Psalms 55:20

KJV

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath put forth {H7971}{H8804)} his hands {H3027} against such as be at peace {H7965} with him: he hath broken {H2490}{H8765)} his covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[My companion] attacked those who were at peace with him; he broke his solemn word.

Berean Standard Bible

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

American Standard Version

He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:20 powerfully articulates the profound anguish of betrayal, depicting a trusted associate who, despite being "at peace" with the psalmist, violently turned against him and "broken his covenant." This verse captures the deep personal pain and moral outrage experienced when a sacred bond of trust and loyalty is shattered by someone once considered a friend, underscoring the insidious nature of treachery from within one's own intimate circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal and impassioned lament, saturated with the psalmist's profound distress, fear, and anguish. The psalm opens with a desperate cry for God to hear his prayer, expressing an overwhelming desire to escape his troubles, even wishing for wings to fly away from the storm of his enemies. Verses 9-11 describe the city itself as being full of violence and strife, setting a grim backdrop for the personal betrayal that follows. Verse 20, in particular, marks a crucial turning point in the lament, shifting focus from general adversaries to the specific, agonizing pain of treachery from a close confidant. This personal betrayal is further elaborated in verses 21-22, where the betrayer's smooth, deceptive words are contrasted with his violent, malicious intentions, intensifying the emotional impact of the psalmist's suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalmist does not explicitly name the betrayer, strong biblical tradition and scholarly consensus link this lament to the historical account of Ahithophel's defection during Absalom's rebellion against King David, as narrated in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Betrayal"). Ahithophel was not merely an advisor but David's trusted counselor, whose counsel was so highly regarded it was "as if one had inquired of the word of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel Sought")). His decision to join Absalom's side constituted a devastating blow, not only politically but deeply personally, as it came from someone within David's most intimate circle. In ancient Near Eastern culture, covenants (Hebrew: *berit*) were foundational to all significant relationships—between individuals, families, tribes, and even nations. Breaking such a covenant was an act of profound dishonor, a severe violation of social and moral order, and was often understood to incur divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the theme of **betrayal by a confidant**, which intensifies the psalmist's suffering far beyond that inflicted by an open enemy. It highlights the profound pain of broken trust and the violation of a sacred bond, articulated poignantly in the phrase "he hath broken his covenant." This act of treachery also underscores the theme of **deceit and hypocrisy**, where outward appearances of peace mask malevolent intentions, a theme also present in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24-26 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceitful Lips and Hidden Malice"). Ultimately, David's lament, including this verse, serves as a testament to the **fragility of human relationships** and the **necessity of divine refuge** when human trust fails, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Trusting God Over Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." The phrase "put forth his hands" (שָׁלַח יָד, *shalach yad*, using H7971 for "put forth") is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew often denoting a violent, aggressive, or seizing act. In this context, it signifies a direct and hostile action, contrasting sharply with the expectation of peace and highlighting the active nature of the betrayal.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this word signifies not merely an absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of wholeness, well-being, harmony, prosperity, and mutual trust. The psalmist's complaint is that the aggressor acted against those with whom he was in a state of *shâlôwm*, making the betrayal all the more heinous and shocking due to the violation of an assumed state of tranquility and friendship.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this term refers to "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." It denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty. In ancient Israel, covenants could be formal treaties between nations or individuals, or informal but deeply significant bonds of loyalty and friendship. Its violation was a grave offense, implying a deliberate and contemptuous disregard for the solemnity of the bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him":** This clause describes the shocking and aggressive action of the betrayer. The idiom "put forth his hands" signifies a direct, hostile, and potentially violent act. The profound pain and moral outrage stem from the target of this aggression: "such as be at peace with him." This highlights the insidious nature of the attack – it is not from an open enemy, but from someone with whom a relationship of harmony, trust, and mutual respect was presumed to exist. It speaks to the violation of an unspoken or explicit agreement of non-aggression and shared well-being.
* **"he hath broken his covenant":** This second clause specifies the nature and severity of the betrayal. The "covenant" here refers to a solemn bond of trust, loyalty, or deep friendship (Hebrew: *berit*). The act of "breaking" it (Hebrew: *chalal*, meaning to profane, violate, or desecrate from H2490) indicates a complete disregard for the sacredness of the agreement and the integrity of the relationship. This is not merely a disagreement or a lapse but a fundamental breach of faith, a tearing apart of the very fabric of trust that binds people together. It implies a deliberate, malicious, and contemptuous act of treachery that desecrates a sacred bond.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the psalmist's suffering and the heinous nature of the betrayal. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the expected state of "peace" (*shâlôwm*) with the unexpected, violent act of "putting forth his hands." This sharp opposition amplifies the shock and pain of the betrayal. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as the one who should have been a source of security and trust becomes the very source of attack. The "covenant" itself, meant to be a bond of protection and fidelity, is transformed into an instrument of vulnerability through its breaking. The act of "breaking his covenant" can be seen as a powerful **Metaphor** for the shattering of the relationship and the destruction of trust, presenting an abstract concept—the violation of a bond—in a concrete, violent image of destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:20 speaks to the profound theological implications of human sin and the devastating consequences of broken relationships, particularly when trust is violated by those closest to us. It underscores the reality of evil operating not just from external foes but from within the community, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin's corruption even among those who appear to be "at peace." The breaking of a covenant, whether human or divine, is consistently presented in Scripture as a grave offense, demonstrating a fundamental disregard for established order, integrity, and the very character of God, who is Himself a faithful, covenant-keeping God. David's lament here serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's capacity for treachery, yet it also implicitly points to the ultimate faithfulness of God amidst human infidelity and the necessity of finding refuge in Him when human trust fails.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Jeremiah 11:10](/jeremiah/11-10 "Jeremiah 11:10 - Israel's Broken Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The raw pain expressed in Psalms 55:20 offers profound insights for the modern believer navigating the complexities of human relationships. It validates the deep emotional wounds inflicted by betrayal, reminding us that such suffering is real, deeply personal, and often agonizing. In a world where trust is often fragile and relationships can be fraught with challenges, this verse encourages us to acknowledge the reality of human fallibility and the potential for even those closest to us to inflict harm. While we are called to love, forgive, and extend grace, it also subtly prompts discernment in our relationships, recognizing that outward appearances of peace may not always reflect true intentions. Ultimately, David's response throughout Psalm 55, despite his profound anguish, is to cast his burden upon the Lord ([Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Casting Burdens on the Lord")), reminding us that when human trust fails, our ultimate refuge and unwavering hope is found in God, who remains faithful even when others are not. This verse also serves as a mirror, challenging us to examine our own integrity and commitment to keeping our word and honoring our relationships, thereby reflecting the steadfast character of our covenant-keeping God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the betrayal described in this verse resonate with experiences of broken trust in your own life?**
* **What is the difference between an open enemy and a betrayer, and why is the latter often more painful?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to rely more on God when human relationships prove unreliable?**
* **How can you cultivate integrity in your own commitments and relationships, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "he" referred to in Psalms 55:20, and why is his betrayal so significant?**

Answer: While the psalm does not explicitly name the individual, strong biblical tradition and scholarly consensus identify "he" as Ahithophel, King David's trusted counselor. His betrayal, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"), was particularly significant because he was not an external enemy but a close confidant, whose advice was highly valued. This made his defection to Absalom's rebellion a profound personal and political blow, representing a complete shattering of trust and loyalty from someone who was "at peace" with David and had shared a covenantal bond.

**What does it mean for someone to "break his covenant" in this context?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a "covenant" (Hebrew: *berit*) was a solemn, binding agreement, whether formal (like a treaty) or informal (like a bond of deep friendship and loyalty). To "break his covenant" (Hebrew: *chalal berit*) means to violate, profane, or desecrate this sacred bond. It implies a deliberate and egregious act of treachery, a fundamental breach of faith and integrity. It signifies a betrayal of trust that goes beyond mere disagreement, striking at the very foundation of the relationship. This act was seen as a grave offense, often with moral and religious implications, as covenants were frequently made in the presence of God or invoked His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:20, with its poignant lament of betrayal by a trusted confidant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. David's experience, particularly the treachery of Ahithophel, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate betrayal of the Son of God by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot. Jesus Himself quotes a similar sentiment from [Psalms 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalms 41:9 - The Betrayal Foretold")—"Even my close friend, whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me"—in direct reference to Judas ([John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal")). Judas, who shared meals and ministry with Jesus, "put forth his hands" not in physical violence but in a kiss of betrayal, a sign of peace turned into an instrument of treachery ([Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48-49 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Kiss of Betrayal")). This act "broke his covenant" of discipleship and loyalty, leading directly to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Yet, unlike David, who sought to flee, Jesus willingly embraced this suffering, allowing the ultimate act of human treachery to become the means of God's ultimate faithfulness. Through His sacrifice, Jesus, the faithful covenant-keeper, established a New Covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")), providing forgiveness and eternal peace, thereby transforming the pain of betrayal into the promise of redemption for all who trust in Him.

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

Acts 12:1

¶ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.

Psalms 7:4

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Psalms 89:34

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Psalms 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Psalms 120:6

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

Psalms 120:7

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

Psalms 89:38

¶ But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.