He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. He redeems my soul in peaceThe phrase "He redeems" is rooted in the Hebrew word "פָּדָה" (padah), which conveys the idea of a kinsman redeemer, someone who buys back or rescues. This concept is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, where God is often portrayed as the Redeemer of Israel, delivering His people from bondage and distress. The word "redeems" here signifies not just a physical deliverance but a spiritual and emotional rescue, emphasizing God's role as a savior who restores and brings wholeness. The word "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) is rich in meaning, encompassing not only the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony. In the context of this verse, it suggests that God's redemption brings a profound sense of tranquility and well-being to the psalmist's soul, a peace that surpasses understanding and is rooted in divine intervention. from the battle waged against me
The phrase "from the battle" indicates a situation of conflict or struggle. In the historical context of the Psalms, battles were often literal, involving physical warfare. However, they also symbolize spiritual and emotional struggles. The psalmist acknowledges the reality of life's battles, whether they be external conflicts with enemies or internal struggles with fear and doubt. The word "waged" implies an ongoing, active conflict, suggesting that the psalmist is in the midst of a relentless struggle. Yet, the assurance is that God intervenes in these battles, providing deliverance and peace. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a warrior who fights on behalf of His people, as seen in passages like Exodus 14:14, where the Lord fights for Israel. even though many oppose me
The phrase "even though many oppose me" highlights the psalmist's sense of being outnumbered or overwhelmed by adversaries. The word "oppose" suggests active resistance or hostility, indicating that the psalmist is facing significant opposition. This could be from literal enemies or from spiritual forces, as the Bible often speaks of the believer's struggle against spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). The acknowledgment of "many" opponents underscores the intensity of the psalmist's plight, yet it also magnifies the power of God's deliverance. Despite the multitude of adversaries, God's redemption is sufficient and effective. This reflects the biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that He is able to save to the uttermost those who trust in Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's deliverance from his enemies. 2. Enemies/OpponentsThe psalm speaks of those who are against David, representing any adversaries or trials believers face. 3. GodThe Redeemer who provides peace and deliverance from conflict. 4. BattleSymbolic of the spiritual and physical struggles believers encounter. 5. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often the backdrop for David's psalms, representing a place of both conflict and divine presence. Teaching Points God as RedeemerTrust in God's ability to redeem and bring peace, even in the midst of life's battles. Peace in AdversitySeek God's peace, which is not dependent on external circumstances but is a gift from Him. Spiritual WarfareRecognize the spiritual nature of our battles and rely on God's strength and deliverance. Faith in OppositionMaintain faith and confidence in God, even when faced with numerous adversaries. Prayer and DeliveranceEngage in prayer as a means to experience God's peace and redemption from life's struggles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God as a Redeemer influence your perspective on personal struggles? 2. In what ways can you experience God's peace in the midst of your current "battles"? 3. How do the themes of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 relate to the struggles mentioned in Psalm 55:18? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt opposed by many. How did your faith in God help you navigate that situation? 5. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God's deliverance and peace? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 34:19This verse speaks of the Lord delivering the righteous from all their troubles, echoing the theme of divine redemption and peace. Philippians 4:7The peace of God, which transcends understanding, guards the hearts and minds of believers, similar to the peace mentioned in Psalm 55:18. Isaiah 26:3This verse highlights the perfect peace given to those who trust in God, reinforcing the idea of divine peace amidst opposition. Ephesians 6:12The spiritual battle against forces of evil, paralleling the battle imagery in Psalm 55:18. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9Paul speaks of being hard-pressed but not crushed, reflecting the resilience and peace found in God despite opposition. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Although, Arrayed, Attack, Battle, Deliver, Delivered, Multitude, Nigh, None, Numbers, Oppose, Peace, Ransomed, Redeem, Redeemed, Safety, Soul, Strive, Strove, Though, Unharmed, Wage, WagedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:18 6714 ransom Psalm 55:16-18 8486 spiritual warfare, armour 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 55:18 NIVPsalm 55:18 NLTPsalm 55:18 ESVPsalm 55:18 NASBPsalm 55:18 KJV
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