◄ Psalm 55:20 ►
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
Study Bible
My companion
The Hebrew word for "companion" here is "רֵעַ" (rea), which implies a close friend or associate. In the context of this Psalm, David is lamenting the betrayal by someone he trusted deeply. This word evokes the pain of betrayal from someone who was once considered a confidant, highlighting the personal nature of the treachery. Historically, friendships in ancient Israel were often covenantal, involving deep commitments and mutual loyalty, making the betrayal even more poignant.

attacks
The Hebrew root "שָׁלַח" (shalach) means to send or stretch out, often used in the context of sending forth a hand or weapon. This word suggests an active and aggressive betrayal, not merely a passive failure of friendship. It implies a deliberate action against someone who was once considered an ally, reflecting the intensity of the betrayal David feels.

his friends
The term "friends" here is "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which is often translated as peace but can also mean well-being or wholeness. In this context, it refers to those with whom the betrayer had a peaceful relationship. The use of "shalom" underscores the irony and tragedy of the betrayal, as it is a violation of peace and trust.

he violates
The Hebrew word "חָלַל" (chalal) means to profane or defile. This term is often used in the context of breaking something sacred. In this verse, it indicates a serious breach of trust, as covenants were considered sacred agreements. The use of "chalal" emphasizes the gravity of the betrayal, as it is not just a personal offense but a spiritual and moral violation.

his covenant
The word "בְּרִית" (berit) refers to a formal agreement or promise, often with divine implications. Covenants in the biblical context were binding and sacred, involving commitments before God. The breaking of a covenant was seen as a serious offense, not only against the other party but also against God. This highlights the depth of the betrayal, as it is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual transgression.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close friend.

2. Companion
This refers to the person who has betrayed David, likely someone he trusted deeply.

3. Covenant
A solemn agreement or promise, often seen as sacred, which has been broken by the companion.

4. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life and reign often centers around Jerusalem.

5. Betrayal
The central event in this verse, highlighting the pain of being betrayed by someone close.
Teaching Points
The Pain of Betrayal
Betrayal by a close friend or companion can be one of the most painful experiences. It is important to acknowledge this pain and bring it before God, as David does.

The Sanctity of Covenants
Covenants, whether between friends, spouses, or with God, are sacred and should be honored. Breaking them leads to deep hurt and consequences.

Trust in God Amidst Betrayal
While human relationships can fail, God's faithfulness remains constant. We are encouraged to place our ultimate trust in Him.

Forgiveness and Healing
Though betrayal wounds deeply, Christians are called to forgive as Christ forgave us. This is a process that requires God's grace and strength.

Discernment in Relationships
This verse encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in choosing close companions and to be discerning in their relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's experience of betrayal in Psalm 55:20 resonate with your own experiences of broken trust?

2. In what ways can the breaking of a covenant impact not only the individuals involved but also the wider community?

3. How can we find comfort and strength in God's faithfulness when we face betrayal by those we trust?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that you honor your commitments and covenants in your relationships?

5. How can the example of Jesus' response to Judas' betrayal guide us in dealing with those who have wronged us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 41:9
This verse also speaks of betrayal by a close friend, echoing the theme of Psalm 55:20.

2 Samuel 15:12-31
The account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal of David provides a historical backdrop that may relate to the sentiments expressed in Psalm 55.

Matthew 26:14-16
Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is a New Testament parallel, illustrating the pain of betrayal by a trusted companion.

Proverbs 27:6
This verse contrasts the wounds of a friend with the deceitful kisses of an enemy, highlighting the theme of betrayal.

Hebrews 13:5
Offers reassurance of God's faithfulness, contrasting human betrayal.
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
Contrasts in the Character and Experience of the Righteous and the WickedC. Short Psalm 55:16-23
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Agreement, Attacks, Broken, Companion, Covenant, Forth, Friends, Hands, Kept, Peace, Polluted, Profaned, Raises, Stretched, Violated, Violates, Well-wishers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:20-21

     5547   speech, power of
     5692   friends, bad
     5863   flattery
     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

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