Psalms 55
Summary for Ps 55:1-23: Ps 55 a The psalmist is faced with adversaries whose leader is a former friend (55:12-14 b), and he is overwhelmed with anguish. He turns to the Lord in prayer and commits himself to the Lord for redress (55:22-23 c). Jesus experienced similar suffering when his friend (Judas) betrayed him. He also experienced the answer to the psalmist’s prayer: (1) by taking the place of the wicked and receiving their judgment (Isa 53:7-9 d), and (2) by committing himself to the Father, who rescued (Luke 23:46 e) and rewarded him (Isa 53:10-12 f).Summary for Ps 55:1-3: 55:1-3 g The occasion for this prayer is an attack by an enemy.
Summary for Ps 55:4-8: 55:4-8 h In the experience of deep anguish, the psalmist confesses that his adversity has become unbearable and he seeks an escape.
Summary for Ps 55:12-20: 55:12-20 i The psalmist’s enemy was once a friend; memories of that close relationship bring him pain (see 31:11 j).
Summary for Ps 55:19-21: 55:19-21 k God is good and faithful, but the psalmist’s enemies and so-called friend are deceitful and wicked.
Summary for Ps 55:22-23: 55:22-23 l The psalmist commits all his cares to the Lord.
55:23 m To die young means that one fails to experience God’s full blessing (cp. Prov 3:2 n, 16 o).
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