What does Psalm 55:12 mean?
To face danger naturally inspires fear; David expressed his desire to be rescued by God (Psalm 55:1–8). Here, he indicates his situation is more than hostile. He has been betrayed by a close friend. Likely, this means Ahithophel, a former advisor who turned to support David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:31). Although David had many enemies, men such as Ahithophel caused him especially great pain. David notes that someone is mocking him other than a longtime enemy. Were insults to come from an opponent, David could simply ignore them. As he notes later, though, this venom is coming from someone he thought was his friend (Psalm 55:13–14).Believers should expect to receive rude treatment from those who despise the Lord and His followers. Jesus pronounced His followers blessed "when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Matthew 5:11). He said, "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:12). Jesus Himself endured ridicule and insults from hateful unbelievers. Pilate's soldiers "mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" (Matthew 27:29). They spit on Him and beat Him (Matthew 27:30). When Jesus was dying on the cross, onlookers derided Him, and the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders mocked Him (Matthew 27:41).
Sadly, Christians may sometimes experience rudeness, coldness, vitriol, and slander from fellow believers. This is why many New Testament writings commend unity and love within the Church (Ephesians 4:1–16, 25–32; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1).
