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    Psalms 55 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 55 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 55

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 55:22

    "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he…"

    Psalm 55:21

    "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war wa…"

    Psalm 55:23

    "But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destr…"

    Popular Verses in Psalms 55

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 55:22 KJV

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    Psalms 55 Summary

    Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament over betrayal by a close companion. David's anguish is so great he wishes he had wings like a dove to fly away from his troubles.

    The psalm vividly describes the pain of having an intimate friend turn enemy—someone with whom he once walked to God's house. Yet David resolves to cast his cares on the Lord, trusting God to sustain him.

    Key Themes

    Betrayal by a friendDesire to escapeCasting cares on GodTrust amid treachery

    Key Verses in Psalms 55

    "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

    — Psalms 55:22

    One of Scripture's most comforting promises about releasing anxiety to God.

    "I said, 'Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.'"

    — Psalms 55:6

    A universally relatable desire to escape overwhelming pain.

    Life Application

    When betrayal crushes your spirit and you wish you could simply escape, cast your burden on the Lord. He promises to sustain you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who betrayed David in Psalm 55?

    The identity is uncertain, but the description of an intimate companion who broke covenant may refer to Ahithophel, David's trusted advisor who joined Absalom's rebellion.

    Psalm 55 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Wounded, turning to trust

    Best read for: Betrayal by friends, carrying heavy burdens

    Overview of Psalm 55: Cast Your Burden on the Lord

    Psalm 55 is David's anguished prayer after betrayal by a close companion — someone who walked with him to the house of God. David wishes for wings like a dove to fly away and find rest. The pain of friend-turned-enemy cuts deeper than any foe. Yet the psalm commands: 'Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee.' God will never let the righteous be moved.

    Key Themes

    Betrayal
    Burden-Casting
    God Sustains
    Rest

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
    — Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
    “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”
    — Psalm 55:6 (KJV)

    Reflection

    The deepest wounds come from those closest to us. David didn't pretend it didn't hurt — he grieved deeply. But he also cast that unbearable burden on the Lord. What burden are you carrying that God is waiting to hold?

    Historical Context

    David's anguish over betrayal by a close companion—possibly Ahithophel, his trusted counselor who defected to Absalom. The longing for 'wings like a dove' to fly away reveals the depth of his pain.

    How to Apply Psalm 55 Today

    The desire to escape is human and honest. But notice David's resolution: instead of flying away, he calls upon God. When you want to run from your problems, redirect that energy into prayer. Morning, evening, and noon—bring it all to God.

    A Prayer from Psalm 55

    Give ear to my prayer, O God. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace. Amen.

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