Psalm 55:21

21 (54-22) They are divided by the wrath of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts.

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 (54-20) God shall hear, and the Eternal shall humble them. For there is no change with them, and they have not feared God:

20 (54-21) He hath stretched forth his hand to repay. They have defiled his covenant,

21 (54-22) They are divided by the wrath of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts.

22 (54-23) Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall not suffer the just to waver for ever.

23 (54-24) But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee, O Lord.