Psalms 55:15

KJV

Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let death {H4194} seize {H5377}{H8686)}{H8675)}{H3451} upon them, and let them go down {H3381}{H8799)} quick {H2416} into hell {H7585}: for wickedness {H7451} is in their dwellings {H4033}, and among {H7130} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

May he put death on them; let them go down alive to Sh'ol; for evil is in their homes and also in their hearts.

Berean Standard Bible

Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.

American Standard Version

Let death come suddenly upon them, Let them go down alive into Sheol; For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:15 is a potent imprecatory prayer from David, expressing a fervent plea for immediate and supernatural divine judgment against his treacherous enemies, particularly a close confidant who betrayed him. The psalmist desires that death swiftly overtake them, causing them to descend alive into Sheol, the realm of the dead, because their wickedness is not merely external but deeply ingrained in their lives and homes. This intense cry for justice underscores the profound anguish of betrayal and the psalmist's unwavering trust in God as the righteous Judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Psalm 55, a profound and emotionally raw lament attributed to King David. The psalm opens with David's desperate cry for God to hear his prayer, as he is overwhelmed by distress, fear, and sorrow. He vividly describes the internal turmoil, the terror of death, and the crushing weight of betrayal, particularly in verses 4-8. The emotional intensity escalates significantly in verses 12-14, which poignantly portray the pain of being betrayed by a trusted friend, "a man my equal, my companion, my close friend." This profound personal anguish and the specific nature of the betrayal—from one who shared intimate fellowship and walked with him to the house of God—sets the stage for the dramatic shift in the psalm from lament to an impassioned imprecation. David's prayer for swift and decisive judgment upon his adversaries, as seen in verse 15, reflects a common pattern in the Psalms, where the psalmist moves from expressing personal suffering to appealing to God's justice against those who inflict harm, trusting in divine retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 55 is widely believed to be King David's flight from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, specifically the devastating betrayal by his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, as recounted in [2 Samuel 15-17](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). Ahithophel's counsel was so esteemed that it was "as if one consulted the word of God," making his defection to Absalom's side a particularly grievous wound and an act of profound treason against God's anointed king. In ancient Israel, betrayal of a king was not merely a personal slight but an act of rebellion against the divine order, often carrying severe repercussions. The cultural understanding of justice in this era was fundamentally retributive, with a strong emphasis on God's direct intervention to punish wickedness and uphold righteousness. The desire for enemies to "go down quick into hell" (Sheol) reflects a longing for a supernatural, immediate, and undeniable act of divine justice, demonstrating God's sovereignty over life and death, even in an unexpected, premature manner, reminiscent of the judgment on Korah's rebellion in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:15 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader psalter and biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Imprecation and Divine Justice**, where the psalmist appeals directly to God to execute judgment against the wicked. This is not a call for personal vengeance in the modern sense, but a fervent prayer for God to uphold His righteous character and intervene against pervasive evil, acknowledging that ultimate justice belongs to Him. Secondly, the verse underscores **The Gravity and Pervasiveness of Wickedness**. The phrase "wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them" highlights that the evil of David's enemies was not superficial or isolated, but deeply ingrained in their very homes and communal lives, justifying the severity of the requested judgment. This pervasive corruption is what makes the betrayal so heinous and the need for divine intervention so urgent. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding verses, particularly [Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12-14 "Psalms 55:12-14 - The Pain of Betrayal by a Trusted Friend"), establish the profound theme of **The Pain of Betrayal by a Trusted Friend**, which serves as the emotional catalyst for David's intense plea for divine justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** The Hebrew word _mâveth_ (H4194) refers to death, whether natural or violent, and can also refer to the state or place of the dead (Hades). In this context, when the psalmist prays, "Let death seize upon them," it signifies a desire for a sudden, divinely orchestrated demise, an inescapable grasp of mortality. It implies a direct intervention from God to bring about their end, rather than a natural progression of life.
* **Quick (Hebrew, _chay'_):** The King James Version's "quick" translates the Hebrew word _chay_ (H2416), which literally means "alive," "living," or "in full vigor." In this context, it emphasizes the psalmist's desire for his enemies to descend into Sheol not after a natural death, but while still in the full throes of life. This signifies a sudden, unnatural, and immediate divine judgment, a shocking intervention that bypasses the normal course of life and death, highlighting the intensity of David's plea for God's swift and decisive action.
* **Hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** The Hebrew term _shᵉʼôwl_ (H7585) in the Old Testament generally refers to the grave, the underworld, or the abode of the dead. It is the common destination for all the deceased, regardless of their moral standing, though sometimes with connotations of darkness and silence. The prayer for enemies to "go down quick into hell" is a request for their premature and sudden demise, a direct act of God leading to their immediate descent into the realm of the dead, rather than a specific condemnation to eternal conscious torment, which is a later theological development.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let death seize upon them":** This is a direct imprecation, a prayer for a supernatural and sudden act of divine judgment. David is not merely wishing for their demise but is actively calling upon God, the sovereign Lord of life and death, to intervene and bring about their swift end. The language suggests an immediate, inescapable grasp of death upon his adversaries, emphasizing the psalmist's desire for a decisive and undeniable divine intervention.
* **"and let them go down quick into hell":** This clause intensifies the previous one, specifying the nature of the desired judgment. "Quick" (Hebrew _chay_) means "alive." David prays that his enemies would descend into Sheol (the grave/underworld) while still living. This is a powerful expression of a desire for a unique, terrifying judgment—a living burial, a sudden swallowing up by the earth or the realm of the dead, akin to the fate of Korah and his company in [Numbers 16:30-33](/numbers/16-30-33 "Numbers 16:30-33 - Korah's Rebellion and Judgment"). It underscores the psalmist's longing for a visible, undeniable act of God's justice that would serve as a clear demonstration of His power.
* **"for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them":** This final clause provides the justification for David's severe imprecation. The "wickedness" (Hebrew _ra'_) is not merely an occasional act but is deeply pervasive. It resides "in their dwellings" (Hebrew _mâgûwr_), indicating that their homes, their private lives, and their family spheres are corrupted by evil. Furthermore, it is "among them" (Hebrew _qereb_), signifying that their public interactions, their community, and their very being are characterized by this pervasive evil. This highlights the deep-seated nature of their sin, making them deserving, in David's view, of such a drastic divine intervention that reaches into every aspect of their existence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's intense emotion and desire for justice. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, a direct prayer or curse invoking divine punishment upon enemies. This is powerfully evident in the imperative "Let death seize upon them" and "let them go down quick into hell," which are not mere expressions of anger but fervent appeals to God's sovereign power to execute judgment. The phrase "go down quick into hell" also functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for dramatic emphasis. While a literal living descent into Sheol is a terrifying image, it serves to underscore the psalmist's desire for an utterly devastating and undeniable judgment, far beyond a natural death. Furthermore, the statement "wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them" utilizes **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. Here, "dwellings" (representing private life) and "among them" (representing public or communal life) combine to emphasize the pervasive, ingrained nature of their evil, suggesting that their wickedness is not an isolated act but a defining characteristic of their very being and environment, reaching into every corner of their existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:15, like other imprecatory psalms, presents a challenging yet vital aspect of biblical theology. It reveals the psalmist's profound trust in God as the ultimate Judge who will right all wrongs and execute justice against the wicked. These prayers are not expressions of personal vengeance in the modern sense but rather appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His righteous character. They acknowledge that only God has the authority and power to deal with pervasive evil and betrayal, especially when human avenues for justice are exhausted or corrupted. The psalmist surrenders his desire for justice to God, believing that divine intervention is necessary to uphold cosmic order and vindicate the righteous. This highlights a foundational Old Testament principle: vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay, a truth that provides comfort and assurance to the afflicted.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Engaging with Psalms 55:15 invites us into the raw, unfiltered emotional landscape of biblical faith. It models for us an honest and unvarnished approach to prayer, demonstrating that we can bring our deepest pain, anger, and longing for justice directly to God, without pretense or reservation. While the specific imprecatory language may feel jarring to New Testament believers, who are called to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: we are to entrust all justice to God. This verse challenges us to examine our own responses to betrayal and injustice. Do we harbor bitterness and seek personal retribution, or do we, like David, ultimately surrender our hurts to the Lord, trusting that He sees, He knows, and He will act in His perfect timing and according to His perfect righteousness? It reminds us that God is indeed a God of justice, and while His ways and timing may differ from our immediate desires, His ultimate judgment is sure and righteous, providing a solid foundation for our hope and peace amidst suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalms 55:15 model a profound trust in God's ultimate justice, even amidst deep personal pain and betrayal?**
* **In what ways can we honestly express our anger and hurt to God, while still aligning our hearts with the New Testament call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the pervasive nature of sin and its impact on individuals and communities, extending even to their private "dwellings" and public interactions?**

### FAQ

**How do we reconcile the strong language of Psalms 55:15 with the New Testament call to love our enemies?**

Answer: Reconciling Psalms 55:15 with New Testament teachings (e.g., [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")) requires understanding the nature of imprecatory psalms and the progressive revelation of God's character. Firstly, these psalms are not expressions of personal vendetta but appeals to God's divine justice. David, as king, often represented the nation and God's covenant people; his enemies were often seen as God's enemies, threatening the very fabric of God's kingdom and His righteous rule. The psalmist is entrusting judgment to God, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to Him alone. Secondly, the Old Testament operates under a different covenantal framework, emphasizing the establishment of God's kingdom through righteous judgment and the upholding of the law. The New Testament, inaugurated by Christ, reveals the fullness of God's grace and calls believers to a higher ethic of love, forgiveness, and suffering for righteousness' sake, knowing that Christ has already borne the ultimate judgment for sin. While the *expression* of desire for justice differs, the underlying *trust* in God as the righteous Judge remains consistent. We are called to embody Christ's love and forgiveness, leaving ultimate justice to God, who will indeed, at the appointed time, judge the living and the dead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:15, with its raw plea for divine judgment against betrayal and pervasive wickedness, finds a profound and multifaceted fulfillment in Christ. Jesus, the ultimate Davidic King, experienced betrayal far more acutely than David, not just by a counselor but by one of His own chosen disciples, Judas Iscariot, who delivered Him to His enemies ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal")). The pervasive "wickedness" described in the psalm, which corrupts "dwellings" and is "among them," culminated in the unjust trial and crucifixion of the innocent Son of God. Yet, unlike David's imprecation, Christ's response was not a call for His enemies to "go down quick into hell," but a radical prayer for their forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). Nevertheless, Christ's death and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's justice against sin and His triumph over death and Sheol. He descended into death, conquering its power, and now holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). For those who reject Him, the "going down quick into hell" will be a terrifying reality of eternal separation from God's presence, a just and final consequence for pervasive wickedness and unrepentance ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Eternal Fire")). Thus, Christ both fulfills the longing for divine justice by His ultimate judgment of sin and offers the radical alternative of grace, embodying the very love He commands His followers to extend to their enemies, even as He stands as the righteous Judge.

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 59:13

Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

Psalms 64:7

¶ But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

Psalms 109:6

¶ Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

Psalms 109:20

[Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Acts 1:20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.