My heart pounds within me
This phrase reflects a deep emotional and physical response to fear and distress. In biblical times, the heart was often seen as the center of emotions and thoughts. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, expresses an intense internal turmoil. This could be linked to various events in David's life, such as his flight from Saul or the rebellion of Absalom. The pounding heart signifies anxiety and fear, emotions that are common in the Psalms as expressions of human vulnerability. This phrase can be connected to other scriptures where the heart is described as troubled, such as in John 14:1, where Jesus comforts His disciples, indicating that God is aware of and cares for our inner struggles.

and the terrors of death assail me
The mention of "terrors of death" suggests a life-threatening situation or a profound fear of mortality. In the historical context, David faced numerous threats to his life, both from external enemies and internal betrayal. The word "assail" implies an aggressive attack, indicating that these fears are overwhelming and relentless. This phrase can be linked to the broader biblical theme of deliverance from death, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where the psalmist speaks of walking through the valley of the shadow of death without fear because of God's presence. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ, who faced the terrors of death on the cross and triumphed through His resurrection, offering believers hope and assurance of eternal life.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep emotional turmoil and fear, likely during a time of betrayal or intense personal crisis.

2. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life often revolves around Jerusalem, the city of David, which serves as a backdrop for many of his psalms.

3. Betrayal
The broader context of Psalm 55 suggests an event of betrayal, possibly by a close friend or advisor, which contributes to David's distress.Understanding Emotional Turmoil
Recognize that even a man after God's own heart, like David, experienced deep emotional distress and fear. This normalizes our own struggles and encourages us to bring them before God.

The Reality of Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that can assail us, but it is also an opportunity to turn to God for comfort and strength. The Hebrew word for "terrors" (ballahot) emphasizes the overwhelming nature of these fears.

Seeking God in Crisis
In times of crisis, like David, we should pour out our hearts to God. This psalm teaches us the importance of honest prayer and reliance on God during our darkest moments.

The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a vital tool in combating fear and anxiety. By expressing our fears to God, we open ourselves to His peace and guidance.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Despite the immediate fears and threats, trusting in God's ultimate control and plan provides a foundation for peace and hope.(4) Is sore pained.--Better, writhes with pain.

Terrors of death--i.e., terrors caused by death, a horror of death.

Verse 4. - My heart is sore pained within me. The attacks of his enemies (ver. 3) deeply grieve and pain the heart of the psalmist. It is not as if they were foreigners, whose hostility was to be expected. They are his own countrymen; one of them is his own familiar friend (ver. 12). Yet they threaten his life. And the terrors of death are fallen upon ms. When a king is the object of a conspiracy, he well knows, especially in the East, that nothing but his death will satisfy the conspirators. So on David, long before he made up his mind to quit Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:14), the "terrors of death" must have fallen.

Parallel Commentaries ...


My heart
לִ֭בִּי (lib·bî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

murmurs
יָחִ֣יל (yā·ḥîl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2342: To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert

within me,
בְּקִרְבִּ֑י (bə·qir·bî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center

and the terrors
וְאֵימ֥וֹת (wə·’ê·mō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 367: Fright, an idol

of death
מָ֝֗וֶת (mā·weṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin

assail
נָפְל֥וּ (nā·p̄ə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

me.
עָלָֽי׃ (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT Poetry: Psalm 55:4 My heart is severely pained within me (Psalm Ps Psa.)