For 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. For it is not an enemy who insults meThe Hebrew word for "enemy" here is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which denotes a personal adversary or one who harbors hostility. In the context of this psalm, David expresses a deep sense of betrayal, highlighting that the pain comes not from a known adversary but from someone unexpected. The word "insults" is translated from "חֵרָפָה" (cherpah), meaning reproach or scorn. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the depth of emotional turmoil David feels, as betrayal from a friend cuts deeper than from a known enemy. Historically, David faced many adversaries, but the betrayal by someone close, possibly Ahithophel, his counselor, during Absalom's rebellion, is particularly poignant. that I could endure
The Hebrew root for "endure" is "נָשָׂא" (nasa), which means to lift, bear, or carry. This suggests that David believes he has the strength to bear the burden of an enemy's insult. The implication is that known enmity is something one can prepare for and withstand. The endurance here is not just physical but emotional and spiritual, reflecting a resilience that comes from understanding and expecting opposition from those who are openly against us. It is not a foe who rises against me
The word "foe" is translated from "שׂוֹנֵא" (sone), which means one who hates or is hostile. The phrase "rises against me" uses the Hebrew "קוּם" (qum), meaning to stand up or rise. This indicates an active opposition or confrontation. David is emphasizing that the source of his distress is not from a typical adversary who openly opposes him. The historical context of David's life, filled with battles and conflicts, underscores the expectation of opposition from foes, which he could face with courage and strategy. from him I could hide
The Hebrew word for "hide" is "סָתַר" (satar), meaning to conceal or take refuge. This suggests that David feels he could find a way to protect himself from a known enemy. The imagery here is of seeking shelter or refuge, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where God is often depicted as a refuge and fortress. The ability to hide from a foe implies a level of predictability and preparedness that is absent when betrayal comes from a friend. This phrase highlights the vulnerability and helplessness felt when the threat comes from within one's circle of trust. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David is expressing his deep personal anguish over betrayal by a close companion. 2. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life and reign often centers around Jerusalem, the city of David. 3. BetrayalThe event of betrayal is central to this verse, highlighting the pain of being wronged by someone close rather than a known enemy. Teaching Points The Pain of BetrayalBetrayal by a friend or loved one can be more painful than attacks from an enemy. Understanding this can help us empathize with others who experience similar situations. Trust in God Amidst BetrayalEven when betrayed, believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, who remains faithful and just. Forgiveness and HealingWhile betrayal is deeply hurtful, Christians are called to forgive as Christ forgave, seeking healing through prayer and community support. Discernment in RelationshipsThis verse encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment in their relationships, being mindful of whom they trust. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the context of David's life help us interpret Psalm 55:12? 2. In what ways can the experience of betrayal by a close friend or family member impact one's faith journey? 3. How can we apply the lessons from David's response to betrayal in our own lives when we face similar situations? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to forgive those who have betrayed us, in light of biblical teachings? 5. How does the theme of betrayal in Psalm 55:12 connect to the New Testament account of Judas betraying Jesus, and what can we learn from Jesus' response? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse also speaks of betrayal by a close friend, echoing the theme of Psalm 55:12 and providing a broader context of David's experiences with betrayal. Matthew 26:14-16The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is a New Testament parallel, illustrating the ultimate betrayal by a close associate. 2 Samuel 15:12-31The account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal of David provides a historical backdrop that may have inspired this Psalm. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Adversary, Bear, Borne, Deals, Endure, Endured, Enemy, Evil, Exalted, Foe, Friends, Grief, Hated, Hater, Hates, Hateth, Hating, Hid, Hidden, Hide, Insolently, Insulted, Insulting, Kept, Magnified, Magnify, Myself, Outside, Raised, Raising, Reproached, Reproaches, Reproacheth, Secret, Strong, Taunted, TauntsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:4-14 5799 bitterness Psalm 55:12-14 5501 reward, human
5564 suffering, of Christ
5798 betrayal
5846 enjoyment
5893 insults
8841 unfaithfulness, to people 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 55:12 NIVPsalm 55:12 NLTPsalm 55:12 ESVPsalm 55:12 NASBPsalm 55:12 KJV
Psalm 55:12 Commentaries
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