Psalm 55:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.

NIV: Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.

NASB: Confuse them, Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

CSB: Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city;

NLT: Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.

KJV: Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

NKJV: Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Earlier in this psalm, David expressed deep anguish over a life-threatening situation (Psalm 55:1–8). Various clues in the psalm suggest the event in question is the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14). David's enemies—likely Absalom and his followers—had filled Jerusalem with evil and dissension. If this psalm is in relation to Absalom's rebellion, the "violence and strife" were likely part of turning the hearts of the people away from their king (2 Samuel 15:4–6). This attempted coup was aided by Ahithophel, a former counselor of David. When David heard this, he prayed that God would reduce the effectiveness of Ahithophel's advice (2 Samuel 15:31). The plea of this verse asks for something similar: that the enemy would have "divided" speech. This breakdown in communication would make it harder for them to plot against David.

Early in human history, men conspired to build a tall structure, presumably to establish their own legacy and to make them safe from another flood (Genesis 11:4). The tower is thought to have been a ziggurat: a pyramid-shaped structure with steps leading to a small temple at its top. However, God stopped the building project by confusing the builders' common language. Their communication ceased because suddenly they could not understand one another (Genesis 11:5–9).

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.