O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. O Lord, confuse and confound their speechThis phrase begins with a direct appeal to God, "O Lord," which is a translation of the Hebrew word "Yahweh," the covenant name of God. This invocation signifies a personal and intimate relationship between the psalmist and God, emphasizing trust and reliance on divine intervention. The plea to "confuse and confound" echoes the historical event of the Tower of Babel ( Genesis 11:7), where God intervened to disrupt human plans by confusing their language. The psalmist is asking for a similar divine intervention to thwart the plans of his enemies. This request reflects a deep understanding of God's sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to disrupt evil schemes. for I see violence and strife in the city
The phrase "for I see" indicates the psalmist's personal observation and experience of the turmoil around him. The Hebrew root for "see" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but also perception and understanding. The "violence and strife" mentioned here are indicative of societal breakdown and moral decay. Historically, this could refer to the internal conflicts within Jerusalem, possibly during the time of Absalom's rebellion against David (2 Samuel 15). The "city" is likely Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and governance, which should have been a place of peace and justice. The presence of "violence and strife" in such a sacred place underscores the severity of the situation and the need for divine intervention. This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting chaos when human sinfulness prevails. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, who is expressing his distress and calling upon God for intervention against his enemies. 2. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, who are causing violence and strife, likely within the city of Jerusalem. 3. JerusalemThe city where David observes violence and strife, representing a place of both physical and spiritual significance. 4. GodThe one whom David calls upon to intervene and bring confusion to the plans of the wicked. 5. Violence and StrifeThe conditions present in the city, which are the result of the actions of the wicked and are the focus of David's lament. Teaching Points The Power of Prayer in Times of DistressDavid's immediate response to turmoil is to pray. We should also turn to God first when facing conflict. God's Sovereignty Over Human AffairsJust as God confused the languages at Babel, He has the power to disrupt the plans of the wicked today. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareThe violence and strife in the city reflect the spiritual battles we face. We must be vigilant and prayerful. The Importance of Righteous LeadershipDavid's lament highlights the need for godly leadership to prevent violence and strife in our communities. Trusting God Amidst BetrayalDavid's experience teaches us to trust God even when we feel betrayed by those close to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to violence and strife in Psalm 55:9 challenge us to respond to conflict in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see the theme of God's sovereignty over human plans in both Psalm 55:9 and the account of the Tower of Babel? 3. How can we apply the lessons from David's prayer in Psalm 55:9 to situations of betrayal or conflict in our personal relationships? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote peace and prevent strife in our communities, drawing from the teachings of Psalm 55:9? 5. How does understanding the historical context of David's life, such as the rebellion of Absalom, enhance our interpretation of Psalm 55:9? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 11:1-9The Tower of Babel, where God confuses the language of the people, is a direct parallel to David's request for God to confuse the speech of his enemies. 2 Samuel 15-17The rebellion of Absalom against David, which provides historical context for the psalm, as David faced betrayal and conflict. James 3:16This verse speaks about disorder and every evil practice where there is envy and selfish ambition, connecting to the strife David observes. Proverbs 6:16-19Lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked schemes, which aligns with the actions of David's enemies. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Acts, Confound, Confuse, Destroy, Destruction, Divide, Division, Fighting, Language, O, Plans, Speech, Strife, Swallow, Tongue, Tongues, Town, Violence, Violent, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:9 5585 towers
5815 confusion
5975 violence 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 55:9 NIVPsalm 55:9 NLTPsalm 55:9 ESVPsalm 55:9 NASBPsalm 55:9 KJV
Psalm 55:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
