But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. But You, O GodThis phrase begins with a direct address to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," which denotes majesty and authority. It is a reminder of God's supreme position over all creation and His ability to intervene in human affairs. The psalmist contrasts the faithfulness and justice of God with the treachery of men, highlighting the divine assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. will bring them down
The phrase "will bring them down" suggests a decisive action by God against the wicked. The Hebrew root "yarad" means to descend or bring down, often used in contexts of judgment or defeat. This conveys the certainty of divine justice, where God will ensure that those who commit evil will face consequences. It reassures believers that God is not indifferent to injustice and will act in His perfect timing. to the pit of destruction
The "pit of destruction" is a vivid metaphor for ruin and ultimate defeat. The Hebrew word "shachath" refers to a grave or a place of corruption. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the pit was often associated with Sheol, the realm of the dead. This imagery underscores the finality and severity of God's judgment on the wicked, serving as a warning to those who live in opposition to His ways. men of bloodshed and deceit
This phrase identifies the specific targets of God's judgment—those who commit violence and practice deceit. The Hebrew words "damim" (bloodshed) and "mirmah" (deceit) highlight the moral corruption and treachery of these individuals. Throughout Scripture, God consistently condemns violence and dishonesty, aligning with His nature as a God of truth and justice. This serves as a call for believers to pursue righteousness and integrity. will not live out half their days
This expression indicates a premature end to the lives of the wicked. The idea of not living out "half their days" suggests divine retribution that cuts short their lifespan. It reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death and that those who persist in evil will face temporal and eternal consequences. This serves as both a warning to the wicked and a comfort to the righteous, affirming that God will uphold justice. But I will trust in You
The psalmist concludes with a personal declaration of faith. The Hebrew word "batach" means to trust or have confidence, signifying a deep reliance on God's character and promises. This statement of trust contrasts with the fate of the wicked, highlighting the security and peace found in a relationship with God. It encourages believers to place their confidence in God, regardless of the circumstances, knowing that He is faithful and just. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign and just deity who is the ultimate judge and protector of the righteous. 2. Men of bloodshed and deceitIndividuals characterized by violence and dishonesty, representing those who oppose God's ways. 3. The Pit of destructionA metaphorical place symbolizing divine judgment and the ultimate downfall of the wicked. Teaching Points God's JusticeGod is just and will ultimately bring down those who live in wickedness and deceit. This serves as a reminder of the certainty of divine justice. The Fate of the WickedThe wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, but their end is destruction. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness. Trust in GodThe psalmist's declaration of trust in God serves as a model for believers to rely on God's protection and justice, even when facing adversaries. The Brevity of Life for the WickedThe phrase "will not live out half their days" underscores the fleeting nature of life for those who oppose God, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's justice as described in Psalm 55:23 influence your perspective on current events and personal challenges? 2. In what ways can you identify "men of bloodshed and deceit" in today's world, and how should a Christian respond to such individuals? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by deceit or violence. How did trusting in God help you navigate that situation? 4. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Proverbs 10:27, reinforce the message of Psalm 55:23 regarding the fate of the wicked? 5. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God, especially when facing opposition or injustice? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 37:9-10This passage also speaks of the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that evildoers will be cut off while those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Proverbs 10:27This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, noting that the fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Jeremiah 17:7-8These verses contrast the cursed man who trusts in man with the blessed man who trusts in the Lord, similar to the trust expressed by the psalmist in God. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 56, Bloodshed, Bloodthirsty, Bloody, Bring, Cast, Chief, Confide, Corruption, Cruel, Cut, David, Deceit, Deceitful, Destruction, Elem, Ended, Faith, Gath, Half, Jonath, Lowest, Michtam, Musician, Nethermost, O, Philistines, Pit, Psalm, Reach, Rehokim, Treachery, Trust, Underworld, Wicked, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:23 4257 pit
6130 corruption
6147 deceit, practice
8776 lies
9023 death, unbelievers
9512 hell, experience Psalm 55:22-23 5562 suffering, innocent 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 55:23 NIVPsalm 55:23 NLTPsalm 55:23 ESVPsalm 55:23 NASBPsalm 55:23 KJV
Psalm 55:23 Commentaries
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