Psalm 55:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.

NIV: He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

NASB: He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who are aggressive toward me.

CSB: Though many are against me, he will redeem me from my battle unharmed.

NLT: He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.

KJV: He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

NKJV: He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.

Clues in this psalm suggest David was writing in response to the rebellion of his son, Absalom (Psalm 55:2–8; 2 Samuel 15:14). This coup was assisted by David's former ally, Ahithophel (Psalm 55:12–13; 2 Samuel 15:31). During this incident, David was forced to flee so his family would not be killed by those aligned with Absalom. This verse mentions a large number collected against David, as is mentioned in Psalm 3, specifically referring to the rebellion of Absalom (Psalm 3:1). Of course, that was not the only time when David faced an enemy with greater numbers or power (1 Samuel 17:4, 48; 19:18; 21:10; 23:14).

Here, David suggests that his safety is ensured, despite the size of his enemy. God had previously promised to protect David's throne (2 Samuel 7:9, 11). Though David faces many adversaries, he is supremely confident that the Lord will not let him fall (Psalm 55:16).

The word "redeem" in this verse is from the Hebrew root word padah, which can also mean to deliver or to rescue. David was confident the Lord would fight for him. The apostle Paul encourages Christians to rest assured that no enemy can stand against them. He writes, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). In verse 37 he exclaims, "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us." He follows this exclamation with a list of calamities that might assail the believer, but he affirms that none of these things "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39).

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.