Psalms 55:18

KJV

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath delivered {H6299}{H8804)} my soul {H5315} in peace {H7965} from the battle {H7128} that was against me: for there were many {H7227} with me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He redeems me and gives me peace, so that no one can come near me. For there were many who fought me.

Berean Standard Bible

He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

American Standard Version

He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many that strove with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:18 is a profound declaration of divine deliverance and unwavering faith, even in the throes of intense personal and political turmoil. Amidst a psalm filled with lament over betrayal and overwhelming opposition, David testifies to God's active intervention, which not only rescued his soul from the "battle" but also established a deep, abiding peace within him. The psalmist attributes this miraculous preservation to the unseen, yet powerful, presence of God and His heavenly hosts, affirming that divine support far outweighs any human or demonic opposition. This verse stands as a beacon of hope, proclaiming that God is the ultimate source of peace and victory for those who trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament, traditionally attributed to David, expressing profound anguish and a desire to escape overwhelming distress. The psalm opens with an urgent cry for God to hear his prayer [Psalms 55:1](/psalms/55-1 "Psalms 55:1 - Hear My Prayer"). David describes his heart being in anguish, his spirit overwhelmed by the terror of death and the fear of his enemies [Psalms 55:4-5](/psalms/55-4 "Psalms 55:4-5 - David's Anguish"). A significant portion of the psalm is dedicated to the bitter lament against a close friend who has betrayed him, a "man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance" [Psalms 55:13](/psalms/55-13 "Psalms 55:13 - The Betrayal of a Friend"), which intensifies his suffering. Amidst this torrent of emotion and the desire to flee [Psalms 55:6-8](/psalms/55-6 "Psalms 55:6-8 - David's Desire to Flee"), verse 18 emerges as a powerful pivot, a confession of God's past and present faithfulness, demonstrating a shift from despair to a renewed trust in divine deliverance, even as the battle rages.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop most commonly associated with Psalm 55, particularly the betrayal described, is King David's flight from Jerusalem during the rebellion led by his son Absalom, and the treachery of his trusted counselor, Ahithophel [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Counsel"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, betrayal by a close confidant was considered one of the most grievous offenses, striking at the heart of social and political stability. Kings, though powerful, were vulnerable to internal conspiracies. David's experience reflects the immense personal and national crisis, where his life was threatened, his kingdom was in jeopardy, and his deepest relationships were fractured. The "battle" here is not merely military but also a profound spiritual and emotional conflict, encompassing the psychological toll of betrayal, the fear of death, and the weight of leadership. The concept of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) was not merely the absence of war but a holistic state of well-being, prosperity, and completeness, a condition that only divine intervention could restore in such dire circumstances.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the active rescuer who intervenes in human affairs to save His people from overwhelming odds. David's testimony underscores that God's salvation is not just from physical danger but also brings inner peace to the "soul" [Psalms 34:17-19](/psalms/34-17 "Psalms 34:17-19 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Nature of True Peace (*Shalom*)**, which is a comprehensive well-being granted by God, transcending external circumstances and internal turmoil. This peace is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - God Keeps in Perfect Peace"). Thirdly, the unique phrasing "for there were many with me" (KJV) introduces the theme of **God's Unseen Presence and Support**. Despite facing numerous visible adversaries, David affirms the greater, unseen reality of divine allies—God Himself and His heavenly hosts—who fight on his behalf. This theme reinforces the biblical truth that "if God be for us, who can be against us?" [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us"). It underscores that the spiritual reality of God's backing is more significant than any numerical advantage of the enemy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _padah'_):** This verb signifies "to ransom," "to redeem," "to rescue," or "to set free." It often implies a payment or an act of power to release someone from bondage, danger, or obligation. In this context, it emphasizes God's active, powerful intervention to snatch David's soul from the clutches of death and distress, not merely a passive escape but a divine act of liberation. It speaks to God's sovereignty and His ability to effect complete release.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** Far more than just the absence of conflict, *shalom* denotes completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and wholeness. It encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being. When God delivers "in peace," it means He restores a state of flourishing and inner tranquility, even when external battles may still rage. It implies a holistic restoration of equilibrium and a profound sense of God's presence and favor.
* **Many with me (Hebrew, _b'rabbim hayu 'immadi'_):** This phrase is a crucial interpretive point. While some translations render it as "many were against me," the King James Version's "many with me" highlights a profound theological truth. It suggests that despite the overwhelming number of visible enemies, David was not alone. Instead, he recognized the superior, unseen forces of God—His angels, His power, His very presence—were on His side. This interpretation transforms the verse from a mere statement of survival into a powerful affirmation of divine alliance, where God's "many" (His hosts, His power) are infinitely greater than any human opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath delivered my soul in peace":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the sovereign agent of salvation. The verb "delivered" (from *padah*) indicates a decisive act of rescue, a powerful intervention. The object "my soul" refers to David's entire being—his life, his inner self, his very existence. The phrase "in peace" is critical, signifying that God's deliverance was not merely an escape from danger but a restoration to a state of *shalom*, a comprehensive well-being and inner tranquility that transcends the external chaos. It implies that God not only saves from the battle but also grants inner composure and wholeness amidst it.
* **"from the battle [that was] against me":** This clause clarifies the nature of the threat. David was engaged in a real, intense "battle," which encompassed not only physical conflict but also the spiritual, emotional, and psychological warfare stemming from betrayal and opposition. The phrase "against me" underscores the personal and direct nature of the attack, highlighting the psalmist's vulnerability and the severity of his plight. It sets up the contrast with the deliverance that follows.
* **"for there were many with me":** This concluding clause provides the reason or explanation for the miraculous deliverance. In the KJV rendering, it is a profound declaration of faith. Despite the visible multitude of enemies, David affirms that there was an even greater "many" on his side—namely, God Himself and His unseen, powerful forces (e.g., angels, divine presence). This statement transforms his lament into a triumphant confession, asserting that God's backing is an overwhelming force that guarantees victory and peace, regardless of the strength of human adversaries. It is an affirmation of divine alliance and the ultimate source of his strength and security.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 55:18 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse functions as a **Confession of Trust** and a **Declaration of Deliverance**, strategically placed within a psalm dominated by **Lament**. This creates a striking **Contrast** between the overwhelming "battle" and the profound "peace" granted by God, highlighting the transformative power of divine intervention. The phrase "He hath delivered" uses **Active Voice** to emphasize God's direct and decisive action. Most notably, the final clause, "for there were many with me," utilizes a profound **Paradoxical Affirmation**. Given the context of intense opposition, this statement, in the KJV's rendering, asserts that despite the visible "many" *against* him, an even greater "many" (divine allies) were *with* him. This is not merely a numerical statement but a theological one, underscoring the **Sovereignty** and **Omnipresence** of God, whose unseen forces are more potent than any earthly foe. It serves as a powerful testament to faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:18 is a profound theological statement on God's character as a deliverer and the nature of the peace He provides. It affirms God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not merely observing their struggles but powerfully intervening to bring salvation and wholeness. The "peace" (shalom) described is not dependent on circumstances but is a divine gift, a deep inner tranquility that can exist even amidst external "battle." This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God as a warrior who fights for His people, and as the ultimate source of their security and well-being. It underscores the truth that true victory and lasting peace are found only in Him, regardless of the magnitude of the opposition.

* [Psalms 3:5-6](/psalms/3-5 "Psalms 3:5-6 - I Lay Down and Slept")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:18 offers immense encouragement and a powerful framework for believers navigating the inevitable battles of life. Whether facing betrayal, overwhelming opposition, or deep personal distress, this verse reminds us that our ultimate deliverance and peace come from God alone. It challenges us to shift our focus from the visible strength of our adversaries to the invisible, yet infinitely greater, power of God who is "with" us. In moments when we feel isolated or outnumbered, David's testimony calls us to remember that the Lord of Hosts, with His countless spiritual allies, stands ready to fight on our behalf. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of it, enabling us to experience *shalom* even when the world around us is in chaos. It invites us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He can transform our most agonizing battles into testimonies of His profound peace and victorious deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battle" are you currently facing that feels overwhelming, and how does David's testimony of God's deliverance speak to your situation?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God delivering your "soul in peace" amidst personal turmoil?**
* **How does the idea of "many with me" (referring to God's unseen presence and allies) change your perspective on feeling outnumbered or alone in your struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's ability to bring you peace, even when circumstances remain challenging?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "for there were many with me" in the KJV, given that some other translations render it differently?**

Answer: The King James Version's rendering of "for there were many with me" (כִּי־בְרַבִּים הָיוּ עִמָּדִי) is a unique and powerful interpretation that emphasizes God's divine presence and support. While some modern translations (e.g., ESV, NIV) interpret the Hebrew phrase as "many were against me" or "many were with me [in the sense of my adversaries]," the KJV's choice highlights a profound theological truth. In this interpretation, David is not stating that he had many human allies, but rather that despite the multitude of enemies, he was not alone because God and His heavenly hosts were on his side. This aligns with other biblical passages where God's unseen forces are depicted as being greater than any earthly opposition, such as when Elisha's servant's eyes were opened to see the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire [2 Kings 6:16-17](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16-17 - The Chariots of Fire"). Therefore, the KJV's rendering transforms the verse into a triumphant declaration of faith, affirming that God's powerful presence and spiritual army far outweigh any human adversary, ensuring ultimate peace and deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:18, with David's experience of divine deliverance from betrayal and battle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's lament over a trusted friend's treachery powerfully foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus"). Like David, Jesus faced overwhelming opposition from "many" who sought His destruction [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!"), yet He was never truly alone. The Father was always with Him, and legions of angels were at His command [Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Legions of Angels"). Jesus, the true "Prince of Peace" [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), endured the ultimate battle against sin and death, not for His own deliverance, but for ours. His victory on the cross delivered humanity's soul from the bondage of sin and brought forth a peace that surpasses all understanding [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). Through Christ, believers are not only delivered from spiritual death but are also granted the indwelling Holy Spirit, ensuring that "many" (the Triune God Himself) are always with us, enabling us to experience true *shalom* even amidst life's fiercest battles [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace").

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 57:3

He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Psalms 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

Psalms 3:7

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.