Psalms 55:22

KJV

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast {H7993}{H8685)} thy burden {H3053} upon the LORD {H3068}, and he shall sustain {H3557}{H8770)} thee: he shall never {H5769} suffer {H5414}{H8799)} the righteous {H6662} to be moved {H4131}{H8800)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Unload your burden on ADONAI, and he will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Berean Standard Bible

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

American Standard Version

Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:22 offers profound solace and unwavering assurance, inviting believers to release their anxieties and heavy loads onto the Lord, who promises divine sustenance and steadfast stability. It stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, guaranteeing that those who trust in Him will be upheld and never ultimately overthrown, even amidst life's most turbulent trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse emerges from Psalm 55, a deeply personal and anguished lament by David. The psalm opens with his desperate cry for God to hear his prayer, detailing his profound internal turmoil, overwhelming fear of death, and the crushing pain of betrayal by a close confidant. David vividly describes the deceit and violence of his enemies, expressing a fervent wish to escape his tormentors. Amidst this torrent of emotional distress and desires for divine retribution (vv. 15, 20-21), verse 22 marks a crucial pivot. It shifts abruptly from the raw expression of suffering to a powerful declaration of trust and an exhortation to cast one's burdens upon the Lord, offering a beacon of hope and divine assurance within the storm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects a period of intense personal suffering and political turmoil, resonating strongly with the historical accounts of the Absalom rebellion and the devastating betrayal by his trusted counselor, [Ahithophel](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal"). In ancient Israel, betrayal by a close confidant was not merely a personal wound but a profound societal breach, undermining trust and stability within the community and royal court. The "burden" (יְהָבְךָ, *yehavkā*) would have encompassed the literal weight of his kingly responsibilities, the imminent threat of civil war, the sorrow of familial strife, and the crushing emotional load of treachery. The concept of God as a sustainer was deeply embedded in Israelite culture, reflecting their history of divine provision in the wilderness and protection from adversaries, reinforcing the expectation that their covenant God would uphold His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Psalms and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of trust and surrender**, urging the individual to actively release their anxieties and troubles onto God. This is not a passive resignation but an intentional act of faith, acknowledging human limitation and divine omnipotence. Secondly, it underscores God's **unwavering faithfulness and active sustenance**. The promise that God "shall sustain thee" speaks to His continuous, provident care, providing not just survival but comprehensive support and nourishment in times of distress. This echoes the divine provision seen throughout Israel's history, from the manna in the wilderness to the daily care promised in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). Finally, the verse powerfully asserts the **steadfastness and security of the righteous**. Despite facing trials and opposition, those who walk in integrity and trust in the Lord are assured of divine protection against ultimate downfall, a theme frequently celebrated in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burden (Hebrew, _yehavkā'_):** This unique Hebrew term, appearing only once in the Old Testament, literally means "that which is given to you" or "your portion." It refers to the specific lot or assignment of life's difficulties, troubles, anxieties, and responsibilities that weigh heavily on an individual. It implies that these are not random occurrences but perhaps divinely permitted or appointed aspects of one's journey, making the act of casting them upon the Lord an acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all circumstances.
* **Cast (Hebrew, _hashlekh'_):** This verb is an imperative, a command to "throw," "fling," or "hurl" something away. It denotes a decisive, active, and complete transfer of weight from oneself to another. It's not a gentle placing but an urgent, forceful release, signifying a radical act of faith and surrender where one completely divests themselves of the responsibility of carrying the load.
* **Sustain (Hebrew, _kul'_):** This verb signifies the act of holding up, nourishing, providing for, or bearing. It conveys a comprehensive and active support system. When God sustains, He doesn't merely prevent collapse; He provides the necessary strength, resources, and continuous care to ensure one not only endures but is also upheld and flourishes despite the pressures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast thy burden upon the LORD":** This opening clause functions as an imperative command, a direct call to action. It instructs the burdened individual to actively and intentionally transfer their heavy load—their anxieties, worries, responsibilities, and distress—from themselves onto the sovereign Lord. This act is not merely a passive hope but a deliberate exercise of faith, acknowledging God's capacity and willingness to bear what is too heavy for human shoulders.
* **"and he shall sustain thee":** Following the command, this clause presents the immediate and certain divine response. The Lord's promise to "sustain" goes beyond mere survival; it implies active, continuous, and comprehensive support. He will hold up, nourish, provide for, and uphold the one who trusts Him, ensuring they have the strength and resources to navigate their trials without being crushed by them.
* **"he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved":** This final declaration offers the ultimate assurance and scope of God's protection. The term "moved" (מוֹט, *mot*) refers to tottering, slipping, or being overthrown. God promises that He will never permit those who are righteous—those who live in integrity and trust in Him—to be utterly destabilized, cast down, or shaken from their spiritual foundation, even in the face of severe adversity. Their ultimate security and steadfastness are guaranteed by His unwavering faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:22 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine assurance. The verse opens with a direct **imperative**, "Cast," which functions as a command, urging immediate and decisive action from the distressed individual. This command is followed by a powerful **metaphor**, where "burden" represents the heavy weight of anxieties, troubles, and responsibilities that oppress the human spirit. The act of "casting" this metaphorical burden onto the Lord vividly illustrates the complete transfer of one's worries to a capable divine bearer. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **personification** by attributing human-like actions to God – He "sustains" and "suffers" (in the sense of permitting or allowing). The structure also contains a form of **synthetic parallelism**, where the second and third clauses ("and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved") expand upon and reinforce the initial promise, building from immediate sustenance to ultimate, unwavering stability. The entire verse functions as a profound **divine promise**, offering an unshakeable guarantee of God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a profound theological statement on divine providence and human trust. It beautifully illustrates God's character as a compassionate and capable Sustainer, who actively intervenes in the lives of His people. The command to "cast" implies a recognition of human limitations and an affirmation of God's boundless strength and sovereignty over all circumstances. It speaks to the core biblical truth that while life will inevitably bring trials and burdens, believers are not meant to bear them alone. Instead, they are invited into a relationship of dependent trust, where God's faithfulness guarantees ultimate stability and security for those who walk in righteousness. This principle of surrendering anxiety and relying on God's steadfast care is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, emphasizing His active involvement in the daily lives of His children.

* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Care Upon Him")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")
* [Psalm 37:24](/psalms/37-24 "Psalm 37:24 - Though He Fall, He Shall Not Be Utterly Cast Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by overwhelming stress, uncertainty, and personal burdens, Psalms 55:22 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant invitation to faith. It challenges the modern believer to actively resist the temptation to self-reliance and instead embrace the liberating act of entrusting their deepest anxieties, fears, and responsibilities to the Lord. This is not a call to passivity but to a dynamic, prayerful surrender that acknowledges God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His people. By casting our burdens, we are freed from the crushing weight that can lead to despair, enabling us to experience the divine sustenance that upholds us even when circumstances are turbulent. It cultivates a deep-seated peace, reminding us that our ultimate stability is not found in our own strength or the absence of trials, but in the steadfast character of God, who promises never to let His righteous ones be utterly shaken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "burdens" are you currently carrying that you need to intentionally cast upon the Lord?**
* **How does the promise of God's "sustenance" encourage you to release control and trust in His provision?**
* **In what ways does the assurance that the righteous "shall never be moved" impact your perspective on life's challenges and your spiritual security?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "cast thy burden upon the LORD"?**

Answer: To "cast thy burden upon the LORD" means to intentionally and actively transfer your anxieties, worries, fears, and responsibilities from yourself to God. It's an act of faith where you surrender control and trust that He is capable and willing to bear what is too heavy for you. This is not a passive resignation but a deliberate spiritual discipline, often involving prayer, confession, and consciously releasing the need to control outcomes, as encouraged in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything").

**Does "the righteous" mean only perfect people, or can anyone claim this promise?**

Answer: In the biblical context, "the righteous" refers not to sinless perfection but to those who are in right relationship with God through faith, striving to live according to His will. It encompasses those who trust in Him, walk in integrity, and seek to obey His commands, even imperfectly. The promise of not being "moved" is for all who genuinely place their faith in the Lord, recognizing that their righteousness comes from Him. As [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ") states, God's righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

**Does this verse mean believers will never face difficulties or suffering?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise an absence of difficulties or suffering. David, the psalmist, was himself in deep distress when he wrote this. Instead, it promises that even *amidst* trials, God will sustain the believer and prevent them from being utterly overthrown or permanently destabilized. While the righteous may stumble or fall, they will not be completely cast down, because the Lord upholds them ([Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")). The promise is one of divine steadfastness and ultimate security, not immunity from hardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine Burden-Bearer, who not only invites us to cast our anxieties upon Him but who Himself bore the ultimate burden of humanity's sin and suffering on the cross. His invitation in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary") – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" – is the New Testament echo of David's ancient command, revealing the One who truly has the capacity to sustain all who come to Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the righteousness that enables us to stand before God unmovable, not by our own merit, but by His imputed righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin for Us")). He is the foundation upon which the righteous are built, ensuring that though trials may come, their spiritual standing and ultimate salvation are eternally secure in Him, for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrew 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith").

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

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Psalms 62:6

He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved.

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.