Psalms 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.

We took sweet {H4985}{H8686)} counsel {H5475} together {H3162}, and walked {H1980}{H8762)} unto the house {H1004} of God {H430} in company {H7285}.

We used to share our hearts with each other; in the house of God we walked with the crowd.

We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

Commentary

Context of Psalms 55:14

Psalm 55 is a passionate lament of David, expressing deep anguish over the betrayal by a close and trusted friend. The psalm opens with a cry for God's attention in distress (Psalm 55:1-2) and quickly moves to describe the overwhelming fear and sorrow caused by an enemy's oppression and, more painfully, the treachery of one who was once an intimate confidant. Verse 14 specifically looks back at the cherished past relationship, contrasting the former closeness with the bitter reality of the present betrayal. This intimate bond, characterized by shared counsel and joint worship, makes the treachery even more agonizing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Pain of Betrayal: This verse poignantly highlights the profound hurt caused when trust is broken by someone deeply cherished. The past "sweet counsel" and shared spiritual journey emphasize the depth of the fall from grace by the betrayer.
  • Value of True Fellowship: It underscores the beauty and significance of genuine friendship, especially one rooted in shared faith and mutual spiritual pursuits. Walking "unto the house of God in company" symbolizes a bond strengthened by common devotion and worship.
  • Contrast Between Past and Present: The verse serves as a stark reminder of what was lost, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent expressions of despair and his turning to God for justice and relief.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sweet counsel" translates the Hebrew word sod (Χ‘Χ•ΦΉΧ“), which signifies not just advice, but intimate conversation, secret deliberation, or a confidential relationship. It speaks of a deep level of trust and shared secrets, far beyond a casual acquaintance. The act of "walking unto the house of God in company" further emphasizes this bond, indicating shared religious observances and public fellowship, which would have been a cornerstone of ancient Israelite community life.

Related Scriptures

The theme of betrayal by a close friend is a recurring motif in Scripture, most notably seen in the story of Ahithophel's betrayal of David (often seen as the historical backdrop for this Psalm) and ultimately in Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies like Psalm 41:9. The value of true spiritual fellowship is echoed in passages emphasizing unity and communal worship, such as Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" and the early church's devotion to fellowship in Acts 2:42.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 55:14 serves as a powerful reminder of both the profound joy of true Christian fellowship and the deep pain that can arise when such bonds are broken, especially through betrayal. It encourages us to:

  • Cherish Godly Friendships: Value and nurture relationships built on shared faith and mutual spiritual growth.
  • Be Wary of Broken Trust: Acknowledge the devastating impact of betrayal and seek to be trustworthy ourselves.
  • Find Solace in God: When human relationships fail or bring pain, remember that God remains faithful and is our ultimate refuge and confidant, as David himself turns to God in the very next verses (Psalm 55:16-18).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 42:4 (6 votes)

    When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

  • Isaiah 2:3 (3 votes)

    And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

  • Ezekiel 33:31 (3 votes)

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Psalms 122:1 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.