Psalm 55:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it;

NIV: Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.

NASB: Day and night they go around her upon her walls, And evil and harm are in her midst.

CSB: day and night they make the rounds on its walls. Crime and trouble are within it;

NLT: Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.

KJV: Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.

NKJV: Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.

Clues in this psalm suggest the rebellion of David's son, Absalom, is the specific event in view (2 Samuel 15:14; Psalm 55:3–8). David's former advisor, Ahithophel, aided the conspiracy (2 Samuel 15:31; Psalm 55:12–13). The prior verse noted the conflict plaguing "the city," which likely means Jerusalem (Psalm 55:9). This verse continues to mourn the presence of evil within David's home. Walls were a city's primary defense. Guards and watchmen would patrol these, allowing them to see threats approaching the city and monitor for disturbances inside. When wicked people "walk the walls," one would expect evil and danger to thrive.

Sin and negative consequences always travel together. The first human couple sinned and trouble followed. The earth was placed under a curse. Death came to humanity. Fellowship with God was broken (Genesis 3:24). When wickedness increased in the days of Noah, God destroyed the earth with a flood (Genesis 6:5–7). When the people of Israel and Judah broke their covenant with God and plunged into idolatry, God sent the Assyrians and Babylonians against them (Isaiah 8:7–8).

The godless depravity David saw in Jerusalem foreshadows the intense wickedness that will exist in Jerusalem in the tribulation. Then, the false prophet will force people to worship the image of the beast that he sets up in the temple. This blasphemous act will cause non-compliant people to forfeit their lives (Revelation 13:11–¬18). Jesus foretold that in the tribulation lawlessness will abound (Matthew 24:12).

Psalm 55:9–15 transitions from David asking for rescue into a description of the evil his enemies commit. His foes bring violence, division, fraud, and oppression to the capital city of Jerusalem. Further, a former ally has betrayed David. These descriptions seem to match his experience during the rebellion of Absalom, who was aided by David's prior counselor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:13–14, 31). Rather than seeking revenge himself, David prays for the Lord's judgment to come on these ungodly persecutors.

David begins this song with a prayer for rescue, likely from his rebelling son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–12). David is pained because of a close ally's betrayal; this would refer to Ahithophel, who sided with the rebels (2 Samuel 15:31). This situation creates intense fear. However, David is confident God will rescue him. He is fully assured that those who attack him will be humbled and judged by the Lord.

This is among the psalms recording David's plea for divine help in a time of persecution (Psalms 3; 6; 35). He was betrayed by a close friend, likely Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31). This was probably written in response to the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–12). Despite his trouble, David was confident God would protect him and punish his enemies.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.