Psalms 55:20

Context

Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament of King David, expressing profound distress, fear, and anguish. The psalm begins with David crying out to God from a place of overwhelming anxiety and sorrow, desiring to flee from his troubles. This particular verse, Psalms 55:20, highlights a specific and particularly painful aspect of his suffering: the betrayal by a close associate, someone he had considered a friend and with whom he had shared peace. This individual's actions are described as a violation of trust and a breaking of a solemn bond, intensifying David's emotional turmoil. Many commentators connect this betrayal to the historical account of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor, joining Absalom's rebellion.

Key Themes

• Betrayal by a Confidant: The verse vividly portrays the shock and pain of being attacked by someone who was supposed to be at peace with you. It's not merely an enemy, but a former ally or friend, which makes the treachery especially grievous.
• Violation of Trust and Covenant: The phrase "he hath broken his covenant" speaks to the destruction of a sacred bond or agreement. In ancient Near Eastern culture, covenants were foundational to relationships, whether between nations, individuals, or God and His people. Breaking such a bond was a severe offense, implying a profound lack of integrity and loyalty.
• Deceit and Treachery: The actions described involve an insidious form of opposition, where peace is feigned while hostile intentions are harbored. This highlights the deceptive nature of the betrayer.
• The Pain of Broken Relationships: David's lament throughout Psalm 55 underscores the deep emotional wounds inflicted when trust is shattered by those once considered close.

Linguistic Insights

• "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him": The Hebrew phrase for "put forth his hands" (shalach yad, שָׁלַח יָד) often denotes a violent or aggressive act, an attack. The term "at peace with him" comes from the Hebrew root shalom (שָׁלוֹם), emphasizing a state of wholeness, well-being, and mutual harmony. This contrast highlights the shocking nature of the aggression against someone in a state of trust.
• "he hath broken his covenant": The Hebrew word for "broken" here is chalal (חָלַל), which means to profane, defile, or violate. It's a strong term indicating not just a simple breaking, but a desecration of the agreement. "Covenant" (berit, בְּרִית) signifies a solemn, binding agreement, whether formal or informal, carrying significant moral and often religious weight.

Cross-References & Connections

The theme of betrayal by a trusted companion resonates throughout Scripture. David's experience here serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate betrayal in the New Testament:

• The betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples, is a profound parallel (see also Matthew 26:48-49). Jesus Himself quotes a similar sentiment from Psalms 41:9 regarding His betrayer.
• The concept of breaking covenant is a serious offense against God and man, frequently addressed in the Old Testament, particularly concerning Israel's unfaithfulness to God's law (e.g., Deuteronomy 29:25).
• In contrast to human treachery, God's faithfulness to His covenant is a recurring theme of comfort and assurance for believers (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:9).

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Psalms 55:20 offers several insights:

• Acknowledging the Pain of Betrayal: This verse validates the deep hurt that comes from being betrayed by someone close. It reminds us that such pain is real and intensely personal.
• Discerning Relationships: While we are called to love and trust, this verse also subtly encourages discernment in our relationships, recognizing that not everyone who appears peaceful is truly trustworthy.
• Trusting God Amidst Treachery: When human trust is broken, David's ultimate recourse was to God. This psalm encourages us to cast our burdens upon the Lord (Psalms 55:22), who understands our suffering and remains faithful even when others are not.
• Our Own Integrity: The verse implicitly challenges us to be people who keep our word and honor our commitments, reflecting the character of God who is a covenant-keeping God.