Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes. Let death seize them by surpriseThe phrase "Let death seize them by surprise" reflects a sudden and unexpected judgment. The Hebrew word for "death" here is "māwet," which often signifies not just physical death but a state of separation from God. The idea of being "seized by surprise" suggests an abrupt divine intervention, reminiscent of the sudden judgments seen in the Old Testament, such as the flood in Noah's time or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This phrase underscores the belief in God's sovereign justice, where the wicked cannot escape divine retribution. let them go down to Sheol alive
"Sheol" in Hebrew culture is the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the departed spirits reside. The phrase "go down to Sheol alive" is particularly striking, as it suggests a living descent into the grave, akin to the fate of Korah and his followers in Numbers 16:30-33, who were swallowed by the earth. This imagery conveys the severity of the psalmist's plea for justice, emphasizing the depth of corruption and the need for divine intervention against those who perpetuate evil. for evil is with them in their homes
The word "evil" here is translated from the Hebrew "ra‘," which encompasses wickedness, harm, and moral corruption. The phrase "is with them in their homes" indicates that this evil is not just a public display but is deeply ingrained in their private lives, affecting their families and personal spaces. This highlights the pervasive nature of sin and its ability to corrupt every aspect of life. The home, traditionally a place of safety and refuge, becomes a den of iniquity, illustrating the totality of their moral decay. This serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of allowing sin to take root in their lives and the importance of maintaining holiness in all areas. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often wrote about his struggles and prayers for deliverance from his enemies. 2. Enemies/BetrayersThe individuals or groups who have turned against David, causing him distress and prompting this imprecatory prayer. 3. SheolIn Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living. 4. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that the events are taking place in or around the city, where David's enemies are plotting against him. 5. EvilThe moral corruption and wickedness that David perceives in his enemies, which is present in their homes and actions. Teaching Points The Reality of BetrayalBetrayal is a painful reality that even the most faithful believers may experience. David's response in this psalm shows that it is appropriate to bring our deepest hurts to God in prayer. Imprecatory PrayersWhile imprecatory prayers may seem harsh, they reflect a desire for God's justice. Believers can learn to balance righteous anger with a heart that seeks God's will and justice. Trust in God's JusticeDavid's call for his enemies to be judged reminds us that ultimate justice belongs to God. We can trust Him to deal with wrongdoers in His perfect timing. The Presence of EvilRecognizing the presence of evil in the world and in personal relationships is crucial. Believers are called to discern and confront evil with wisdom and prayer. Hope in DeliveranceDespite the presence of evil, there is hope in God's deliverance. David's psalms often move from lament to trust, teaching us to find hope in God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience of betrayal in Psalm 55:15 relate to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas? What can we learn from both situations? 2. In what ways can believers today respond to betrayal and injustice, drawing from David's example in this psalm? 3. How does the concept of Sheol in Psalm 55:15 inform our understanding of life, death, and the afterlife in the Old Testament? 4. What are some modern-day examples of "evil in their homes" that believers should be aware of, and how can they address these issues biblically? 5. How can we balance the desire for justice with the call to love our enemies, as taught by Jesus, when praying about those who have wronged us? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, similar to the betrayal David feels in Psalm 55. Numbers 16:30-33The account of Korah's rebellion, where the earth swallowed the rebels alive, parallels the desire for the wicked to go down to Sheol alive. Proverbs 1:12This verse uses similar imagery of the wicked being swallowed alive, emphasizing the suddenness and severity of divine judgment. Matthew 26:47-50Judas' betrayal of Jesus echoes the theme of betrayal by a close associate, as seen in Psalm 55. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Alive, Death, Deceitfully, Desolations, Dwelling, Dwellings, Enemies, Evil, Finds, Grave, Graves, Hearts, Hell, Houses, Incite, Lodging, Midst, Nether-world, Quick, Seize, Sheol, Suddenly, Surprise, Terror, Underworld, Wickedness, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:15 9040 grave, the
9540 Sheol Library July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 55:15 NIVPsalm 55:15 NLTPsalm 55:15 ESVPsalm 55:15 NASBPsalm 55:15 KJV
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