My heart murmurs within me, and the terrors of death assail me. My heart pounds within meThis 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally 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. JerusalemWhile 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. BetrayalThe broader context of Psalm 55 suggests an event of betrayal, possibly by a close friend or advisor, which contributes to David's distress. Teaching Points Understanding Emotional TurmoilRecognize 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 FearFear 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 CrisisIn 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 PrayerPrayer 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 SovereigntyDespite the immediate fears and threats, trusting in God's ultimate control and plan provides a foundation for peace and hope. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's expression of fear in Psalm 55:4 resonate with your own experiences of fear or anxiety? 2. In what ways can the account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal (2 Samuel 15-17) provide insight into the emotional context of Psalm 55? 3. How can Philippians 4:6-7 guide us in responding to the "terrors" we face in our own lives? 4. What practical steps can you take to bring your fears before God in prayer, following David's example? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty help you cope with the fears and uncertainties you encounter? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 56This psalm also reflects David's fear and trust in God amidst threats, showing a pattern of seeking divine refuge. 2 Samuel 15-17The account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal provides a historical backdrop that may parallel the emotional and spiritual crisis David describes in Psalm 55. Philippians 4:6-7Paul speaks about anxiety and the peace of God, offering a New Testament perspective on dealing with fear and distress. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Anguish, Assail, Death, Deeply, Fallen, Fear, Heart, Pained, Severely, Sore, Terrors, Within, Wounded, Writhe, WrithingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:4 5014 heart, human
5782 agony Psalm 55:4-5 5561 suffering, nature of
8754 fear Psalm 55:4-8 5058 rest, spiritual Psalm 55:4-14 5799 bitterness 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 55:4 NIVPsalm 55:4 NLTPsalm 55:4 ESVPsalm 55:4 NASBPsalm 55:4 KJV
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