◄ Psalm 55:18 ►
He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
Study Bible
He redeems my soul in peace
This phrase emphasizes God's role as a redeemer, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. Redemption in the Old Testament often refers to God's deliverance of His people from physical danger or bondage, as seen in the Exodus narrative. The concept of peace here is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being and restoration. This peace is reminiscent of the Hebrew word "shalom," which encompasses completeness and harmony. Theologically, this redemption foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. The peace that God provides is not just external but internal, affecting the soul, which aligns with the New Testament teaching in Philippians 4:7 about the peace of God guarding hearts and minds.

from the battle waged against me
The imagery of battle is a common metaphor in the Psalms, reflecting the struggles and adversities faced by the psalmist. Historically, David, the attributed author of this psalm, faced numerous battles, both literal and figurative, including conflicts with Saul, his own son Absalom, and various external enemies. This phrase can also be understood spiritually, representing the internal and external struggles believers face, such as temptation, persecution, and spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of the spiritual battle against "the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world," highlighting the ongoing nature of such conflicts. The assurance of God's deliverance from these battles is a recurring theme, providing comfort and hope.

even though many oppose me
This part of the verse acknowledges the reality of opposition and adversity. In David's life, opposition came from various sources, including political rivals, personal betrayals, and foreign enemies. The mention of "many" underscores the overwhelming nature of the opposition, yet it also highlights God's power to save despite the odds. This is echoed in Romans 8:31, which states, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Theologically, this opposition can be seen as a type of the opposition Jesus faced during His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. Despite the multitude of adversaries, God's plan prevails, offering a message of hope and perseverance for believers facing their own trials.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's deliverance from his enemies.

2. Enemies/Opponents
The psalm speaks of those who are against David, representing any adversaries or trials believers face.

3. God
The Redeemer who provides peace and deliverance from conflict.

4. Battle
Symbolic of the spiritual and physical struggles believers encounter.

5. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often the backdrop for David's psalms, representing a place of both conflict and divine presence.
Teaching Points
God as Redeemer
Trust in God's ability to redeem and bring peace, even in the midst of life's battles.

Peace in Adversity
Seek God's peace, which is not dependent on external circumstances but is a gift from Him.

Spiritual Warfare
Recognize the spiritual nature of our battles and rely on God's strength and deliverance.

Faith in Opposition
Maintain faith and confidence in God, even when faced with numerous adversaries.

Prayer and Deliverance
Engage in prayer as a means to experience God's peace and redemption from life's struggles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as a Redeemer influence your perspective on personal struggles?

2. In what ways can you experience God's peace in the midst of your current "battles"?

3. How do the themes of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 relate to the struggles mentioned in Psalm 55:18?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt opposed by many. How did your faith in God help you navigate that situation?

5. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God's deliverance and peace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 34:19
This verse speaks of the Lord delivering the righteous from all their troubles, echoing the theme of divine redemption and peace.

Philippians 4:7
The peace of God, which transcends understanding, guards the hearts and minds of believers, similar to the peace mentioned in Psalm 55:18.

Isaiah 26:3
This verse highlights the perfect peace given to those who trust in God, reinforcing the idea of divine peace amidst opposition.

Ephesians 6:12
The spiritual battle against forces of evil, paralleling the battle imagery in Psalm 55:18.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Paul speaks of being hard-pressed but not crushed, reflecting the resilience and peace found in God despite opposition.
Sermons
The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in LifeHomilistPsalm 55:1-23
The Outcry of a Soul in DistressT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 55:1-23
Contrasts in the Character and Experience of the Righteous and the WickedC. Short Psalm 55:16-23
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Although, Arrayed, Attack, Battle, Deliver, Delivered, Multitude, Nigh, None, Numbers, Oppose, Peace, Ransomed, Redeem, Redeemed, Safety, Soul, Strive, Strove, Though, Unharmed, Wage, Waged
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:18

     6714   ransom

Psalm 55:16-18

     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

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

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