Psalms 55:20

20 He[a] acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.

Psalms 55:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands
The psalmist returns and describes, in this verse ( Psalms 55:3 ) , the cruelty, perfidy, and hypocrisy of his false friend; who had stretched forth his hands

against such as be at peace with him,
or he pretended to be at peace with. So Ahithophel put forth his hands against David, by whom he had been admitted into his privy council, and there had taken sweet counsel together, by entering into a conspiracy and rebellion against him, and by forming a scheme to smite the king only, ( 2 Samuel 17:1 2 Samuel 17:2 ) ; and Judas, though he did not lay hands on Christ himself, yet he gave his enemies a sign by which they might know him, and seize him, and hold him fast, as they did; and him Christ calls the man of his peace, ( Psalms 41:9 ) ; they being at peace when he lifted up his heel against him;

he hath broken his covenant;
of friendship that was made between them; he proved false and treacherous, broke through his engagements, and violated his faith.

Psalms 55:20 In-Context

18 Though many are against me, He will redeem me from my battle unharmed.
19 God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear, and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
20 He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.
21 His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Footnotes 1

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