Bible Commentary

Psalms 55:9-15

Matthew Henry on Psalms 55:9-15

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

No wickedness so distresses the believer, as that which he witnesses in those who profess to be of the church of God. Let us not be surprised at the corruptions and disorders of the church on earth, but long to see the New Jerusalem.

He complains of one that had been very industrious against him. God often destroys the enemies of the church by dividing them. And an interest divided against itself cannot long stand. The true Christian must expect trials from professed friends, from those with whom he has been united; this will be very painful; but by looking unto Jesus we shall be enabled to bear it.

Christ was betrayed by a companion, a disciple, an apostle, who resembled Ahithophel in his crimes and doom. Both were speedily overtaken by Divine vengeance. And this prayer is a prophecy of the utter, the everlasting ruin, of all who oppose and rebel against the Messiah.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:1-23EXPOSITION THIS psalm has been assigned to Jeremiah by Hitzig, and by others to an unknown writer of the seventh century b.c. But no solid grounds have been shown for setting aside the traditionary evidence of the "titl…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:9-15With a sudden transition, the writer passes from his own suffering, fears, and longings, to imprecations on his enemies, and a description of their wicked proceedings. In the course of his description he singles out one…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues. The second clause contains a reference to the confusion of tongues at Babel (Genesis 11:7). "Introduce confusion into their counsels, and disperse them, as thou didst with the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:9-15A picture of corrupt city life and private life, and a denunciation of God's judgments upon them. I. CORRUPT CITY LIFE. (Psalms 55:10, Psalms 55:11.) 1. Corrupt in every part, on the walls and in the interior. Violence…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:10Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof. "It is not a siege or blockade that is described; and the persons spoken of are not foreign, but native enemies. These are compared to watchmen on the walls; only,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:11Wickedness is in the midst thereof; deceit and guile depart not from her streets; literally, out of her street (rehob)—"the open square, where justice ought to have been administered "(Kay), "adjoining the vaulted passa…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:12For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it. The psalmist passes from the general to the particular—from the great mass of his opponents to one special individual. Even Professor Cheyne allows…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:13But it was thou, a man mine equal; literally, a man according to my valuing; i.e. one of my social rank, with whom I was on familiar terms. My guide; or, "my companion." But the LXX. have ἡγέμων. And mine acquaintance…Joseph S. Exell and contributors