◄ Psalm 55:13 ►
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.
Study Bible
But it is you
This phrase introduces a poignant moment of personal betrayal. The Hebrew word for "you" here is אַתָּה ('attah), emphasizing direct address and personal confrontation. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is expressing a deep sense of shock and hurt. This is not an enemy or a distant adversary, but someone intimately known. The betrayal is unexpected and cuts deeply, highlighting the personal nature of the psalmist's lament.

a man like myself
The Hebrew phrase here, אֱנוֹשׁ כְּמוֹנִי ('enosh kemo'ni), underscores the shared humanity and equality between the psalmist and the betrayer. The term אֱנוֹשׁ ('enosh) often refers to mankind in a general sense, emphasizing frailty and mortality. By using this term, the psalmist acknowledges the shared vulnerabilities and experiences that should have bound them together, making the betrayal even more painful. This phrase reflects the deep sense of kinship and mutual understanding that has been shattered.

my companion
The word רֵעִי (re'i) is used here, which can be translated as "companion" or "friend." This term conveys a sense of closeness and shared life experiences. In ancient Israelite culture, companionship was a significant bond, often involving shared meals, confidences, and mutual support. The psalmist's use of this term indicates a relationship that was once marked by trust and loyalty, now broken by betrayal.

and my close friend
The Hebrew phrase מְיֻדָּעִי (meyuddai) translates to "my close friend" or "acquaintance." This word suggests an even deeper level of intimacy and familiarity. In the context of the psalm, it implies someone who was not just a casual friend but a trusted confidant. The betrayal by such a person is particularly devastating because it violates the sacred trust inherent in such a relationship. Historically, friendships in the biblical context were covenantal, involving commitments akin to familial bonds, which makes the betrayal not just a personal affront but a violation of a sacred trust.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close friend. This psalm is a lament, reflecting a personal and painful experience.

2. The Betrayer
While not named in the text, this person is described as a close friend and companion of David. Some scholars suggest this could be Ahithophel, David's counselor who betrayed him during Absalom's rebellion.

3. Jerusalem
The setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, is often Jerusalem, the city of David, which holds significant historical and spiritual importance.

4. Absalom's Rebellion
An event in David's life where his son Absalom led a rebellion against him, during which Ahithophel, David's counselor, betrayed him.

5. Ahithophel
A counselor to King David who later sided with Absalom during the rebellion, often associated with the betrayal mentioned in this psalm.
Teaching Points
The Pain of Betrayal
Betrayal by a close friend is deeply painful and personal. Understanding David's lament helps us empathize with those who have experienced similar betrayals.

Trust in God Amidst Betrayal
Despite the pain, David ultimately turns to God for comfort and justice. This teaches us to seek God's presence and guidance when we face betrayal.

The Importance of Forgiveness
While the psalm expresses hurt, the broader biblical account encourages forgiveness, as seen in Jesus' teachings. We are called to forgive those who wrong us, even when it is difficult.

The Reality of Human Relationships
This psalm reminds us that human relationships can be fragile and imperfect. We should strive for faithfulness and integrity in our relationships, reflecting Christ's love.

Seeking Godly Counsel
David's experience with Ahithophel highlights the importance of seeking counsel from those who are truly aligned with God's will, rather than those who may lead us astray.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal enhance our reading of Psalm 55:13?

2. In what ways can we find comfort in God when we experience betrayal by someone close to us?

3. How does the theme of betrayal in Psalm 55:13 connect to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, and what can we learn from Jesus' response?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are trustworthy companions and friends to others, reflecting the love and faithfulness of Christ?

5. How can we apply the lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives when dealing with betrayal or broken relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 15-17
These chapters provide the historical context of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal, offering insight into the personal nature of David's lament in Psalm 55.

John 13:18
Jesus references betrayal by a close friend, connecting to the theme of betrayal by someone trusted, similar to David's experience.

Matthew 26:47-50
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, a close disciple, parallels the betrayal David experienced, highlighting the pain of being betrayed by someone close.
Sermons
The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in LifeHomilistPsalm 55:1-23
The Outcry of a Soul in DistressT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 55:1-23
A Picture of Corrupt City Life and Private LifeC. Short Psalm 55:9-15
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Acquaintance, Close, Companion, Equal, Familiar, Friend, Guide, Intimate, Well-loved
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:4-14

     5799   bitterness

Psalm 55:12-14

     5501   reward, human

Psalm 55:13-14

     5691   friends, good

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

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