TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 55 verses 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 (Psa 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 saved, Rom 10:13. He resolves to be both fervent and frequent in this duty. 1. He will pray fervently: "I will pray and cry aloud. I will meditate" (so the former word signifies); "I will speak with my own heart, and the prayer shall come thence." Then we pray aright when we pray with all that is within us, think first and then pray over our thoughts; for the true nature of prayer is lifting up the heart to God. Having meditated, he will cry, he will cry aloud; the fervour of his spirit in prayer shall be expressed and yet more excited by the intenseness and earnestness of his voice. 2. He will pray frequently, every day, and three times a day - evening, and morning, and at noon. It is probable that this had been his constant practice, and he resolves to continue it now that he is in his distress. Then we may come the more boldly to the throne of grace in trouble when we do not then first begin to seek acquaintance with God, but it is what we have constantly practised, and the trouble finds the wheels of prayer going. Those that think three meals a day little enough for the body ought much more to think three solemn prayers a day little enough for the soul, and to count it a pleasure, not a task. As it is fit that in the morning we should begin the day with God, and in the evening close it with him, so it is fit that in the midst of the day we should retire awhile to converse with him. It was Daniel's practice to pray three times a day (Dan 6:10), and noon was one of Peter's hours of prayer, Act 10:9. Let not us be weary of praying often, for God is not weary of hearing. "He shall hear my voice, and not blame me for coming too often, but the oftener the better, the more welcome."
II. He assures himself that God would in due time give an answer of peace to his prayers.
1.That he himself should be delivered and his fears prevented; those fears with which he was much disordered (Psa 55:4, Psa 55:5) by the exercise of faith were now silenced, and he begins to rejoice in hope (Psa 55:18): God has delivered my soul in peace, that is, he will deliver it; David is as sure of the deliverance as if it were already wrought. His enemies were at war with him, and the battle was against him, but God delivered him in peace, that is, brought him off with as much comfort as if he had never been in danger. If he did not deliver him in victory, yet he delivered him in peace, inward peace. He delivered his soul in peace; by patience and holy joy in God he kept possession of that. Those are safe and easy whose hearts and minds are kept by that peace of God which passes all understanding, Phi 4:7. David, in his fright, thought all were against him; but now he sees there were many with him, more than he imagined; his interest proved better than he expected, and this he gives to God the glory of: for it is he that raises us up friends when we need them, and makes them faithful to us. There were many with him; for though his subjects deserted him, and went over to Absalom, yet God was with him and the good angels. With an eye of faith he now sees himself surrounded, as Elisha was, with chariots of fire and horses of fire, and therefore triumphs thus, There are many with me, more with me than against me, Kg2 6:16, Kg2 6:17.
2.That his enemies should be reckoned with, and brought down. They had frightened him with their menaces (Psa 55:3), but here he says enough to frighten them and make them tremble with more reason, and no remedy; for they could not ease themselves of their fears as David could, by faith in God.
(1.)David here gives their character as the reason why he expected God would bring them down. [1.] They are impious and profane, and stand in no awe of God, of his authority or wrath (Psa 55:19): "Because they have no changes (no afflictions, no interruption to the constant course of their prosperity, no crosses to empty them from vessel to vessel) therefore they fear not God; they live in a constant neglect and contempt of God and religion, which is the cause of all their other wickedness, and by which they are certainly marked for destruction." [2.] They are treacherous and false, and will not be held by the most sacred and solemn engagements (Psa 55:20): "He has put forth his hand against such as are at peace with him, that never provoked him, nor gave him any cause to quarrel with them; nay, to whom he had given all possible encouragement to expect kindness from him. He has put forth his hand against those whom he had given his hand to, and has broken his covenant both with God and man, has perfidiously violated his engagement to both," than which nothing makes men riper for ruin. [3.] They are base and hypocritical, pretending friendship while they design mischief (Psa 55:21): "The words of his mouth" (probably, he means Ahithophel particularly) "were smoother than butter and softer than oil, so courteous was he and obliging, so free in his professions of respect and kindness and the proffers of his service; yet, at the same time, war was in his heart, and all this courtesy was but a stratagem of war, and those very words had such a mischievous design in them that they were as drawn swords designed to stab." They smile in a man's face, and cut his throat at the same time, as Joab, that kissed and killed. Satan is such an enemy; he flatters men into their ruin. When he speaks fair, believe him not.
(2.)David here foretels their ruin. [1.] God shall afflict them, and bring them into straits and frights, and recompense tribulation to those that have troubled his people, and this in answer to the prayers of his people: God shall hear and afflict them, hear the cries of the oppressed and speak terror to their oppressors, even he that abides of old, who is God from everlasting, and world without end, and who sits Judge from the beginning of time, and has always presided in the affairs of the children of men. Mortal men, though ever so high and strong, will easily be crushed by an eternal God and are a very unequal match for him. This the saints have comforted themselves with in reference to the threatening power of the church's enemies (Hab 1:12): Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord? [2.] God shall bring them down, not only to the dust, but to the pit of destruction (Psa 55:23), to the bottomless pit, which is called destruction, Job 26:6. He afflicted them (Psa 55:19) to see if that would humble and reform them; but, they not being wrought upon by that, he shall at last bring them to ruin. Those that are not reclaimed by the rod of affliction will certainly be brought down into the pit of destruction. They are bloody and deceitful men (that is, the worst of men) and therefore shall not live out half their days, not half so long as men ordinarily live, and as they might have lived in a course of nature, and as they themselves expected to live. They shall live as long as the Lord of life, the righteous Judge, has appointed, with whom the number of our months is; but he has determined to cut them off by an untimely death in the midst of their days. They were bloody men, and cut others off, and therefore God will justly cut them off: they were deceitful men, and defrauded others of the one-half perhaps of what was their due, and now God will cut them short, though not of that which was their due, yet of that which they counted upon.
III. He encourages himself and all good people to commit themselves to God, with confidence in him. He himself resolves to do so (Psa 55:23): "I will trust in thee, in thy providence, and power, and mercy, and not in my own prudence, strength, or merit; when bloody and deceitful men are cut off in the midst of their days I shall still live by faith in thee." And this he will have others to do (Psa 55:22): "Cast thy burden upon the Lord," whoever thou art that art burdened, and whatever the burden is. "Cast thy gift upon the Lord" (so some read it); "whatever blessings God has bestowed upon thee to enjoy commit them all to his custody, and particularly commit the keeping of thy soul to him." Or, "Whatever it is that thou desirest God should give thee, leave it to him to give it to thee in his own way and time. Cast thy care upon the Lord," so the Septuagint, to which the apostle refers, Pe1 5:7. Care is a burden; it makes the heart stoop (Pro 12:25); we must cast it upon God by faith and prayer, commit our way and works to him; let him do as seemeth him good, and we will be satisfied. To cast our burden upon God is to stay ourselves on his providence and promise, and to be very easy in the assurance that all shall work for good. If we do so, it is promised, 1. That he will sustain us, both support and supply us, will himself carry us in the arms of his power, as the nurse carries the sucking-child, will strengthen our spirits so by his Spirit as that they shall sustain the infirmity. He has not promised to free us immediately from that trouble which gives rise to our cares and fears; but he will provide that we be not tempted above what we are able, and that we shall be able according as we are tempted. 2. That he will never suffer the righteous to be moved, to be so shaken by any troubles as to quit either their duty to God or their comfort in him. However, he will not suffer them to be moved for ever (as some read it); though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down.
Continue studying Psalms 55:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 55:17 profoundly articulates King David's steadfast commitment to a consistent and fervent prayer life, even when engulfed by profound personal anguish and betrayal. This verse encapsulates a disciplined rhythm of daily supplication—morning, noon, and evening—and expresses an unwavering assurance that God actively hears and responds to the earnest cries of His distressed servant. It stands as a powerful testament to the psalmist's deep-seated trust in divine attentiveness and faithfulness, regardless of the overwhelming turmoil he faced.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 55:17 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message and emotional resonance. The most prominent is Tricolon, evident in the phrase "Evening, and morning, and at noon." This three-part parallel structure meticulously emphasizes the comprehensive and unwavering nature of David's commitment to prayer, suggesting that his supplication is not sporadic but a continuous, disciplined practice integrated throughout the entire day. This rhythmic repetition creates a powerful sense of steadfastness, devotion, and an unbroken lifeline to God. Additionally, the phrase "cry aloud" utilizes Intensification, conveying the extreme emotional distress and urgent sincerity of David's prayer. It suggests a prayer that is not merely spoken but passionately expressed with deep anguish and fervent need, reflecting the profound depth of his suffering and his desperate plea for divine intervention. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," functions as a powerful Declaration of Assurance. This statement of confident faith, delivered despite the preceding lament and turmoil, serves as a profound theological anchor, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness and His guaranteed responsiveness to the cries of His people, thereby offering profound hope and stability in the face of chaos and uncertainty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:17 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God is both intimately accessible and profoundly attentive to the earnest cries of His people, particularly in times of profound distress and betrayal. David's disciplined commitment to prayer, expressed three times a day, highlights the paramount importance of cultivating a consistent and fervent relationship with God, not merely as a ritualistic obligation but as a vital, life-sustaining lifeline. This practice reflects a deep theological conviction that prayer is not a monologue uttered into a void, but a genuine, dynamic dialogue with a personal, compassionate, and responsive God. It teaches that even when human relationships inevitably fail and betrayal cuts to the deepest core of one's being, the divine relationship remains steadfast and unwavering, offering an eternal refuge and a perpetually hearing ear. This verse serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our ultimate trust and hope must be placed in God alone, who faithfully promises to listen and to act on behalf of all who call upon Him in truth and sincerity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 55:17 offers a profound challenge and an enduring encouragement for believers in every generation. In a world often characterized by relentless busyness, pervasive distraction, and superficial engagement, David's commitment to praying "Evening, and morning, and at noon" calls us to cultivate a more disciplined, intentional, and habitual prayer life. This is not about rigid legalism or burdensome obligation, but about intentionally carving out sacred time to connect with God throughout our day, making communion with Him a paramount priority rather than a fleeting afterthought. When we inevitably face betrayal, injustice, overwhelming anxieties, or profound personal suffering, this verse powerfully reminds us that our ultimate refuge and solace are found not in human solutions or fleeting escapes, but in consistently bringing our raw emotions, our deepest needs, and our most vulnerable selves before the throne of God. David's "cry aloud" teaches us that authentic prayer can be fervent, honest, unvarnished, and even messy, reflecting the true, unedited state of our hearts before a compassionate Father. Most importantly, his confident declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," instills unwavering hope, assuring us that our prayers are never unheard, and that God, in His perfect timing, infinite wisdom, and boundless love, will faithfully respond. This verse encourages us to transcend sporadic prayers of desperation and embrace a lifestyle of dependent, trusting, and persistent communication with our faithful and ever-present God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does David specify "Evening, and morning, and at noon" as times for prayer?
Answer: David's specification of "Evening, and morning, and at noon" reflects a deep spiritual discipline and a practice that was deeply embedded in ancient Jewish piety, predating its later formalization into rigid synagogue liturgy. These specific times often corresponded to significant daily events and the prescribed sacrificial offerings in the Temple (particularly morning and evening). By intentionally praying at these intervals, David was integrating his devotion into the very rhythm and fabric of his daily existence, making prayer a continuous and foundational part of his life rather than an occasional, reactive act. This consistent practice underscored his constant and unwavering reliance on God, much like the prophet Daniel, who also maintained a disciplined practice of praying three times a day, as recorded in Daniel 6:10. It powerfully emphasizes that true communion with God is a lifestyle of ongoing conversation, conscious dependence, and habitual seeking, not merely a crisis management tool.
What does "cry aloud" imply about the nature of prayer in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "cry aloud" (from the Hebrew hâmâh) suggests a prayer that is not merely quiet meditation or a composed petition, but a passionate, vocal, and emotionally intense outpouring of the heart. It conveys a profound sense of urgency, deep distress, and an earnest, desperate longing for divine intervention. In David's context, facing profound betrayal and overwhelming opposition, "crying aloud" indicates the immense depth of his anguish and his uninhibited, fervent plea for God's immediate attention and action. It powerfully demonstrates that authentic prayer can be raw, honest, and even boisterous, reflecting the full spectrum of human emotion, from sorrow to desperation, before a God who is compassionate, understanding, and actively attentive to our deepest cries. It reminds us that God invites us to bring our whole selves, including our pain and our most intense emotions, directly to Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:17, with its profound emphasis on consistent and fervent prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While King David's commitment to prayer was a testament to his personal piety and a model for his people, Jesus embodied perfect, unbroken communion with the Father. Throughout the Gospels, we witness Jesus regularly withdrawing to pray, often "very early in the morning, while it was still dark" (Mark 1:35) or even spending "the whole night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12) before significant decisions or facing immense trials. His prayer life, characterized by perfect obedience, profound intimacy, and unwavering trust, provides the ultimate example of what it truly means to pray without ceasing and to live in constant dependence upon God. Furthermore, David's confident declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," is fully and eternally realized in Christ, who is not only the perfect intercessor but also the one through whom all believers now gain confident and direct access to the Father. Because of Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, believers are invited to approach God's throne of grace with boldness and confidence, knowing that they will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of Christ, even intercedes for us with "groanings too deep for words" (Romans 8:26-27), ensuring that our prayers, even when we "cry aloud" in our deepest distress, are heard, understood, and perfectly presented according to God's sovereign will. Thus, David's hopeful expectation of being heard is fully and eternally secured for all who come to God through Jesus, our great high priest, who always lives to intercede for us.