Psalms 55:19

KJV

God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H410} shall hear {H8085}{H8799)}, and afflict {H6030}{H8799)} them, even he that abideth {H3427}{H8802)} of old {H6924}. Selah {H5542}. Because they have no changes {H2487}, therefore they fear {H3372}{H8804)} not God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God will hear and will humble them, yes, he who has sat on his throne from the start. (Selah) For they never change, and they don't fear God.

Berean Standard Bible

God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.

American Standard Version

God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, [Selah The menwho have no changes, And who fear not God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:19 profoundly articulates the psalmist's unwavering conviction in God's active and righteous judgment against the wicked, drawing a stark contrast between the eternal, immutable nature of the divine and the spiritual complacency of those who refuse to acknowledge Him. The verse posits that an absence of adversity or "changes" in the lives of the ungodly fosters a dangerous spiritual indifference, culminating in a profound lack of reverent fear for God, thereby asserting that the Eternal One will ultimately intervene to administer perfect justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 55 is a deeply poignant lament of David, saturated with expressions of intense emotional distress, the agony of betrayal, and an earnest plea for divine intervention. The psalm commences with a desperate cry for God to hear his prayer and not remain hidden from his supplication, as seen in [Psalms 55:1-2](/psalms/55-1-2 "Psalm 55:1-2 - David's Earnest Plea"). David voices a profound desire to escape the turmoil caused by his adversaries, wishing for wings to fly away and find rest, a sentiment echoed in [Psalms 55:6-8](/psalms/55-6-8 "Psalm 55:6-8 - David's Longing for Escape"). A significant portion of the psalm is dedicated to the excruciating pain of betrayal by a trusted companion, often identified as Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion, vividly described in [Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12-14 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Agony of Betrayal"). Verse 19 marks a crucial transition from David's personal anguish and imprecatory prayers, such as his call for the wicked to go down alive into Sheol in [Psalms 55:15](/psalms/55-15 "Psalm 55:15 - Prayer for Divine Retribution"), to a broader theological declaration concerning God's universal justice and the spiritual condition of the ungodly. It serves as a confident affirmation of faith amidst profound turmoil, reinforcing the psalmist's steadfast belief that God will act righteously and decisively.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical backdrop remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the psalm's content strongly suggests a period of significant political upheaval and personal peril for David, most plausibly the rebellion instigated by his son Absalom. This era saw David confronting deep treachery from within his most trusted inner circle, a context of betrayal and imminent threat from powerful, seemingly unpunished adversaries that profoundly shaped the psalmist's fervent cries for justice. In ancient Israelite society, the concept of justice was not merely a legal construct but was viewed as a direct and essential manifestation of God's character. Consequently, the apparent prosperity of the wicked presented a profound theological dilemma for the righteous, challenging their understanding of divine order. The notion of "fearing God" was foundational to Israelite wisdom tradition, encompassing not mere terror but a profound sense of reverent awe, obedient submission, and faithful adherence to God's covenantal demands. A lack of "changes" or adversity was often misconstrued as a sign of divine favor; however, the psalmist here subverts this conventional interpretation, suggesting that such an undisturbed existence can paradoxically lead to spiritual arrogance and a dangerous disregard for God's ultimate authority and sovereignty.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:19 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming God's active and unwavering involvement in human affairs and His ultimate commitment to judging evil and upholding righteousness. Secondly, the verse directly addresses the persistent **Problem of the Prosperity of the Wicked**, a recurring and challenging motif explored extensively in wisdom literature and lament psalms, notably in [Psalms 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Problem of the Wicked's Prosperity"), where the psalmist grapples with the perplexing ease and success of the ungodly. Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's Eternal Sovereignty and Unchanging Nature**, sharply contrasting His timeless authority and steadfast character with the temporal, unreflective, and often self-serving lives of those who oppose Him. Finally, it profoundly engages with the crucial theme of the **Fear of the Lord**, portraying its absence as a direct and dangerous consequence of spiritual complacency, born from an undisturbed existence. This echoes the foundational biblical principle articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"), which declares that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This word (H410), shortened from אַיִל, denotes strength and might, often referring to the Almighty, but also used for any deity. In this context, it emphasizes the singular, powerful, and sovereign God of Israel, the source of all authority and the ultimate judge. The psalmist appeals to the God who possesses inherent power to act and intervene.
* **Abideth of old (Hebrew, _yâshab qedem'_):** This phrase combines H3427 (_yâshab_), meaning "to sit down, dwell, remain," and H6924 (_qedem_), meaning "the front, antiquity, before, eternal." Together, _yâshab qedem_ translates to "He who sits from antiquity" or "He who dwells eternally." It powerfully conveys God's timeless existence, His pre-eminence before creation, and His unchanging nature throughout all generations. This attribute highlights His absolute authority, unwavering commitment to justice, and stable presence, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and unstable nature of human affairs. It assures the psalmist that God's perspective and power are not bound by temporal limitations or human fickleness.
* **No changes (Hebrew, _chălîyphâh'_):** The word _chălîyphâh_ (H2487), derived from חָלַף, signifies "alternation" or "change." In this context, "no changes" denotes a lack of reversals, misfortunes, or adversities. It describes a state of undisturbed ease, continuous prosperity, and an absence of any significant life alterations that might prompt reflection, humility, or a turning to God. The wicked, experiencing no divine intervention or hardship, become entrenched in their self-sufficiency, leading to spiritual blindness and a profound lack of reverence for the divine.
* **Fear not God (Hebrew, _yârêʼ lōʼ ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This phrase combines H3372 (_yârêʼ_), "to fear, revere," with H430 (_ʼĕlôhîym_), "God." The negation "not" (לֹא) highlights the complete absence of reverent awe, obedience, and submission to God. This lack of fear is presented as the direct consequence of the wicked's undisturbed prosperity, indicating a spiritual arrogance that fails to acknowledge God's sovereignty and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God shall hear, and afflict them,"**: This opening clause expresses the psalmist's confident expectation that the Almighty God (H410, _ʼêl_) is neither deaf to the cries of the righteous nor indifferent to the egregious actions of the wicked. "Hear" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) implies not merely auditory perception but active attention, understanding, and a responsive intention to act. "Afflict" (H6030, _ʻânâh_) suggests a deliberate bringing low, humbling, or punishing. It conveys the certainty of divine intervention and a just judgment against those who oppose God and His people.
* **"even he that abideth of old."**: This crucial phrase immediately follows the declaration of judgment, precisely identifying the judge as the eternally existent, unchanging God (H3427, _yâshab_ and H6924, _qedem_). It powerfully reinforces the absolute authority, steadfastness, and immutability of the One who will "afflict them." The timeless nature of God ensures that His justice is not a momentary whim or a reaction to transient circumstances, but a consistent, inherent attribute of His being, providing ultimate assurance and an unshakeable foundation for the psalmist's faith.
* **"Selah."**: This is a significant musical or liturgical notation (H5542, _çelâh_), likely indicating a pause for profound reflection, a musical interlude, or a change in musical accompaniment. In the context of this psalm, it functions as a deliberate moment to ponder the weighty theological truth just stated: God, the Eternal One, whose existence transcends all time, will indeed act with certain justice. It marks a transition in thought, moving from the certainty of God's righteous judgment to the subsequent explanation for the wicked's spiritual state.
* **"Because they have no changes,"**: This clause introduces the fundamental reason for the wicked's spiritual condition and their lack of reverence. Their lives are characterized by an unbroken string of ease, continuous prosperity, and a conspicuous absence of hardship, misfortune, or significant reversals (H2487, _chălîyphâh_). This persistent lack of "changes" prevents them from encountering the humbling circumstances that might otherwise lead them to introspection, repentance, or a turning to God in dependence.
* **"therefore they fear not God."**: This is presented as the direct and inevitable consequence of their undisturbed prosperity. The absence of adversity fosters a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency, invulnerability, and spiritual arrogance. Without the humbling experience of "changes" (H2487, _chălîyphâh_), they perceive no inherent need for God, fail to recognize His supreme sovereignty and authority, and consequently, do not possess the reverent awe, obedience, and humble submission that constitutes the "fear of the Lord" (H3372, _yârêʼ_ and H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_).

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:19 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound theological message. Central to its impact is the powerful use of **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**. The eternal, unchanging, and active nature of God, described as "he that abideth of old," is sharply contrasted with the temporal, undisturbed, and spiritually stagnant state of the wicked, characterized by their having "no changes." This stark contrast vividly underscores the vast chasm between divine reality and human complacency. The psalmist also utilizes a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship to explain the spiritual blindness of the wicked: their lack of "changes" is presented as the direct *cause* that leads them to "fear not God." The inclusion of **Selah** functions as both a liturgical and a literary device, acting as an imperative for the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply meditate on the profound truth of God's eternal judgment before proceeding to the explanation of the wicked's spiritual condition. While this specific verse serves as a declaration of confidence, it is embedded within a broader **Lament** psalm, meaning its assertion of justice arises from the deep anguish and fervent prayer of the psalmist over the apparent triumph and unpunished state of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:19 offers a profound theological insight into the very nature of divine justice and the complexities of the human condition. It asserts God's active sovereignty over all of history and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when the manifestation of this justice appears delayed from a human perspective. The verse powerfully challenges the common, yet often misguided, assumption that material prosperity is always an unequivocal sign of divine favor, revealing instead how an undisturbed, comfortable life can ironically lead to spiritual arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a dangerous disregard for God. It emphasizes that true wisdom and spiritual health involve a humble recognition of God's supreme power and sovereignty, regardless of one's current circumstances, and that the "fear of the Lord" is an absolutely crucial disposition for acknowledging, honoring, and obeying Him. This perspective aligns seamlessly with broader biblical teachings that affirm God's immutability, His perfect justice, and the truth that human complacency often stems from a fundamental failure to recognize His ultimate authority and the transient nature of earthly existence.

* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature"): "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
* [Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Envy of the Wicked's Prosperity"): "For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:19 serves as a profound and timely reminder that God's justice is utterly certain and immutable, even when its manifestation appears to be delayed or obscured by the apparent ease of the wicked. For those who currently face injustice, betrayal, or witness the seemingly unpunished triumph of the ungodly, this verse offers deep solace and reinforces the imperative to cultivate patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and righteous plan. It powerfully encourages believers to maintain their faith and steadfast hope, knowing with absolute certainty that the "God who abideth of old" is intimately attentive to their cries, their suffering, and their prayers, and will ultimately bring about a just and righteous judgment. For all individuals, this verse presents a crucial, even sobering, warning: an undisturbed, continuously prosperous life, devoid of significant challenges or "changes," can dangerously foster spiritual complacency, self-reliance, and a profound lack of reverent fear for God. True spiritual health and maturity necessitate acknowledging God's sovereign hand in all circumstances—both times of abundant blessing and seasons of painful hardship—and cultivating a humble, dependent reliance on Him. Adversity, though often painful and unwelcome, can paradoxically serve as a divine catalyst, prompting essential self-reflection, genuine repentance, and a deeper, more profound reliance on God, thereby fostering the essential "fear of the Lord" that ultimately leads to true wisdom, spiritual vitality, and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "abiding of old" provide comfort or challenge in your current circumstances, particularly when facing injustice or uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways might an undisturbed or continuously prosperous life lead to spiritual complacency, self-sufficiency, or a diminished "fear of the Lord" in your own heart or within contemporary society?**
* **Reflecting on your life, what "changes" or adversities, though difficult at the time, have ultimately led you to a deeper "fear of the Lord," a more profound reliance on God, or significant spiritual growth?**
* **Beyond times of hardship, how can we intentionally cultivate and maintain a healthy "fear of the Lord" even amidst seasons of ease, blessing, and apparent stability?**

### FAQ
**What does "abideth of old" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Abideth of old" (Hebrew: _yoshev qedem_, H3427 + H6924) signifies God's eternal, unchanging nature and His timeless sovereignty. It literally means "He who sits from antiquity" or "He who dwells eternally." In Psalms 55:19, this phrase emphasizes God's pre-existence before creation, His enduring authority, and His consistent character as the righteous judge. This attribute ensures that His justice is not subject to human whims, temporal shifts, or the passage of time, providing an unshakeable, stable foundation for the psalmist's confidence in His ultimate and certain intervention. It underscores that the God who has always been, and who acted powerfully in the past, continues to reign and will assuredly act in the future, as beautifully articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "The Eternal God is your Refuge").

**What does "no changes" signify about the wicked?**

Answer: The phrase "no changes" (Hebrew: _chălîyphâh_, H2487) refers to a state of continuous ease, uninterrupted prosperity, and a conspicuous absence of adversity, misfortune, or significant life reversals. For the wicked, this undisturbed existence paradoxically leads to spiritual complacency, self-sufficiency, and a false sense of security. Because they experience no humbling circumstances, no divine interventions, or no disruptions to their comfortable lives, they feel no inherent need for God. This leads directly to their spiritual indifference, arrogance, and a profound lack of reverent awe and obedience towards the divine. This highlights a crucial biblical paradox where material comfort, rather than being a blessing, can become a spiritual snare, a theme powerfully explored in [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8-9 "Agur's Prayer for Moderation").

**What is "Selah" and why is it included in this verse?**

Answer: "Selah" (Hebrew: _çelâh_, H5542) is a Hebrew word found frequently throughout the Psalms and in Habakkuk, widely believed to be a musical or liturgical instruction. While its precise meaning is debated among scholars, it is generally understood to indicate a pause for profound reflection, a musical interlude, or a change in musical accompaniment or emphasis. In Psalms 55:19, its inclusion immediately after the declaration of God's eternal judgment ("even he that abideth of old") serves to emphasize the weighty, profound truth just stated. It prompts the reader or worshiper to pause, meditate deeply, and internalize the solemn concept of God's timeless sovereignty and His certain, unwavering action. It acts as a moment of sacred contemplation, underscoring the gravity and theological significance of the preceding statement about divine justice before the psalm transitions to explain the spiritual state of the wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:19, with its powerful declaration of God who "abideth of old" and His certain judgment against those who "fear not God" due to their undisturbed lives, finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the very embodiment of the God who "abideth of old," being eternally existent as [the Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/1-8 "Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega"), the beginning and the end. He is [the Word who was with God and was God from the very beginning](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God"), and the one [through whom all things were created, visible and invisible](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator and Sustainer"). His eternal nature guarantees the certainty and immutability of divine justice. Furthermore, Jesus directly confronts the very complacency described in the verse; throughout His earthly ministry, He consistently challenged those who, due to their earthly prosperity, religious self-sufficiency, or comfortable lives, felt no inherent need for God or His transformative grace. He issued stern warnings against the insidious dangers of worldly security leading to spiritual blindness and eternal loss, as vividly portrayed in the sobering parable of the rich fool in [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "The Parable of the Rich Fool"). Ultimately, Christ's first coming was the supreme act of grace, a divine intervention to call all humanity to repentance and to "fear God" by turning to Him in saving faith, thereby escaping the ultimate and certain judgment of the "God who abideth of old." His glorious second coming will be the definitive and final fulfillment of the "affliction" of the wicked, as He returns in power and glory to [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead"), establishing His eternal kingdom of righteousness and bringing perfect, unassailable justice to all who have persistently refused to acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior.

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

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

Zephaniah 1:12

And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Jeremiah 48:11

Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 6:11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.