Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets. Destruction is in the midstThe Hebrew word for "destruction" here is "חָמָס" (chamas), which conveys a sense of violence, wrongdoing, or injustice. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe moral corruption and societal decay. The phrase "in the midst" suggests that this destruction is not peripheral but central, deeply embedded within the community. Historically, this reflects the internal turmoil and moral decline that can occur within a society or city, often leading to its downfall. From a spiritual perspective, it serves as a warning against allowing sin and corruption to take root in one's life or community. oppression and deceit
The Hebrew words for "oppression" (עָמָל, amal) and "deceit" (מִרְמָה, mirmah) are often paired in the scriptures to describe the actions of the wicked. "Amal" refers to toil or trouble, often imposed by those in power upon the vulnerable. "Mirmah" denotes treachery or falsehood, highlighting the moral decay that accompanies such oppression. In the historical context of ancient Israel, these terms would resonate with the experiences of the Israelites under corrupt leadership or foreign domination. Spiritually, this phrase calls believers to be vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin and to uphold truth and justice in their lives. never leave the streets
The imagery of "streets" in ancient Hebrew culture often symbolizes public life and communal interaction. The phrase "never leave" suggests a persistent, unrelenting presence of sin and corruption. This paints a picture of a society where wickedness is not just present but pervasive, affecting every aspect of daily life. Archaeologically, ancient cities were often judged by the state of their public spaces, and a city where oppression and deceit were rampant would be seen as morally and spiritually bankrupt. For the modern believer, this serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and righteousness in all areas of life, both private and public. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish and betrayal by a close friend, which is a central theme of this psalm. 2. JerusalemThe city is often seen as the backdrop for the events described, representing a place where David experienced both triumph and turmoil. 3. BetrayalA significant event in this psalm, reflecting David's personal experience of being betrayed by someone close to him, possibly Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion. 4. Oppression and DeceitThese are the conditions described in the psalm, symbolizing the moral and social decay present in the city. 5. DestructionRepresents the consequences of sin and betrayal, both personally for David and corporately for the city. Teaching Points The Reality of BetrayalBetrayal is a painful reality that even the most faithful believers may experience. It is important to bring our pain to God, as David did. The Consequences of SinThe presence of destruction, oppression, and deceit highlights the destructive nature of sin in our lives and communities. God as Our RefugeDespite the betrayal and chaos around us, God remains our refuge and strength. We are encouraged to cast our burdens on Him. Moral VigilanceWe must be vigilant against allowing deceit and oppression to take root in our own lives and communities. Hope in God's JusticeWhile we may face injustice and betrayal, we can trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience of betrayal in Psalm 55:11 relate to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas? What can we learn from both experiences? 2. In what ways do you see "oppression and deceit" manifesting in today's society, and how can Christians respond to these issues? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed or let down by someone close to you. How did you handle it, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar situations? 4. How can we actively work to prevent deceit and oppression from taking root in our personal lives and church communities? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that God remains your refuge and strength amid personal or societal turmoil? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse also speaks of betrayal by a close friend, paralleling the theme of Psalm 55. 2 Samuel 15-17The account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal provides historical context for David's lament in Psalm 55. Proverbs 6:16-19Lists things the Lord hates, including deceit and sowing discord, which are relevant to the themes of oppression and deceit in Psalm 55. Jeremiah 9:6Describes a society filled with deceit, similar to the conditions lamented in Psalm 55. Matthew 26:14-16Judas' betrayal of Jesus echoes the theme of betrayal by a close companion. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Broad, Cruel, Deceit, Depart, Destruction, Destructive, Evil, Forces, Fraud, Guile, Leave, Lies, Market, Midst, Mischiefs, Oppression, Perversities, Ruin, Rule, Street, Streets, Thereof, Threats, Wickedness, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:11 5295 destruction
5505 roads Psalm 55:4-14 5799 bitterness Psalm 55:9-11 8833 threats Library July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 55:11 NIVPsalm 55:11 NLTPsalm 55:11 ESVPsalm 55:11 NASBPsalm 55:11 KJV
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