Psalm 55 provides a biblical example of how to feel or what to do when a close friend or a loved one betrays you. The author is David, who has dealt with many traumas of his own. In this series of psalms, King Saul pursues him (Pss 52-59), Doeg the Edomite hunts him down (Ps 52), a fool like Nabal taunts him (Ps 53), and the traitorous Ziphites deliver him up (Ps 54). Then, as we come to Psalm 55, David deals with the gut-punch of betrayal.
Terrors and Trembling (vv. 1-8)
The psalmist begins, as he often does, with a lament to God about his terrors and his trembling: “Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me” (Ps 55:1-2a; see 54:2). Four times, in four different ways, David pleads for help, for he desperately needs mercy. He needs the Lord to intervene on his behalf. Too often, our prayers become boring because we do not know our depth of need. We are not sufficiently terrified by our troubles, so we mumble out a laundry list of platitudes. Yet David here is running for his life and chased by dangerous enemies as he pounds on the door of heaven and prays for God to open up. He shouts into the sky, “Hide not yourself,” as if God were peeking through the upstairs window, deciding whether or not to be at home. Sometimes, it feels like God is hiding and it’s okay to admit that in our prayers (e.g., Hab 1:2). Yet truthfully, God is more like that compassionate father who peers longingly into the far country every day for his prodigal to return (Luke 15). God wants to hear our prayers. He loves it when his children come to him even if it seems he’s inattentive. So, David continues, “I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me” (Ps 55:2b-3). David is so distraught that he paces restlessly back-and-forth, ready to tear himself away from all he knows. He moans in anguish like a woman in labor and complains to God in his lament. For he shudders at every battle cry of his enemy and bears the weight of their oppression. They drop down trouble from on high. Their motivation is a heart of raging bitterness as they hold onto grudges over any perceived slight.
David then describes the way his inner turmoil has led to bodily terrors: “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me” (vv. 4-5). Deadly fears come over David and horrors overwhelm his thoughts. He feels turned around and upside-down, perhaps even physically shaking with the uncontrollable tremors of a panic attack (see Job 21:6; Isa 21:4; Ezek 7:18). Such broken trust shatters our sense of safety and reminds us there is evil in this world. It amplifies our senses and triggers our fears. It rips us apart so much inside that we manifest outward symptoms. And it’s not enough for us to say, “Stop being anxious!” (Phil 4:6a). Anguish in the heart requires consistent, faith-filled, hope-inducing ministry over time. It means having a ready response of gospel truths on hand every time we feel the panic coming on—every time anxiety rises up. It calls for faithful friends and fellow church members who will carry us to the cross when we are weak.
Like many of us, though, David’s first instinct is to escape: “And I say, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah. I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest’” (Ps 55:6-8). David wishes he could sprout wings and fly away, for he is pressed on every side. He longs for isolation—a quiet refuge in the wilderness. He wants to take his tent and get off the grid. But he’d better do this quickly because there’s a storm a-coming—there’s a raging wind and tempest whirling on the horizon. It is the wind of slander—harsh, biting words that will leave him in the cold. It is the storm of an angry smear campaign designed to overthrow him. Earlier in the psalm, David had been afraid. His emotions were awash with confusion. But now, he simply longs for rest. In the land of Israel, wild doves often nested in desert regions or inaccessible cliffs.[1] And in this way, David wishes he can fly off to some remote location: “I would hurry to find a shelter.” Throughout the Psalms, this word “to hurry” appeals for Yahweh to bring deliverance (see Pss 22:19; 38:22; 40:13; 70:1, 5; 71:12; 141:1). Yet here, David is tempted to save himself instead of waiting on the Lord: “If God’s not going to hurry, then I had better do it.” Too often, we trust our timing instead of God’s. We rush around trying to save ourselves instead of calling on God to help us.
The Bible talks a lot about trauma and its after-effects. It describes how our present lives are often affected by the pains of the past and the anxieties of the future. It shows how the state of our minds impacts the suffering in our bodies—even to the point of uncontrollable terrors and trembling. Yet this is not a disorder as the world defines it, but actually the way God made us. God created our bodies to respond to fear in certain ways. He designed us to shut down when our system is overstressed. He didn’t make us as indestructible robots who could weather every storm and witness the violence of war and not be affected by mean things people say. Trauma is often a right response—not a disordered response to the terrors all around us. For we are breakable people living in a fractured world. The Hebrew word for dove, yonah, reminds us of a certain Hebrew prophet. And Jonah, when he wanted to run away from trouble, would have known these stories of David whose song was sung to a dove-like melody.[2] Yet still, Jonah would first run to the port city of Tarshish and then, by boat, into the open sea (Jon 1:1-3). He would run until God swallowed him with a fish and deposited him unceremoniously on the shores of Nineveh (1:17-2:10). Yet one thing Jonah should have learned from David is that we cannot run from terrors and we cannot run from God.
Troubles and Trauma (vv. 9-15)
Escape is not the only desire of the troubled soul. For as David begins to dwell on the trauma caused by his betrayers, the anger rises within him: “Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace” (Ps 55:9-11). David personifies the citizens of this unholy city: “Violence and strife” strut boldly along the streets (see 144:14). “Iniquity and trouble” stand at the gates. “Ruin” has claimed a prominent location. “Oppression and fraud” hang out by the moneychangers’ tables. David’s troubles are no longer outside the city, but within. The walls once meant to protect him, now serve no purpose (see 48:12-14).
So, David calls on God to destroy his enemies: “Divide their tongues” just like the fall of Babel. In Genesis 11, arrogant men had begun to build a tower that would reach to heaven. They desired to be like God. Yet God looked down and decided to confuse their speech. He divided their tongues into different languages and scattered them around the world (vv. 1-9; see 10:25). So, David now wishes the same judgment on all his enemies until Jerusalem can dwell in safety. He seeks God’s kingdom and his righteousness. He prays earnestly, knowing this present life cannot be all there is. What hurts David the most is that his enemy is not a foreigner outside the city, but an intimate friend within: “For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng” (Ps 55:12-14).[3] We don’t know the exact identity of David’s betrayer, but verse 14 tells us what their relationship used to be like: “I can’t believe it’s you: a man just like me—a peer; my equal in life and in society; my companion who fought beside me in many battles and ate at my table; my familiar friend whom I once trusted. We used to pray together and worship together and served in ministry for years. I listened to your counsel and heeded your advice. But now, it feels like you have stabbed me in the back.”
Honest lament does not mean we have lost our faith in God. For no matter how strong our faith, betrayal always hurts. Broken trust brings devastation. It turns us upside-down and it takes awhile to recover. For example, when child abuse happens, it’s shocking how the vast majority of predators are people that we know and trust. As a result, child abuse tears up families and splits apart churches. It hinders victims from trusting others in the future. Abuse leaves scars which only God can heal. So, David cries out, “Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart” (v. 15). David calls on God to swallow his betrayers as in Korah’s rebellion. In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led a rebellion against Moses, the servant of the Lord. These were fellow Levites, men of his own tribe, who were jealous that Moses and Aaron were called to be God’s prophet and his priest. They too wanted to be elevated, though they expressed their concerns piously: “Are not all of us God’s people? Is not everyone in the congregation holy? And doesn’t Yahweh dwell in the midst of all his people? So, what makes you and Aaron special? Why do you exalt yourselves above the rest of us?” (see v. 3). They were not satisfied to serve as lowly Levites. So, they showed ingratitude and disrespect to Moses. They told lies about his leadership (vv. 12-14). And Moses called them out on it and called the Lord to judge them (vv. 4-11, 15-27). So, David echoes this account from Numbers 16,
And Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord. If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.” And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly (vv. 28-33).
David then pleads with God, “Let violence and strife and iniquity and trouble and ruin and oppression and fraud now turn their evil intentions against him. May it so take them by surprise that they are still alive and screaming when they slide into the pit. May their demise be public so that all will know my vindication. Lord, punish them as they deserve for they have not simply done me wrong, but evil resides within their heart and home” (see Ps 101). Ironically, however, David could well be speaking of himself. For he too had once betrayed his friend—a noble peer, Uriah (2 Sam 23:8, 39). He had taken the man’s wife and signed the order for his death (2 Sam 11). Although Uriah had been one of David’s mighty men—his close companion and loyal to the end, David turned against him and deserved these very imprecations in Psalm 55.
Likewise, when we face troubles and trauma at the hands of others, it is our natural instinct to lament before our God. Yet as we do so, we are often convicted of our own guilt as our complaints strike close to home. At times, we also have been unfaithful to our friends. We have deceived and lied and acted treacherously. And even if we have not betrayed our loved ones, we have all turned against a holy God as sinners in desperate need of saving. Thus, the gospel transforms how we handle betrayal and abuse. It allows us to forgive and to be forgiven. As David then concludes this psalm with the promise of redemption.
Trust in God (vv. 16-23)
The third scene in Psalm 55 moves from terrors and trembling, troubles and trauma to a confident trust in God. “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me” (v. 16). David continues to pray earnestly to God: “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice” (v. 17; e.g., Dan 6:10). Lament still has not departed from David’s heart (see Ps 55:2).[4] But now, the Lord has heard his prayer and answered him: “He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God” (Ps 55:18-19). The King of the universe will preserve the king of Israel. He will redeem the soul of his anointed and humble his enemies. For the God who made mankind, judges all who do not fear him—who refuse to turn from sin.[5] So, once more, David accuses his betrayer: “My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords” (vv. 20-21). This close companion wounded not just David, but many other friends as well. He broke his word and violated his covenantal promises. He pretended to be loyal and spoke such flattering words with false intentions. He buttered up the king, even as he wrestled in his heart (28:3).[6] And so, with “sword words” drawn for battle, he plunged the blade into David’s back (Prov 12:18a). Yet David keeps on trusting in his God.
And David would not be the only King of Israel to face betrayal. In years to come, another King would enter Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey. He too would find chaos in the city—enemies within who would try their best to make him tremble with terrors, and troubles, and trauma. Even one of his companions would betray him—a man he’d spent three years serving—a man whose feet he washed and broke bread with during Passover (Mark 14:18, 21). Yet unlike David, the life of this King would not be spared. He was not delivered from his enemies to escape into the wilderness. Instead, God delivered him up for crucifixion. And on the cross, it felt to him like God was hiding: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Jesus Christ, our Savior King, was betrayed for us—abused for us. He suffered the trauma we deserved and even the trauma we inflicted. But then, he completed the story of our redemption by rising from the dead and lifting us with him from the grave. Therefore, we can trust in him. For Jesus not only knows the pain of our betrayal, but has conquered all betrayers at the cross.
Thus, David presents three solid reasons for trusting God: First, because he will sustain you: “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you” (Ps 55:22a). When troubles press on us from every side, it’s tempting to lie down—to give up. It takes tremendous courage to keep on going, but God promises to sustain us. As Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13). Whatever trauma, troubles, or terrors you might face in life. Trust God to sustain you.
The second reason to trust in God is that “he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Ps 55:22b). He will never let us fall. He may test us and discipline us or let us fail in our faith at times, but he is always there to rescue us. As Peter cried out when he was frightened by the wind and waves and began to sink, “Lord, save me!” (Matt 14:30). When you are betrayed by broken trust, trust God who never lets the righteous fall.
The third reason for trusting God is that he will surely and eventually judge the wicked. When you trust him with your life, he will protect you from betrayers: “But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you” (Ps 55:23). “To trust” is a strong word which means “to cling” or “to attach yourself” to the one you trust. So, cast your cares on God and he will cast your enemies aside. Their lives will be cut short. Their bloodshed and treachery will catch up with them. They will surely fall into Sheol. But as for me, I will surely trust in you. Peter later writes, reflecting on this psalm, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:6-7).
Application Insight: Do you have burdens and anxieties? Then, bring them to the Lord. Do you falter when facing troubles and trauma? Then, trust your Savior to sustain you. Do you tremble at the terrors which surround you in this life? God will never permit the righteous to be moved. When you are betrayed, re-read Psalm 55 as it relates to your own experience.[7] Then, each time you read, ask yourself certain questions:
First, what happened to you? Underline all the phrases in this psalm which describe betrayal. Reflect on David’s suffering as it applies to you. If this is hard for you, do it with a trusted friend. An important step in healing is honest lament before the Lord.
Second, what does your suffering feel like? Circle any words which describe your inner turmoil: fear, anguish, terror, trembling. Then, try to process your emotions by reflecting on those words. Consider how so much of what you say and do are in response to what others say and do. Then, personalize Psalm 55 in your own words and pray it aloud to God.[8]
Next, ask yourself, what is said about God in Scripture? Read Psalm 55 a third time and identify everywhere that God shows up: Who God is and what he’s done. Look for the names of God, the attributes of God, and the deeds of God. For what you believe in your heart about God is the most important thing about you.
Then finally, what does faith say in response to all these truths? How does what you know about God change the way you live? Maybe you need to forgive and let go of a grudge (Rom 12:17-21). Maybe you need to seek first God’s Kingdom instead of your own (Matt 6:33). Maybe you need to rest more in the compelling love of Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15). Maybe God is calling you to faithful obedience in the little things of life. Observe this prayer of David and watch how you grow and change to become like Christ, the Son of David.
Realize also that Psalm 55 was written for corporate worship. It was meant to bring God’s people together for recovery and healing because ministering God’s Word is a community project. It takes all of us to give help and hope to hurting people (2 Cor 1:4). So, whenever we are afraid, we must trust in God and believe he will sustain us. He will never let us fall. And he will surely judge the wicked if they don’t repent. So, let’s take care of our business and let God take care of his.
Life Application Study:
- Have you ever been so overwhelmed with life that you just crawl into bed because you don’t want to face the world? Or have you suffered the experience of panic attacks or of being stressed out to the breaking point? How do you redirect your heart to God?
- Read the accounts in Genesis 11:1-9 and Numbers 16 to gain further insight into David’s lament and imprecation against his enemies. How does he hope his circumstances will turn out?
- Express your inner turmoil: anguish, terrors, fear, trembling, horror (v. 4), your external enemies: violence, strife, iniquity, trouble, ruin, oppression, fraud (vv. 9-11), and the pain of past betrayal (vv. 12-15). How do you turn your trauma over to the Lord?
- What troubles caused the apostle Peter to be anxious in his early life? What worries make you anxious? Read 1 Peter 5:6-7 to witness how Peter’s trust in God has grown.
- Do you ever feel like God isn’t listening to your prayers? Meditate on the following three reasons to trust in God:
- He will sustain you (Ps 55:22a).
- He will never let the righteous fall (v. 22b).
- He will surely judge the wicked (v. 23).
Projects for Growth:
- Re-read Psalm 55 as it relates to your own experience of betrayal. Then, ask yourself several questions:
- What happened to you?
- What are your feelings about it?
- What does this passage say about God?
- How does faith shape your response to troubles?
- Personalize Psalm 55 in your own words to express your pain as a lament to God. Use the keywords in this psalm to prompt you in this practice.[9]
- Pray Psalm 55:
- O Lord, give me rest from my restlessness (vv. 2, 6).
- Grant me relief from the pressures of the wicked (vv. 3, 12-14, 20-21).
- Calm my anxious heart and my desperation to escape (vv. 4-8, 17).
- Turn my anger and my pain into faith-filled trust in you (vv. 9-19).
- Teach me to cast my burdens and anxieties upon you (vv. 22-23).
[1] “It is a characteristic of the dove to fly great distances quickly, resting among boulders and in gorges where hunters cannot follow it” (Amos Hakham, Psalms with the Jerusalem Commentary, 3 vols., Koschitzky Edition [Jerusalem: Mosad Harav Kook, 2003], 1:433).
[2] Yonah is also mentioned in the postscript of Psalm 55, “To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths.”
[3] The context does not tell us which friend betrayed David, but the most likely candidate would have been Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba and David’s former counselor (2 Sam 15-17). Psalm 55 reflects a chiastic structure focused on David’s betrayer in verses 12-15 (Hamilton, Psalms, 1:529):
1–3, Prayer
4–8, Fear
9–11, Plea for Justice
12–15, The Traitor
16–19, Faith in God
20–21, Unrepentant Sin
22–23, Outcomes
[4] David’s prayer three times a day seeks to counteract the evil occurring by “day and night” (v. 10). In a figurative sense, it means that David prays continuously (1 Thess 5:17).
[5] The Selah uniquely occurs in the middle of verse 19 and focuses on the sovereignty of God. In verse 7, the Selah focused on David’s desire to escape.
[6] This is not the usual word for warfare on a battlefield (milchamah), but a more personal hostility such as grappling in hand-to-hand combat or wrestling within oneself (qerab).
[7] See David Powlison, Recovering from Child Abuse: Healing and Hope for Victims (Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2008).
[8] For an example, see Brad Hambrick, Psalm 55 Personalized for Sexual Abuse, accessed at https://bradhambrick.com/psalm-55-personalized-for-sexual-abuse.
[9] For an example, see Brad Hambrick, Psalm 55 Personalized for Sexual Abuse, accessed at https://bradhambrick.com/psalm-55-personalized-for-sexual-abuse.
