Psalms 55:20

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned 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 hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many [that strove] with me.
19 God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, [Selah [The men] who have no changes, And who fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.
21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.