Psalms 55:3

3 because of the enemy's voice, because of the pressure^[a] of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me^[b] and harass me in anger.

Psalms 55:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:3

Because of the voice of the enemy
Of Absalom, as Arama; or of Ahithophel, who gave out he would smite the king only, ( 2 Samuel 17:2 ) ; and so of any spiritual enemy, as sin, Satan, and the world, when they threaten dominion and tyranny; and of the Scribes and Pharisees reproaching Christ, as being a Samaritan, and having a devil, and doing his miracles by his assistance; menacing, insulting, and triumphing over him, when on the cross;

because of the oppression of the wicked;
of Absalom or Ahithophel, as Arama; who conspired against David, and obliged him to quit his palace, and the city of Jerusalem; and is applicable to the troubles which surround the people of God, from every quarter, by wicked men, and to our Lord's being enclosed by them at the time of his Crucifixion, ( Psalms 22:12 Psalms 22:13 Psalms 22:16 ) ;

for they cast iniquity upon me;
laid things to his charge he knew not: so wicked men falsely accuse the good conversation of the saints; and so the Jews imputed crimes to Christ he was innocent of; as immorality, sedition, blasphemy

and in wrath they hate me;
as they do all the people of God, because chosen and called, and separated from them: and so they did Christ, and with a mortal hatred, though without a cause.

Psalms 55:3 In-Context

1 God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help.

2 Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,

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

4 My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me.

5 Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or threat, or oppression
• [b]. LXX, Syr, Sym; MT reads they cause me to totter