Bible Glide

Psalms 55

Psalms 55 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 55 gives voice to fear, grief, and betrayal, yet it does not end in despair. David brings his distress to God, names the harm done by enemies and a trusted companion, and turns his burden over to the Lord with confidence that God will sustain him.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Psalms 55?

David begins by pleading for God to hear him, describing the inner turmoil that has overtaken him and the violence around him. He longs to flee from danger and find rest, then asks God to confuse the plans of those who bring unrest to the city. The deepest pain comes from betrayal by a close friend who shared worship and fellowship with him. Even so, David keeps praying. He trusts that God hears, redeems, and will bring justice, while he himself chooses to cast his burden on the Lord and continue in trust.

Psalm 55 is a lament from David, likely connected to a time of conflict and betrayal. It fits with the psalms around it by showing honest distress before God and strong confidence in God's help. The chapter moves from complaint to trust, a pattern common in the Psalms.

Themes to notice

  • Honest prayerDavid brings fear, distress, and complaint to God instead of hiding them.
  • BetrayalThe psalm gives special weight to pain caused by a trusted companion.
  • Trust in God's careThe closing verses call believers to place their burden on the Lord and rely on His sustaining help.

Questions for Psalms 55

  • What details in this psalm show the depth of David's distress?
  • How does the betrayal by a close friend change the tone of the prayer?
  • What does it mean to cast your burden on the Lord in daily life?

Read the full text of Psalms 55 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 55

Cast Your Burden upon the LORD

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.

1Listen to my prayer, O God,

and do not ignore my plea.

2Attend to me and answer me.

I am restless in my complaint,

and distraught

3at the voice of the enemy,

at the pressure of the wicked.

For they release disaster upon me

and revile me in their anger.

4My heart murmurs within me,

and the terrors of death assail me.

5Fear and trembling grip me,

and horror has overwhelmed me.

6I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

I would fly away and find rest.

7How far away I would flee!

In the wilderness I would remain.

Selah

8I would hurry to my shelter,

far from this raging tempest.”

9O Lord, confuse and confound their speech,

for I see violence and strife in the city.

10Day and night they encircle the walls,

while malice and trouble lie within.

11Destruction is within;

oppression and deceit never leave the streets.

12For it is not an enemy who insults me;

that I could endure.

It is not a foe who rises against me;

from him I could hide.

13But it is you, a man like myself,

my companion and close friend.

14We shared sweet fellowship together;

we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

15Let death seize them by surprise;

let them go down to Sheol alive,

for evil is with them in their homes.

16But I call to God,

and the LORD saves me.

17Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress,

and He hears my voice.

18He redeems my soul in peace

from the battle waged against me,

even though many oppose me.

19God will hear and humiliate them—

the One enthroned for the ages—

Selah

because they do not change

and they have no fear of God.

20My companion attacks his friends;

he violates his covenant.

21His speech is smooth as butter,

but war is in his heart.

His words are softer than oil,

yet they are swords unsheathed.

22Cast your burden upon the LORD

and He will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous be shaken.

23But 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.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Psalms 55

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage