community life and spiritual devotion, signifying a deep, public bond of faith. Betrayal by such a confidant was not merely a personal slight but a profound violation of social, spiritual, and even covenantal trust, carrying immense shame and emotional devastation. The public nature of their shared worship further amplified the sting of betrayal.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 55 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Agony of Betrayal**, particularly when it comes from an intimate friend, contrasting it sharply with the pain caused by an open enemy (cf. [Psalms 55:12-13](/psalms/55-12-13 "Psalm 55:12-13 - The Pain of Betrayal")). This theme is central to the psalmist's lament. Secondly, it underscores **The Sanctity and Value of True Fellowship**, especially one rooted in shared faith and mutual spiritual pursuits, emphasizing the beauty of a bond strengthened by common devotion and worship at [God's dwelling place](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Finally, the verse serves as a stark **Contrast Between Past Ideal and Present Reality**, emphasizing what was lost due to treachery. This painful juxtaposition drives the psalmist's lament and his fervent plea for divine justice, a recurring motif in [David's laments](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son") and throughout the [Book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _mâthaq'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to suck" or "to relish," implies something pleasant, agreeable, or delightful. Its inclusion here emphasizes the cherished, enjoyable, and harmonious nature of the shared counsel. The "sweetness" of the past relationship makes the present bitterness of betrayal all the more excruciating, highlighting the stark contrast between what was and what is.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** More than mere advice, this term signifies a "session" or "company of persons in close deliberation," implying intimacy, consultation, and shared secrets. It denotes a deep level of trust, shared confidences, and mutual understanding, suggesting that the relationship was one of profound emotional and intellectual intimacy, where private thoughts and plans were exchanged.
* **Company (Hebrew, _regesh'_):** While this word can sometimes refer to a tumultuous crowd or insurrection, in this context, given the shared journey to "the house of God," it implies walking together as part of a close-knit group or community. It suggests that their shared spiritual journey was not merely a private affair but a visible, communal demonstration of their fellowship and devotion, reinforcing the public and sacred aspect of their bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We took sweet counsel together":** This clause describes a profound level of intimacy and trust. It speaks of a relationship where thoughts, plans, and even secrets were shared freely and pleasantly, indicating deep mutual respect and understanding. The "sweetness" underscores the cherished and harmonious nature of this bond, making its rupture particularly painful and highlighting the depth of the emotional wound when such a sacred trust is violated.
* **"[and] walked unto the house of God in company":** This phrase adds a crucial spiritual dimension to their intimacy. It signifies shared religious devotion, communal worship, and participation in the sacred rituals and gatherings at the tabernacle or temple. Their fellowship was not merely social or intellectual but extended to their spiritual lives, implying a sacred bond forged in the presence of God. This shared spiritual journey made the subsequent betrayal a violation of not just personal trust but also a sacred, divinely-sanctioned relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Juxtaposition** by placing the vivid memory of a cherished, intimate past ("sweet counsel," "walked unto the house of God") against the implied backdrop of present betrayal and suffering (evident from the psalm's broader context). This stark contrast intensifies the emotional impact of the psalmist's lament. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the one with whom the psalmist shared the most sacred and confidential moments is now the source of his deepest anguish. The imagery evokes a profound sense of **Nostalgia** for a lost ideal, which serves to amplify the current pain and underscore the devastating consequences of broken trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound pain of betrayal, especially when it comes from a trusted confidant with whom one has shared deep spiritual fellowship. It underscores the sanctity of true community and the devastating impact when such bonds are violated. The psalmist's lament reflects a universal human experience of broken trust, reminding us that even the most cherished relationships are vulnerable to sin and human failing. Yet, it implicitly points to the ultimate faithfulness of God, who alone can be fully trusted when human relationships falter. It also highlights the biblical emphasis on the importance of genuine, shared spiritual life within the community of faith, where mutual encouragement and shared worship build up believers.

* [2 Samuel 15:12](/2_samuel/15-12 "Ahithophel's Betrayal of David")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "The Fellowship of the Early Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:14 serves as a poignant mirror for our own experiences of friendship, trust, and betrayal. It reminds us of the profound blessing of genuine fellowship, especially within the community of faith, where shared spiritual journeys and intimate counsel can enrich our lives immensely. It also soberly acknowledges the deep wounds inflicted when such sacred bonds are broken, whether through deceit, abandonment, or malice. This verse calls us to cherish and guard our relationships, to be trustworthy ourselves, and to extend grace where possible, recognizing the fragility of human trust. More profoundly, it directs us to the unwavering faithfulness of God, who, unlike human friends, will never betray our trust. When human relationships inevitably disappoint or fail, our ultimate refuge and solace are found in the Lord, who remains our steadfast confidant and deliverer, a constant presence even in our deepest pain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "sweetness" of past fellowship intensify the pain of present betrayal in your own experience?**
* **What does it mean to "walk unto the house of God in company" in a contemporary context, and how can we foster such genuine spiritual fellowship?**
* **When trust is broken by a close friend, how do you navigate the tension between lamenting the loss and seeking God's comfort and justice?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 55:14 a direct prophecy of Judas's betrayal of Jesus?**

Answer: While Psalm 55:14 (and the broader context of Psalm 55, particularly [Psalms 55:12](/psalms/55-12 "Psalm 55:12 - Betrayal by an Equal")) powerfully describes a betrayal by a close friend, it is not considered a direct messianic prophecy in the same explicit way some other psalms are. However, it functions as a profound *type* or *foreshadowing* of Judas's betrayal of Jesus. The profound pain of being betrayed by an intimate companion, especially one with whom sacred fellowship was shared, finds its ultimate and most tragic fulfillment in the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Jesus himself quotes a similar sentiment from [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend") in [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 regarding betrayal"), highlighting the parallel. The shared meals and intimate spiritual journey of Jesus and Judas echo the "sweet counsel" and walking "unto the house of God in company" described in Psalm 55:14, making the betrayal all the more heinous.

**What is the significance of "the house of God" in this verse?**

Answer: "The house of God" refers to the sanctuary, likely the tabernacle during David's time, or later, the Temple in Jerusalem. Its significance in this verse is multifaceted. Firstly, it indicates a shared spiritual life and commitment. Walking to the house of God together meant participating in communal worship, offering sacrifices, and seeking divine counsel. This shared spiritual journey deepened their bond, making their fellowship sacred and rooted in common devotion to God. Secondly, it highlights the public nature of their intimacy; their close relationship was not just private but also manifested in their shared devotion within the community of faith. This makes the betrayal even more egregious, as it violates not just a personal trust but also a bond forged in the very presence of God and within His sacred space. It underscores that their relationship was founded on something more profound than mere social acquaintance, making the breach of trust particularly devastating.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:14, with its poignant portrayal of betrayal by an intimate friend, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While David lamented the treachery of Ahithophel, the pain described here reaches its zenith in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, had shared "sweet counsel" with Jesus, participating in His intimate teachings, witnessing His miracles, and sharing meals with Him (cf. [Matthew 26:23](/matthew/26-23 "Matthew 26:23 - Jesus identifies His betrayer")). He had literally "walked unto the house of God in company" with Jesus and the other disciples, sharing in their ministry and fellowship, even partaking in the [Last Supper](/luke/22-14-23 "Luke 22:14-23 - The Last Supper and Betrayal Foretold") with Him. This verse thus powerfully foreshadows the unique agony Christ endured, not merely from His external enemies, but from one who was part of His closest, most trusted circle, fulfilling prophecies like [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend") as quoted by Jesus in [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9"). In His suffering, Jesus fully experienced the depth of human treachery described in this psalm, yet He responded with perfect love and obedience, ultimately offering Himself as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") for the sins of the world, including the sin of betrayal. His experience validates the psalmist's pain while simultaneously offering the ultimate solution and comfort through His atoning sacrifice and unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that even when human trust fails, God's covenant love endures forever (cf. [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God remains faithful")).

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 42:4

When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Psalms 122:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.