Psalms 55:20

20 And this, my best friend, betrayed his best friends; his life betrayed his word.

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 My life is well and whole, secure in the middle of danger Even while thousands are lined up against me.
19 God hears it all, and from his judge's bench puts them in their place. But, set in their ways, they won't change; they pay him no mind.
20 And this, my best friend, betrayed his best friends; his life betrayed his word.
21 All my life I've been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he'd turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.
22 Pile your troubles on God's shoulders - he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.