Psalm 55:21 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalm 55:21 mean?

ESV: His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

NIV: His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

NASB: His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

CSB: His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.

NLT: His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!

KJV: The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

NKJV: The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

Verse Commentary:

The danger David faced (Psalm 55:2–8) was partly enabled by a traitorous former ally (Psalm 55:12–13, 20). This was most likely Ahithophel, the advisor who sided with David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12, 14, 31). Absalom's rebellion took time to develop as he won over more and more people in Israel. It is highly likely that Ahithophel sided with Absalom long before making that choice public. Only afterwards would David have realized his counselor had been lying.

Here, David poetically describes that two-faced approach. When he was David's counselor, Ahithophel would have spoken careful, supportive words. Yet, there was malice inside. It's possible Ahithophel was angered by David's treatment of Bathsheba. She was illegitimately taken by David (2 Samuel 12:9), and probably Ahithophel's granddaughter (2 Samuel 11:3; 15:12; 23:34).

Jesus warned His followers to beware of evil intent hidden behind comforting appearances. He said false prophets "come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). More colloquially, they are "wolves in sheep's clothing." False teachers often use flattery to capture the minds and hearts of those who are not alert. In the early Christian church, the Galatians were listening to persuasive talkers who presented a false gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). Apparently, the false teachers were hoping to win human favor (Galatians 4:17); whereas Paul was only concerned about gaining the Lord's approval (Galatians 1:10). Paul warned Timothy of those who have "the appearance of godliness, but [deny] its power" (2 Timothy 3:5) and of false teachers "who creep into households" (2 Timothy 3:6). Peter warned of false teachers "who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them … And in their greed they will exploit you with false words" (2 Peter 2:1–3). Jude, likewise, spoke of those who "have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4). Those who cause great harm to others are not always readily apparent. But God sees the heart and we can entrust ourselves to Him, standing firm in His truth so that we will not be easily deceived.

Psalm 55:16–21 includes a prayer for God to judge David's enemies, especially the traitor who was his former friend. David expresses supreme confidence that God will hear his prayer. Likewise, he is sure that those who ignore the Lord will be "humbled" and defeated.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 5/5/2024 1:43:57 PM