at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they release disaster upon me and revile me in their anger. at the voice of the enemyThis phrase highlights the external pressures and threats faced by the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "enemy" is "oyeb," which often denotes an adversary or foe. In the historical context of David's life, this could refer to literal enemies such as Saul or Absalom. Spiritually, it represents the constant battle against forces that oppose God's will. The "voice" signifies not just spoken words but the influence and intimidation that enemies can exert. This reminds believers of the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. and the pressure of the wicked
The term "pressure" conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or oppressed. The Hebrew root "lachats" implies squeezing or distress. The "wicked," or "rasha" in Hebrew, are those who live in opposition to God's laws. Historically, this could refer to those who plotted against David, but it also symbolizes the broader struggle against sin and evil in the world. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's strength in times of trial, as Jesus promised in Matthew 11:28-30, offering rest to those who are weary and burdened. For they bring down trouble upon me
The imagery here is of enemies casting burdens or calamities upon the psalmist. The Hebrew word "ra" for "trouble" encompasses evil, distress, and adversity. This reflects the reality of living in a fallen world where believers face trials and tribulations. The historical context might include the betrayal and conspiracies David faced, but it also speaks to the universal experience of suffering. This phrase calls Christians to remember that God is a refuge and strength, as stated in Psalm 46:1, a very present help in trouble. and in anger they bear a grudge against me
"Anger" in Hebrew is "aph," which can also mean wrath or fury. This suggests a deep-seated animosity from the psalmist's enemies. The phrase "bear a grudge" indicates a persistent and enduring hostility. Historically, this could relate to the personal vendettas against David, but it also reflects the ongoing enmity between the world and God's people. This reminds believers of Jesus' words in John 15:18-19, where He warned that the world would hate His followers because it first hated Him. It encourages Christians to respond to hostility with love and forgiveness, following Christ's example. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's intervention against his enemies. 2. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, who are causing him distress through their words and actions. 3. WickedThose who are morally wrong or evil, contributing to David's turmoil. 4. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often the backdrop for David's psalms, representing a place of both refuge and conflict. 5. GodThe ultimate refuge and source of strength for David amidst his trials. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual WarfareRecognize that the pressures and reviling from enemies can be part of a larger spiritual battle. Equip yourself with prayer and the Word of God. Seeking Refuge in GodLike David, turn to God as your refuge and strength when facing adversities. Trust in His protection and deliverance. Responding to PersecutionJesus teaches us to rejoice and be glad when persecuted for His sake. Embrace this perspective to find peace amidst trials. Guarding Against AngerBe mindful of how anger can lead to reviling and disaster, both in yourself and others. Seek to respond with grace and forgiveness. Community SupportEngage with fellow believers for support and encouragement when facing pressures from the wicked. The body of Christ is a source of strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of David's life enhance our comprehension of Psalm 55:3? 2. In what ways can we identify the "voice of the enemy" in our own lives today, and how should we respond? 3. How does the New Testament teaching on persecution and spiritual warfare provide insight into handling the pressures described in Psalm 55:3? 4. What practical steps can we take to seek refuge in God when we feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life? 5. How can we support one another in the church community when facing reviling and disaster from external sources? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 56This psalm also deals with David's plea for God's mercy in the face of relentless enemies, highlighting a similar theme of seeking divine protection. 1 Samuel 18-19These chapters describe the hostility David faced from Saul, providing a historical context for understanding the kind of pressure and reviling David experienced. Matthew 5:11-12Jesus speaks about being blessed when persecuted for righteousness, offering a New Testament perspective on enduring reviling and pressure. Ephesians 6:12Paul reminds believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, which can be related to the unseen pressures David felt. 1 Peter 5:8-9Peter advises believers to be alert and resist the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, similar to the enemies David describes. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Anger, Bear, Bring, Cast, Cause, Cherish, Cruel, Cry, Enemy, Enmity, Evil, Evil-doers, Grudge, Hate, Hold, Iniquity, Loud, Mischief, Move, Noise, Ones, Oppression, Persecute, Pressure, Revile, Sorrow, Stares, Suffering, Trouble, Troubled, Voice, Weight, Wicked, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:3 5893 insults 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 55:3 NIVPsalm 55:3 NLTPsalm 55:3 ESVPsalm 55:3 NASBPsalm 55:3 KJV
Psalm 55:3 Commentaries
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