Psalm 55:3

3 because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the sinner: for they brought iniquity against me, and were wrathfully angry with me.

Psalm 55:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:3

Because of the voice of the enemy
Of Absalom, as Arama; or of Ahithophel, who gave out he would smite the king only, ( 2 Samuel 17:2 ) ; and so of any spiritual enemy, as sin, Satan, and the world, when they threaten dominion and tyranny; and of the Scribes and Pharisees reproaching Christ, as being a Samaritan, and having a devil, and doing his miracles by his assistance; menacing, insulting, and triumphing over him, when on the cross;

because of the oppression of the wicked;
of Absalom or Ahithophel, as Arama; who conspired against David, and obliged him to quit his palace, and the city of Jerusalem; and is applicable to the troubles which surround the people of God, from every quarter, by wicked men, and to our Lord's being enclosed by them at the time of his Crucifixion, ( Psalms 22:12 Psalms 22:13 Psalms 22:16 ) ;

for they cast iniquity upon me;
laid things to his charge he knew not: so wicked men falsely accuse the good conversation of the saints; and so the Jews imputed crimes to Christ he was innocent of; as immorality, sedition, blasphemy

and in wrath they hate me;
as they do all the people of God, because chosen and called, and separated from them: and so they did Christ, and with a mortal hatred, though without a cause.

Psalm 55:3 In-Context

1 Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.

2 Attend to me, and hearken to me: I was grieved in my meditation, and troubled;

3 because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the sinner: for they brought iniquity against me, and were wrathfully angry with me.

4 My heart was troubled within me; and the fear of death fell upon me.

5 Fear and trembling came upon me, and darkness covered me.

6 And I said, O that I had wings as those of a dove! then would I flee away, and be at rest.

7 Lo! I have fled afar off, and lodged in the wilderness. Pause.

8 I waited for him that should deliver me from distress of spirit and tempest.

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen iniquity and gain saying in the city.

10 Day and night he shall go round about it upon its walls: iniquity and sorrow and unrighteousness are in the midst of it;

11 and usury and craft have not failed from its streets.

12 For if an enemy had reproached me, I would have endured it; and if one who hated me had spoken vauntingly against me, I would have hid myself from him.

13 But thou, O man like minded, my guide, and my acquaintance,

14 who in companionship with me sweetened our food: we walked in the house of God in concord.

15 Let death come upon them, and let them go down alive into Hades, for iniquity is in their dwellings, in the midst of them.

16 I cried to God, and the Lord hearkened to me.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon I will declare and make known my wants: and he shall hear my voice.

18 He shall deliver my soul in peace from them that draw nigh to me: for they were with me in many cases.

19 God shall hear, and bring them low, even he that has existed from eternity. Pause.

20 He has reached forth his hand for retribution; they have profaned his covenant.

21 They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts.

22 Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloody and crafty men shall not live out half their days; but I will hope in thee, O Lord.