Psalm 55:18

18 He will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.

Psalm 55:18 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:18

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was]
against me
That is, God had preserved his life, and delivered him safe and sound from many a battle which was fought against him, and might seem at first to go against him; and had given him peace and rest from all his enemies before the present trouble came upon him, ( 2 Samuel 7:1 ) ; wherefore he believed, that he who had delivered him in time past would deliver him again; this is the reasoning of faith, ( 2 Corinthians 1:9 2 Corinthians 1:10 ) ( 2 Timothy 4:17 2 Timothy 4:18 ) . The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render the last clause, "from them that draw nigh unto thee"; and the Syriac version renders it, by way of petition, "deliver my soul from them that know me"; and the Targum,

``lest evil should come unto me;''

for there were many with me;
either enemies fighting with him; and so this is mentioned to set forth the more the power of God in his deliverance: or friends, who were on his side; all Israel and Judah, who loved David and prayed for him, as Jarchi interprets it: or the angels of God, as Aben Ezra; who being for the Lord's people, are more than they that are against them, ( 2 Kings 6:16 ) ; or God, Father, Son, and Spirit; and if he is for us, who shall be against us? ( Romans 8:31 ) . The Targum is,

``for in many afflictions his Word was for my help.''

Psalm 55:18 In-Context

16 But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.

18 He will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.

19 God will give ear, and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old; because they keep no law, and do not fear God. [Selah]

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends, he violated his covenant.