The Bible Says
Psalm 55:16-21 Meaning

In the midst of Psalm 55:16-21, the psalmist testifies, As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me (v. 16). These words show a personal resolve to depend on the LORD alone for deliverance. David, who lived from about 1040 BC to 970 BC and served as king in Jerusalem, often faced grave challenges that drove him to look to God as the only true Savior. Here, he emphasizes that his circumstances compel him to rely on God’s mighty power for rescue and protection.

This statement of trust highlights a pivotal theme in the psalms: genuine faith is not nominal or casual, but it is personal and active. By declaring I shall call upon God, the psalmist reveals a disciplined determination to seek the LORD, even when circumstances might tempt him to give up or to despair. Such faith resonates throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to Jesus as the focal point of God’s saving plan (Romans 10:13). Though the trials vary, the call is the same: to seek the Most High.

Additionally, the assurance And the LORD will save me inspires hope in a world full of uncertainties. It teaches that faithful prayer reaches God’s ear, and He graciously acts for the benefit of His people. The psalmist expects a future victory even while he endures suffering. Thus, his dependence on God’s deliverance brings him a confident peace.

The psalm continues, Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice (v. 17). This verse shows that prayer is not a one-time act but a consistent, committed approach to communication with God. David deliberately makes time to pour out his heart throughout the day, illustrating the necessity of persistent prayer.

Such devotion to prayer testifies to the deep relationship David cherishes with the Lord. The psalmist’s choice of words - complain and murmur - reveals an unfiltered honesty before God. Rather than hiding his troubles, he openly lays them out, expressing both sorrow and confidence that God is near. David’s transparency encourages believers today to hold nothing back in prayer, trusting that God welcomes heartfelt cries.

The assurance And He will hear my voice is a comfort that strengthens the soul. Scripture consistently affirms the truth that God hears the prayers of those who bring their requests in sincerity (1 John 5:14-15). David’s steadfast confidence emerges from his long-standing experiences of God’s faithfulness.

Moving further, the psalmist proclaims, He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me (v. 18). Here, David captures the intensity of his physical and emotional dangers, recognizing the opposition is large and daunting. Yet he relies on God’s intervention to bring him peace and safety.

To redeem my soul in peace suggests that God not only preserves life but also restores tranquility within. Even while enemies rage, David’s reliance on divine deliverance points to a serene trust that surpasses immediate turmoil. This peace, rooted in God’s power, is a forerunner to the perfect peace Jesus promises believers (John 14:27).

Importantly, the psalmist’s phrase For they are many emphasizes the magnitude of his struggle. The overwhelming pressures highlight the mighty arm of God, who can protect his servant no matter how numerous the adversaries. David’s perspective is fixed on the Lord, recognizing that true rescue comes from the One who stands above every threat.

The next declaration says, God will hear and answer them- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old- Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God (v. 19). David affirms that the supreme and eternal Judge will address the injustice of those who oppose Him. He calls God the One enthroned from of old, reminding us that the Lord’s reign began long before human rebellion.

David’s reference to no change conveys the stability and immutability of God’s character. Even as kingdoms rise and fall in earthly history, God remains the same, righteous and just. This reliability brings confidence that His judgment is fair, and that He can uphold the righteous cause against all opposition.

The statement about those who do not fear God underscores the root cause of their wrongdoing. They have no reverence for the Almighty, and thus persist in destructive conduct. David implies that because they refuse to honor God, they will inevitably face the consequences of their decisions when God responds.

Another sobering image follows: He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant (v. 20). This line reveals a personal betrayal, possibly from a friend or close associate. In the historical arc of David’s life, such betrayals were not uncommon, considering the many conspiracies that arose during his reign in Jerusalem.

The betrayal resonates deeply because it shatters trust that was once solid. Where there was peace, someone turned to hostility, breaking the bond that David once relied upon. This fracturing of trust points ahead to Jesus’ experience of betrayal by Judas (Matthew 26:48-49), reminding us that even God’s chosen leaders can be wounded by companions who turn against them.

The wording He has violated his covenant indicates deliberate wrongdoing against solemn vows. Honor and faithfulness, valued commandments in Scripture (Deuteronomy 23:21), were cast aside for selfish schemes. David mourns the pain of this betrayal, trusting God to acknowledge and address such grave injustice.

The psalmist continues, His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords (v. 21). This imagery paints a portrait of deceptive words that appear gentle yet harbor harmful intentions. It showcases the duplicitous nature of an individual who speaks devotion but conceals destructive aims.

Words smoother than butter may once have soothed or charmed, persuading the innocent to lower their guard. David points out that the betrayer’s real plan was conflict and harm - his heart was war. Such falsehood stands in sharp contrast to God’s call for sincerity and truth (Psalm 51:6).

The final image, Yet they were drawn swords, underscores how the betrayer’s words were as deadly as a physical weapon. David vividly captures the fear and heartbreak that come from such duplicity, reminding readers that God alone can reveal true motives and guard the hearts of those who trust in Him (Hebrews 4:12).