The occasion behind Psalm 55 is unclear, but there David wrote of his betrayal at the hands of a friend:

As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!

As David describes the treachery of a close confidant, he paints the picture of his duplicity with Uriah. In that incident, uncovered in 2 Samuel 11, David sent Uriah to certain death in order to cover up David’s taking of Bathsheba.

Uriah was fully devoted to David his king. He served without compromise or complaint. Yet David betrayed his friend—and penned these words about a betrayer.

This stunning passage warns me of the twisted paths within my own heart. One minute I’m standing tall and honorable, the next bent to my desires. I complain about those who do me wrong, then swivel to the identical behavior myself.

As the scriptures teach, there is no one who does good, not even one. Which makes me grateful for unearned grace from the Living God.

Psalm 55 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Sandip Kalal