Psalm 55:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

NIV: because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.

NASB: Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me And in anger they hold a grudge against me.

CSB: because of the enemy's words, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.

NLT: My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.

KJV: Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

NKJV: Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.

David explains the reason for his distracted anguish and deep distress (Psalm 55:1–2). He lays the blame on evil people—his enemies—who threaten and persecute him. These foes are angry and seek revenge on David. This would be consistent with his experience during the rebellion of Absalom. In that incident, one of David's closest advisors helped David's son, Absalom, attempt a bloody takeover of the throne (2 Samuel 15—18). Scholars suggest Ahithophel, the traitor, may have been the grandfather of Bathsheba, the woman David illegitimately took from her husband (2 Samuel 11:3; 15:12; 23:34). Ahithophel may have acted to avenge his family.

Soldiers might throw stones at their enemy, along with harsh words and insults. In some cases, armies might dislodge boulders, sending them crashing down on the enemy. A somewhat similar expression to "drop trouble" found here occurs in Psalm 140:10: "Let burning coals fall upon them." David felt that his life was in mortal danger from those who held a grudge against him (Psalm 55:4–5). However, he also knew that the Lord had promised to make a great name for him and to give him a dynasty (2 Samuel 7:9, 11). Furthermore, the Lord promised: "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). David prays while in a state of shock, not a sense of abandonment.

Psalm 55:1–8 focuses on David's prayer for the Lord's help. David describes his trouble and the intense, negative feelings that overwhelm him. He recognizes the pressing danger of his enemies—later verses point out that a close friend has betrayed him. If he could, David would escape somewhere far away and seek shelter.

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.