Psalms 55:21

21 What he said sounded smoother than butter, but his heart was at war. His words seemed more soothing than oil, but in fact they were sharp swords.

Psalms 55:21 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter
Such were the words of Ahithophel, when in counsel with David; and such the words of Judas, when he said to Christ, "hail, master", and kissed him, ( Matthew 26:49 ) ;

but war [was] in his heart;
even a civil war, rebellion against his prince; that was what Ahithophel meditated in his heart; and nothing less than to take away the life of Christ was designed by Judas. The words may be rendered, "they were divided" ^F5; that is, his mouth and his heart: "his mouth [was] butter, and his heart war"; the one declared for peace, when the other intended war; see ( Jeremiah 9:8 ) ;

his words were softer than oil;
at one time full of soothing and flattery:

yet [were] they drawn swords:
at another time sharp and cutting, breathing out threatening and slaughter, destruction and death.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (wqlx) (diemerisyhsan) , Sept. "divisi sunt", V. L. Hammond.

Psalms 55:21 In-Context

19 God will hear and will humble them, yes, he who has sat on his throne from the start. (Selah) For they never change, and they don't fear God.

20 [My companion] attacked those who were at peace with him; he broke his solemn word.

21 What he said sounded smoother than butter, but his heart was at war. His words seemed more soothing than oil, but in fact they were sharp swords.

22 Unload your burden on ADONAI, and he will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

23 But you will bring them down, God, into the deepest pit. Those men, so bloodthirsty and treacherous, will not live out half their days. But for my part, [ADONAI,] I put my trust in you.