Psalm 55:21

21 His speech was ¹smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were ²softer than oil, Yet they were drawn ³swords.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 55:21 In-Context

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.

23 But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 12:2; Psalms 28:3; Proverbs 5:3, 4
• 2. Psalms 12:2; Psalms 28:3; Proverbs 5:3, 4
• 3. Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "mouth"