Psalm 55:10

Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within.

Study Bible

Day and night
This phrase emphasizes the continuous and relentless nature of the turmoil described in the psalm. In the Hebrew context, "day and night" signifies an unending cycle, suggesting that the distress and conflict are pervasive and persistent. The psalmist is expressing a sense of being overwhelmed by the constant presence of trouble, which can be likened to the unceasing passage of time. This reflects the human experience of enduring trials that seem never-ending, reminding believers of the need for God's intervention and the hope that His presence brings even in the darkest times.

they encircle the walls
The imagery of encircling walls suggests a siege, a common occurrence in ancient times when cities were fortified against enemy attacks. Historically, cities like Jerusalem were often under threat, and the encircling of walls would have been a familiar and fearsome image to the original audience. This phrase conveys a sense of being besieged by enemies, both external and internal, and can be understood as a metaphor for the spiritual and emotional battles that believers face. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection against the forces that seek to undermine faith and peace.

of this city
The reference to "this city" likely points to Jerusalem, the central place of worship and the heart of the Israelite nation. Jerusalem holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the city of David and the location of the Temple. In a broader sense, "this city" can symbolize the community of believers or the Church, which is often under spiritual attack. The psalmist's lament over the city's condition reflects a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of God's people and underscores the importance of communal faithfulness and prayer for divine safeguarding.

Trouble and iniquity
These words highlight the moral and ethical decay that the psalmist perceives within the city. "Trouble" suggests chaos and disorder, while "iniquity" points to sin and moral corruption. The Hebrew roots of these words convey a sense of wrongdoing and injustice that pervades society. This serves as a call to repentance and a return to righteousness, urging believers to examine their own lives and communities for areas where sin has taken root. It is a reminder of the need for God's cleansing and the transformative power of His grace to restore holiness and order.

are within it
The phrase "are within it" indicates that the source of the trouble and iniquity is internal rather than external. This internal corruption is often more dangerous because it can be hidden and insidious, eroding the foundations of faith and community from within. For the believer, this serves as a warning to guard against complacency and to be vigilant in maintaining personal and communal integrity. It underscores the importance of self-examination, accountability, and the pursuit of holiness in the life of the Church and the individual believer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress over betrayal and the pervasive evil surrounding him.

2. Jerusalem
The city whose walls are being encircled, symbolizing a place of supposed safety that is under threat.

3. Enemies
Those who are causing malice and trouble, representing both external and internal threats to David and the city.

4. Walls
Symbolic of protection and security, yet they are being encircled by threats, indicating vulnerability.

5. Malice and Trouble
Represent the internal corruption and external threats that David is lamenting.

Teaching Points

Vigilance in Prayer
Just as David was aware of the threats around him, we must be vigilant in prayer, seeking God's protection against both external and internal threats.

Guarding the Heart
The internal presence of malice and trouble highlights the importance of guarding our hearts against sin and corruption.

Community Accountability
The encircling of the walls suggests the need for community vigilance and accountability to maintain spiritual integrity.

Trust in God's Protection
Despite the threats, David's psalm ultimately points to reliance on God's protection and deliverance.

Awareness of Spiritual Warfare
Recognizing the spiritual dimension of our struggles helps us to rely on God's strength and armor.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "encircling the walls" in Psalm 55:10 relate to the spiritual battles we face today?

2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against the "malice and trouble" that may lie within us or our communities?

3. How does the experience of Nehemiah in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls provide insight into handling opposition and threats?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are vigilant in prayer and aware of spiritual warfare, as suggested by Ephesians 6:12?

5. How can we apply the principle of community accountability to strengthen our spiritual defenses against internal and external threats?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Nehemiah 4
Nehemiah's experience of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls amidst opposition parallels the encircling threats David describes.

Ephesians 6:12
The spiritual warfare described by Paul connects to the unseen malice and trouble David faces.

Matthew 23:27-28
Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy mirrors the internal corruption David laments.

1 Peter 5:8
The vigilance required against the devil's schemes relates to the constant threat David perceives.

Proverbs 4:23
The call to guard one's heart connects to the need for internal vigilance against malice and trouble.