When we read this Psalm we may miss a very special component. David appears to be waiting for someone who he later acknowledges in a beautiful way. David seems to be referencing Asaph. Asaph seems to be a close friend to David. David goes through darkness and spiritual attack just like we do. While in the desert, David invokes the courts of heaven. David points out that people were cursing him in dialects of demons and demands that they be stopped. This Psalm is a song of instruction. It seems that at least one translator recognized that this was written to Asaph. Let’s explore.
0 G1519 To G3588 the G5056 director; G1722 among G5215 hymns G4907 of contemplation; G3588 to G* Asaph.
This Psalm was written by David to Asaph. Asaph was a Levite who was a musician and a seer. This gives us a time frame that would be after the ark was brought to Gibeon. Asaph was a tabernacle worshipper and prophet. He also wrote several Psalms and had several sons.
1 Chronicles 16:1-6 (KJV)
1 So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:
5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
1 Chronicles 16:37-39 (KJV)
37 So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:
38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
39 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
The time frame is after David brought the ark to Gibeon. This song is a sacred song of sunesis, “mentally putting together in the mind”. We could say it is a song of learning, knowledge, or understanding. This tells us that David wants to teach us something in this song.
Psalms 55:1 G1801 Give ear, G3588 O G2316 God, G3588 to G4335 my prayer! G1473 G2532 for G3361 you should not G5237 overlook G3588 G1162 my supplication. G1473
4335 LSJ Gloss:προσευχή prayer
Dodson:προσευχή prayer, a place for prayer
(a) prayer (to God), (b) a place for prayer (used by Jews, perhaps where there was no synagogue).
Thayer:
1) prayer addressed to God
2) a place set apart or suited for the offering of prayer
2a) a synagogue
2b) a place in the open air where the Jews were wont to pray, outside the cities, where they had no synagogue
2b1) such places were situated upon the bank of a stream or the shore of a sea, where there was a supply of water for washing the hands before prayer
For Synonyms see entry G5828
προσευχή
proseuchē pros-yoo-khay' From G4336; prayer (worship); by implication an oratory (chapel) KJV Usage: X pray earnestly, prayer.
1162 LSJ Gloss:δέησις an entreating, asking: a prayer, entreaty
Dodson:δέησις supplication, prayer supplication, prayer, entreaty.
Thayer:
1) need, indigence, want, privation, penury
2) a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God or to man
For Synonyms see entry G5828
δέησις
deēsis deh'-ay-sis From G1189; a petition KJV Usage: prayer, request, supplication.
“Listen the Elohim my prayer and not disregard my request”.
This song starts with direct communication to the Elohim, the Gods. David is speaking to the authorities and rulers in the heavenly courts. As we know, Elohim is a plural meaning “three or more”, and technically means “king or president”. It is not a name for someone, but a title. David is not speaking to the lesser gods of the upper atmosphere, the god of this world, the demons, or seducing spirits, he is speaking to the Father and His Son, as well as the Holy Spirit, beasts, elders, and all others in the courts of heaven.
Psalms 55:2 G4337 Take heed G1473 to me, G2532 and G1522 listen to G1473 me! G3076 I was fretted G1722 in G3588 G96.2 my meditation G1473 G2532 and G5015 was disturbed,
4337 LSJ Gloss:προσέχω to hold to, offer
Dodson:προσέχω I pay attention to, devote myself to (a) I attend to, pay attention to, (b) I beware, am cautious, (c) I join, devote myself to.
Thayer:
1) to bring to, bring near
1a) to bring a ship to land, and simply to touch at, put in
2) to turn the mind to, attend to be attentive
2a) to a person or a thing: of caring for, providing for
3) to attend to one's self, i.e. to give heed to one's self
3a) give attention to, take heed
4) to apply one's self to, attach one's self to, hold or cleave to a person or a thing
4a) to be given or addicted to
4b) to devote thought and effort to
προσέχω
prosechō pros-ekh'-o From G4314 and G2192; (figuratively) to hold the mind (G3563 implied) towards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to KJV Usage: (give) attend (-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard.
3076 LSJ Gloss:λυπέω to give pain to, to pain, distress, grieve, vex, annoy
Dodson:λυπέω I pain, grieve, vex.
Thayer:
1) to make sorrowful
2) to affect with sadness, cause grief, to throw into sorrow
3) to grieve, offend
4) to make one uneasy, cause him a scruple
λυπέω
lupeō loo-peh'-o From G3077; to distress; reflexively or passively to be sad
KJV Usage: cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow (-ful), be (make) sorry.
“Pay attention to me and listen me, distress in my rejection and agitation”.
David was calling for audience, and wanting to tell the Elohim about his distress. David failed to pass a test; by implication he was then unproved or rejected, and disturbed by the enemy’s voice. This has nothing to do with meditation or contemplation, he was shamed by something he did. The sentence break here is not quite right.
Psalms 55:3 G575 from G5456 the voice G2190 of the enemy, G2532 and G575 from G2347 the affliction G268 of the sinner; G3754 for G1578 they turned aside G1909 against G1473 me G458 for lawlessness, G2532 and G1722 in G3709 anger G1465.1 they displayed anger G1473 against me.
2190 LSJ Gloss:ἐχθρός hated, hateful
Dodson:ἐχθρός hated, hostile, an enemy hated, hostile; subst: an enemy.
Thayer:
1) hated, odious, hateful
2) hostile, hating, and opposing another
2a) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin
2a1) opposing (God) in the mind
2a2) a man that is hostile
2a3) a certain enemy
2a4) the hostile one
2a5) the devil who is the most bitter enemy of the divine government
ἐχθρός
echthros ekh-thros' From a primary word ἔχθω echthō (to hate); hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan) KJV Usage: enemy, foe.
2347 Dodson:θλῖψις persecution, affliction, distress persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation.
Thayer:
1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure
2) metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits
θλίψις
thlipsis thlip'-sis From G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively)
KJV Usage: afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
268 LSJ Gloss:ἁμαρτωλός sinful
Dodson:ἁμαρτωλός sinning, sinful, a sinner sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable.
Thayer:
1) devoted to sin, a sinner
1a) not free from sin
1b) pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked
1b1) all wicked men
1b2) specifically of men stained with certain definite vices or crimes
1b2a) tax collectors, heathen
ἁμαρτωλός
hamartōlos ham-ar-to-los' From G264; sinful, that is, a sinner KJV Usage: sinful, sinner.
1578 LSJ Gloss:ἐκκλίνω to bend out of the regular line
Dodson:ἐκκλίνω I fall away from, turn away (lit: I bend away from), I fall away from, turn away (from), deviate.
Thayer:
1) to turn aside, deviate (from the right way and course)
2) to turn (one's self) away, to turn away from, keep aloof from one's society
3) to shun one
ἐκκλίνω
ekklinō ek-klee'-no From G1537 and G2827; to deviate, that is, (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety) KJV Usage: avoid, eschew, go out of the way.
458 LSJ Gloss:ἀνομία lawlessness
Dodson:ἀνομία lawlessness, iniquity lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin.
Thayer:
1) the condition of without law
1a) because ignorant of it
1b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
ἀνομία
anomia an-om-ee'-ah From G459; illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness KJV Usage: iniquity, X transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness
“From sound hateful and from persecution sinner that fall away from on me, iniquity and in wrath they thwarted”.
There should not have been a sentence break between verse 2 and 3, or the sentence break could have come after David declared ‘Listen to me’. David said he was rejected and agitated from the sound of hateful people and from the persecution of the sinners who fell away against him. With lawlessness and wrath they thwarted David.
Psalms 55:4 G3588 G2588 My heart G1473 G5015 was disturbed G1722 in G1473 me, G2532 and G1167 dread G2288 of death G1968 fell G1909 upon G1473 me.
5015 LSJ Gloss:ταράσσω to stir, stir up, trouble
Dodson:ταράσσω I agitate, stir up, trouble I disturb, agitate, stir up, trouble.
Thayer:
1) to agitate, trouble (a thing, by the movement of its parts to and fro)
1a) to cause one inward commotion, take away his calmness of mind, disturb his equanimity
1b) to disquiet, make restless
1c) to stir up
1d) to trouble
1d1) to strike one's spirit with fear and dread
1e) to render anxious or distressed
1f) to perplex the mind of one by suggesting scruples or doubts
ταράσσω
tarassō tar-as'-so Of uncertain affinity; to stir or agitate (roil water) KJV Usage: trouble.
1167 LSJ Gloss:δειλία cowardice
Dodson:δειλία cowardice cowardice, timidity.
Thayer:
1) timidity, fearfulness, cowardice
For Synonyms see entry G5835
δειλία
deilia di-lee'-ah From G1169; timidity KJV Usage: fear.
1968 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιπίπτω to fall upon
Dodson:ἐπιπίπτω I fall upon, press upon I fall upon, press upon, light upon, come over.
Thayer:
1) to fall upon, to rush or press upon
1a) to lie upon one
1b) to fall into one's embrace
1c) to fall back upon
2) metaph.
2a) to fall upon one i.e. to seize, take possession of him
2a1) of the Holy Spirit, in his inspiration and impulse
2a2) of reproaches cast upon one
ἐπιπίπτω
epipiptō ep-ee-pip'-to From G1909 and G4098; to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: fall into (on, upon), lie on, press upon.
“My heart agitated in me and timidity of death fell upon me”.
This is an honest assessment of spiritual attacks. We become agitated, upset, and timid. Anxiety. We shrink back instead of blaze forward. God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Press on.
Psalms 55:5 G5401 Fear G2532 and G5156 trembling G2064 came G1909 upon G1473 me, G2532 and G2572 [2covered G1473 3me G4655 1darkness].
2572 LSJ Gloss:καλύπτω to cover with
Dodson:καλύπτω I veil, hide, conceal, envelop.
Thayer:
1) to hide, veil
1a) to hinder the knowledge of a thing
καλύπτω
kaluptō kal-oop'-to Akin to G2813 and G2928; to cover up (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: cover, hide.
4655 LSJ Gloss:σκότος darkness, gloom
Dodson:σκότος darkness darkness, either physical or moral.
Thayer:
1) darkness
1a) of night darkness
1b) of darkened eyesight or blindness
2) metaph.
2a) of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell
2b) persons in whom darkness becomes visible and holds sway
σκότος
skotos skot'-os From the base of G4639; shadiness, that is, obscurity (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: darkness.
“Fear and trembling come upon me and obscurity enveloped me”.
A phobia came upon David and he was shaken. Darkness covered over him. This is a spiritual attack. There is no physical cloud that falls over one person and not others. Spiritual clouds darken our way and make us scared. The dynamic of this is a spirit sent to us via a curse. David said this was due to his failing, not to his contemplation. Something spiritual came against David, it covered him. When we feel anxious and feel shaken, we can be sure it is phobos, fear. Phobos is not in love, but perfect love casts out phobos. Phobos holds punishment, 1 John 4:18. Phobos is also the name of one of the moons of mars.
Psalms 55:6 G2532 And G2036 I said, G5100 Why G1325 shall he not give G1473 to me G4420 wings G5616 as G4058 a dove, G2532 and G4070.3 I shall spread out G2532 and G2664 I shall rest?
4420 LSJ Gloss:πτέρυξ the wing
Dodson:πτέρυξ a wing a wing, pinion.
Thayer:
1) a wing: of birds
πτέρυξ
pterux pter'-oox From a derivative of G4072 (meaning a feather); a wing KJV Usage: wing.
2664 LSJ Gloss:καταπαύω to lay to rest, put an end to
Dodson:καταπαύω I rest, cause to rest (a) trans: I cause to rest, bring to rest; I cause to refrain, (b) intrans: I rest.
Thayer:
1) to make quiet, to cause to be at rest, to grant rest
1a) to lead to a quiet abode
1b) to still, restrain, to cause (one striving to do something) to desist
2) to rest, take rest
καταπαύω
katapauō kat-ap-ow'-o From G2596 and G3973; to settle down, that is, (literally) to colonize, or (figuratively) to (cause to) desist KJV Usage: cease, (give) rest (-rain).
“And say any one offer me wings like dove and flee away and settle down”.
David wants to fly away, escape and rest from this situation of fear and spiritual darkness. This is what we all want to do when we are battle weary. We long for a vacation.
Psalms 55:7 G2400 Behold, G3118.2 I was far off G5435.6 being driven into exile, G2532 and G835 was lodged G1722 in G3588 the G2048 wilderness.
“Look, escorted away and lodged in the desert”.
David was escorted into the desert. Some of his men were hiding him to save his life. Remember, David was in fear and darkness and he became timid of death. When we are in a desert place we feel alone and exhausted. However, as we will see shortly, there is something that we should do.
Psalms 55:8 G4327 I waited for G3588 the G4982 one delivering G1473 me G575 from G3641.4 faint-heartedness G2532 and G2616.6 the gale.
“I awaited, rescue me from little breath and storm”
David waited in the desert to be rescued. He had shallow breathing, as if he was trying to catch his breath, but he only had a little air. David hyperventilating is a symptom of phobos.
David also needed rescue from a wind storm. If we remember our studies on the Ophanim, we know that they can create a wind storm, something like a tornado, when they transport the Merkabah. But as we know there are fallen spiritual beings, and some of the Ophan, as a class of sons of God, are not immune to following the devil. This gale or wind storm was probably of supernatural origin.
David was waiting for someone. Waiting in the desert. David then does something we all need to learn.
Psalms 55:9 G2670 Sink them, G2962 O lord, G2532 and G2612.1 divide G3588 G1100 their tongues! G1473 G3754 for G1492 I saw G458 lawlessness G2532 and G485 dispute G1722 in G3588 the G4172 city.
2670 LSJ Gloss:καταποντίζω to throw into the sea, drown therein
Dodson:καταποντίζω I sink in the sea, am drowned I sink in the sea, pass: I drown, am submerged.
Thayer:
1) to plunge or sink into the sea
1a) to sink, to go down
1b) a grievous offender for the purpose of killing him, to drown
καταποντίζω
katapontizō kat-ap-on-tid'-zo From G2596 and a derivative of the same as G4195; to plunge down, that is, submerge KJV Usage: drown, sink.
458 LSJ Gloss:ἀνομία lawlessness
Dodson:ἀνομία lawlessness, iniquity lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin.
Thayer:
1) the condition of without law
1a) because ignorant of it
1b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
ἀνομία
anomia an-om-ee'-ah From G459; illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness KJV Usage: iniquity, X transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness
485 LSJ Gloss:ἀντιλογία contradiction, controversy, disputation
Dodson:ἀντιλογία contradiction, contention, rebellion.
Thayer:
1) gainsaying, contradiction
2) opposition, rebellion
ἀντιλογία
antilogia an-tee-log-ee'-ah From a derivative of G483; dispute, disobedience KJV Usage: contradiction, gainsaying, strife.
“Plunge down Yahweh and down judge their (unacquired) language because I saw iniquity and disobedience in the city”
Warfare. David is in the desert, not at the ocean, therefore this is a spiritual storm that he is dealing with. He says to Yahweh, plunge down on them, not ‘sink their boat’. Imagine what that would look like. He then says down judge their language. What language? Is this the language of demons and seducing spirits David has mentioned before? David is specifically speaking to Yahweh, the judge. He is presenting his case now to the courts of heaven. David is asking for a spiritual judgment because of the lawlessness and rebellion in the city. Here is a tip for us; in the desert, invoke the heavenly courts.
There were people cursing David. Some of the curses stuck because of David’s failure. He was being persecuted by phobos. He wanted to escape and rest, but instead he was brought into the desert. Now, in the desert he will make his case. Remember David is teaching us something here. When we are in the desert, instead of wishing for rest, make a case to Yahweh against the enemy.
Psalms 55:10 G2250 Day G2532 and G3571 night G2944 he shall encircle G1473 her G1909 upon G3588 G5038 her walls; G1473 G2532 and G458 lawlessness G2532 and G4192 misery G1722 will be in G3319 the midst G1473 of her;
2944 LSJ Gloss:κυκλόω to encircle, surround
Dodson:κυκλόω I encircle, besiege, surround.
Thayer:
1) to go around, lead around
2) to surround, encircle, encompass
2a) of persons standing around
2b) of besiegers
κυκλόω
kukloō koo-klo'-o From the same as G2945; to encircle, that is, surround KJV Usage: compass (about), come (stand) round about.
“Day and night surround them on their walls and iniquity and anguish in amongst them”
David is demanding before the courts of heaven to surround the city and bring misery and sin. David seems to be suggesting that they be closed in and consume themselves. Isn’t that a great thing to call down against the enemies of Yahweh? They can kill themselves. Why? Because they are cursing Yahweh’s chosen. David was Yahweh’s chosen.
Psalms 55:11 G2532 and G93 injustice, G2532 and G3756 [4ceased not G1587 G1537 5from out of G3588 G4113 6her squares G1473 G5110 1usury G2532 2and G1388 3treachery].
93 LSJ Gloss:ἀδικία wrong-doing, injustice
Dodson:ἀδικία unrighteousness injustice, unrighteousness, hurt.
Thayer:
1) injustice, of a judge
2) unrighteousness of heart and life
3) a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness
ἀδικία
adikia ad-ee-kee'-ah From G94; (legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act) KJV Usage: iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.
5110 LSJ Gloss:τόκος a bringing forth, childbirth, parturition
Dodson:τόκος interest, usury.
Thayer:
1) birth
1a) the act of bringing forth
1b) that which has been brought forth, offspring
2) interest of money, usury (because it multiplies money, and as it were "breeds")
τόκος
tokos tok'-os From the base of G5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce) KJV Usage: usury.
1388 LSJ Gloss:δόλος a bait
Dodson:δόλος deceit, guile, treachery.
Thayer:
1) craft, deceit, guile
δόλος
dolos dol'-os From δέλλω dellō (an obsolete primary probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), that is, (figuratively) wile KJV Usage: craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
“And injustice and interest on money loaned and bait, omit not out of their streets”.
This is another place where a misunderstood sentence break obscures David’s ideas. David says to encircle the city where these lawless people are, and let them consume themselves and fight among themselves with usury and baiting them. In other words trick them into this. Let it be done in the streets. What would happen if a city was surrounded by an enemy and no one could leave? What would happen if the people started to turn on one another? What if those who were the once rich overlords were ransacked by the masses? What if the ones who were calling down curses on David, who were worshipping the devil, were baited or tricked into destroying each other?
Psalms 55:12 G3754 For G1487 if G2190 an enemy G3679 berated G1473 me, G5297 I would have endured. G302 G2532 And G1487 if G3588 the G3404 one detesting G1473 me G1909 [2against G1473 3me G3169.2 1spoke great words], G2928 I would have hidden G302 G575 from G1473 him.
2190 LSJ Gloss:ἐχθρός hated, hateful
Dodson:ἐχθρός hated, hostile, an enemy hated, hostile; subst: an enemy.
Thayer:
1) hated, odious, hateful
2) hostile, hating, and opposing another
2a) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin
2a1) opposing (God) in the mind
2a2) a man that is hostile
2a3) a certain enemy
2a4) the hostile one
2a5) the devil who is the most bitter enemy of the divine government
ἐχθρός
echthros ekh-thros' From a primary word ἔχθω echthō (to hate); hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan) KJV Usage: enemy, foe.
5297 LSJ Gloss:ὑποφέρω to carry away under
Dodson:ὑποφέρω I endure, suffer I bear up under, endure, suffer.
Thayer:
1) to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one's shoulders)
2) to bear patiently, to endure
ὑποφέρω
hupopherō hoop-of-er'-o From G5259 and G5342; to bear from underneath, that is, (figuratively) to undergo hardship KJV Usage: bear, endure.
3404 LSJ Gloss:μισέωto hate
Dodson:μισέωI hate, detest I hate, detest, love less, esteem less.
Thayer:
1) to hate, pursue with hatred, detest
2) to be hated, detested
μισέω
miseō mis-eh'-o From a primary word μῖσος misos (hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension to love less KJV Usage: hate (-ful).
“Because if hateful throw reproach upon me I bear up under and if my hater complained upon me I hid from him”
David says that if the hateful speak against him he would remain standing. If someone who hated him complained about him he would simply leave, or hide. If this was a physical attack by people berating or complaining about David, he would have endured it and may have removed himself from the situation, but this is not a physical attack, it is a spiritual attack.
Psalms 55:13 G1473 But you, G1161 G444 O man, G2473 are like-minded, G2232 a leader G1473 of mine, G2532 and G1109 my diviner, G1473
2473 LSJ Gloss:ἰσόψυχος of equal spirit
Dodson:ἰσόψυχος like-minded like-minded, of the same mind or spirit.
Thayer:
1) equal in soul
ἰσόψυχος
2232 LSJ Gloss:ἡγεμών one who leads
Dodson:ἡγεμών a governor a leader, guide; a commander; a governor (of a province); plur: leaders.
Thayer:
1) a leader of any kind, a guide, ruler, prefect, president, chief, general, commander, sovereign
1a) a "legatus Caesaris", an officer administering a province in the name and with the authority of the Roman emperor
1a1) the governor of a province
1b) a procurator, an officer who was attached to a proconsul or a proprietor and had charge of the imperial revenues
1b1) in causes relating to these revenues he administered justice. In the smaller provinces also, which were so to speak appendages of the greater, he discharged the functions of governor of the province; and such was the relation of the procurator of Judaea to the governor of Syria.
1c) first, leading, chief
1c) of a principal town as the capital of the region
ἡγεμών
hēgemōn hayg-em-ohn' From G2233; a leader, that is, chief person (or figuratively place) of a province KJV Usage: governor, prince, ruler.
1109 LSJ Gloss:γνώστης one that knows
Dodson:γνώστης one who knows, an expert.
Thayer:
1) an expert, a connoisseur
γνώστης
gnōstēs gnoce'-tace From G1097; a knower KJV Usage: expert.
“But you man face equal spirit my leader and my knower”
Who is David speaking to? Asaph. “But you Asaph, my spiritual leader and my knower or seer.” David and Asaph were equal souls and equal spirits. They were on the same page. They both understood the spiritual battle. They both communed with Yahweh. In verse 8 David says that he waited to be rescued from shortness of breath and the storm. Was he waiting for Asaph? Did he hope Asaph would come and pray over him?
Again this sentence should have connected to the following one.
Psalms 55:14 G3739 who G2009.1 together G1098.2 you sweetened G1475.1 foods; G1722 in G3588 the G3624 house G3588 G2316 of God G4198 we went G1722 in G3672.4 concord.
4198 Dodson:πορεύομαι I travel, journey, go I travel, journey, go, die.
Thayer:
1) to lead over, carry over, transfer
1a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one's journey
1b) to depart from life
1c) to follow one, that is: become his adherent
1c1) to lead or order one's life
For Synonyms see entry G5818
πορεύομαι
poreuomai por-yoo'-om-ahee Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die ], live, etc.) KJV Usage: depart, go (away, forth, one’s way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.
“That in itself, who sweetened dishes in the dwelling of Elohim, travel in peace”.
You Asaph are a spiritual leader and a seer that in itself, sweetened dishes in the house of the Elohim. Travel in peace Asaph. Sweetening the dishes is bringing sweetness via song and instruments into the tabernacle.
As David is in the desert making a case before the Lord, he may have heard of Asaph’s passing. David may have been awaiting Asaph in the desert. David then said plunge down and down judge them. Encircle the city and bait them into destroying themselves. If this was physical back biting David would have stayed in the city and endured it, but it was a spiritual attack and his people took him into the desert.
Asaph, the one who ministers before the Lord in Gibeon, may have been killed. In the desert David went to the courts of the Lord. Asaph’s passing may have given David the inspiration to bring his case before the Lord. David continues in his tribunal.
Psalms 55:15 G2064 And let [2come G1161 G2288 1death] G1909 upon G1473 them, G2532 and G2597 let them go down G1519 into G86 Hades G2198 alive! G3754 For G4189 wickedness G1722 in G3588 G3940 their sojourn, G1473 G1722 is in G3319 the midst G1473 of them.
2597 LSJ Gloss:καταβαίνω to step down, go
Dodson:καταβαίνω I go down, come down
I go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend.
Thayer:
1) to go down, come down, descend
1a) the place from which one has come down from
1b) to come down
1b1) as from the temple at Jerusalem, from the city of Jerusalem
1b2) of celestial beings coming down to earth
1c) to be cast down
2) of things
2a) to come (i.e. be sent) down
2b) to come (i.e. fall) down
2b1) from the upper regions of the air
3) metaph. to (go i.e.) be cast down to the lowest state of wretchedness and shame
καταβαίνω
katabainō kat-ab-ah'ee-no From G2596 and the base of G939; to descend (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: come (get, go, step) down, descend, fall (down).
86 Dodson: Ἇ Hades Hades, the unseen world.
Thayer:
1) name Hades or Pluto, the god of the lower regions
2) Orcus, the nether world, the realm of the dead
3) later use of this word: the grave, death, hellIn Biblical Greek it is associated with Orcus, the infernal regions, a dark and dismal place in the very depths of the earth, the common receptacle of disembodied spirits. Usually Hades is just the abode of the wicked, Lu. 16:23, Rev. 20:13,14; a very uncomfortable place. TDNT.
ᾅδης
hadēs hah'-dace From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492; properly unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls KJV Usage: grave, hell.
“But death come on them and descend into hell alive! Because evil in their foreign residence in between them”.
David calls for death on these people and that they would go down to hell alive. Very strong words. Again, David is not demanding this because someone hurt his feelings, he is saying this because of the spiritual wickedness that came against him and maybe Asaph as well. Evil was living among them. Evil took up, as a foreigner, residing between these evil people. Evil is a foreigner among God’s people. This is why David calls down death and torture on them. What would it be like for the Elohim to push someone down to hell alive?
Psalms 55:16 G1473 I G4314 [2to G3588 G2316 3God G2896 1cried out], G2532 and G3588 the G2962 lord G1522 listened to G1473 me.
“I call out to Elohim and and Yahweh hearkened me”.
David called to the Elohim and Yahweh listened to him. David calls on the Gods in the heavenly courts and Yahweh Elohim listened. David tells us that Yahweh listens to his reports.
Psalms 55:17 G2073 Evening G2532 and G4404 morning G2532 and G3314 at midday G1334 I describe G2532 and G518 report; G2532 and G1522 he shall listen to G3588 G5456 my voice. G1473
“Evening and morning and noon describe in full and bring a report and hearken to my address”.
David has Yahweh’s ear. He listens to David’s full discourses. Remember what David was called to do? He was securing Israel’s borders, killing the heirs of the Nephilim, and setting up the kingdom so that the Temple could be built. David was a man of blood. A warrior. He also was a spiritual warrior.
Psalms 55:18 G3084 He shall ransom G1722 [2in G1515 3peace G3588 G5590 1my soul] G1473 G575 from G3588 the ones G1448 approaching G1473 me; G3754 for G1722 among G4183 many G1510.7.6 they were G4862 with G1473 me.
“Release on receipt of ransom my soul in peace away from the ones approaching me because in many exist along with me”.
David says to Yahweh, save my soul in peace. Keep the ones approaching me away. They are mutinous. There were people that lived alongside of David that were attacking him. Ransom my soul in peace. Save me peacefully.
Psalms 55:19 G1522 God shall listen, G3588 G2316 G2532 and G5013 [6shall humble G1473 7them G3588 1the one G5224 2existing G4253 3before G3588 4the G165 5eons]. G1316.1 PAUSE. G3756 [3no G1063 1For G1510.2.3 2there is G1473 5with them G465 4bargaining], G3754 for G3756 they do not G5399 fear G3588 G2316 God.
“Listen Elohim and humble their possessions before the ages. Pause. For is no ransom because not fear the Elohim”.
David demands for their possessions to be humbled, meaning ‘make them lose their wealth and fortunes throughout the ages’. As David has demanded before, make their families widows and orphans wandering while others seize their wealth. Why? Because there is no ransoming them. They do not fear the Elohim. If someone does not fear the Elohim, that one behaves in rebellion to the Elohim. We have to believe that he is.
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Psalms 55:20 G1614 He stretched out G3588 G5495 his hand G1473 G1722 in G3588 G591 recompensing; G953 they profaned G3588 G1242 his covenant. G1473
“Elohim stretched out his hand, in return desecrated his contract”.
When the Elohim reached out, the people in turn violated the covenant. Not simply Mosaic law, the people worshipped the devil not Yahweh.
Psalms 55:21 G1266 He divided them into parts G575 from G3709 the anger G3588 G4383 of his face, G1473 G2532 and G1448 [2approached G3588 G2588 1their hearts]. G1473 G527.2 [2were made tender G3588 G3056 1His words] G1473 G5228 above G1637 olive oil, G2532 yet G1473 they G1510.2.6 are G1002 arrows.
1002 LSJ Gloss:βολίς a javelin
Thayer:
1) a missile, dart, javelin
βολίς
bolis bol-ece' From G906; a missile, that is, javelin KJV Usage: dart.
“Break up away from wrath, his face and his heart come near, his tender words over olive oil and they are missiles”.
David announces to the people to break from the Elohim’s wrath. David is calling for separation between the regular people and the evil people. David says the Elohim’s face and heart come near. The Elohim’s tender words are like words mixed with olive oil, but they are like missiles. They are smooth words, but they are destroyers of evil, propelled towards a target.
Psalms 55:22 G1977 Cast G1909 upon G2962 the lord G3588 G3308 your anxiety, G1473 G2532 and G1473 he G1473 will nourish you! G1303.5 G3756 He will not G1325 grant G1519 [4into G3588 5the G165 6eon G4535 3for a tossing about G3588 1the G1342 2just].
“Throw upon upon Yahweh your worry and he he feed you, not grant into the ages billowing the righteous”.
This sentence has some double words, which probably lend to the smoothness of the song. David’s instructions are to throw worry on Yahweh and he will feed us. Yahweh will not allow the righteous to blow around into the ages.
Psalms 55:23 G1473 But you, G1161 G3588 O G2316 God, G2609 shall lead G1473 them down G1519 into G5421 the well G1312 of corruption; G435 men G129 of blood G2532 and G1386.1 deceit G3766.2 in no way G2254.4 shall live half G3588 G2250 their days. G1473 G1473 But I, G1161 G2962 O lord, G1679 shall hope G1909 upon G1473 you
“But you Elohim bring down them into pit decay, man bloodshed and deceit, no not half and half their days. But I, Yahweh, hope on you”.
David declares the Elohim bring evil people into the pit of decay. Men of bloodshed and deceit will no not half and half their days, or they will fulfill less than half their days. David says to Yahweh he will hope on Him.
David uses this song as instructions to others. It seems as if this was written for the prophet Asaph. As David is standing in the courts of the Lord making his case, he stops and speaks to Asaph, go in peace. It seems Asaph may have been a kindred spirit, someone who connected well with David. David’s mission from God was the most important mission on earth as David was setting up the conditions for the Messiah to come. It may be that Yahweh connected Asaph and David for a spiritual purpose. If David was being cursed by evil people in one city, and he went to the desert and invoked the courts of heaven, and at that time Asaph died, David may have had the revelation of his friend’s passing, thereby making a tribute to him and telling him to go in peace. David then demands the Elohim in the heavenly courts to send the evil ones to hell alive.
What do we learn from David? We learn that to be in fear and timidity is something that even a great warrior like David dealt with. Maybe for David, facing giants was easier. For us, instead of taking a vacation we should go into the desert and invoke the courts of the Lord. Demand that the enemies of Yahweh kill each other. Demand that the enemies of Yahweh go down to the pit. This is not lite intercession. It is written for our learning as Paul pointed out all scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine reproof and correction, which is instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16. And as David noted in the beginning, this is a hymn of sunesis, mentally putting together in the mind, a song for learning.
