Psalms 55:20

20 He has put forth his hands against 1those who were at peace with him; He has 2violated 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 He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me.
19 God will hear and answer them- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old - Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.
21 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 7:4; Psalms 120:7
  • 2. Numbers 30:2; Psalms 89:34

Footnotes 1

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.