Psa 55 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-8 In these verses we have, 1. David praying. Prayer is a salve for every sore, and a relief to the spirit under every burden. 2. David weeping. Griefs are thus, in some measure, lessened, while those increase that have no vent given them. David in great alarm. We may well suppose him to be so, upon the breaking out of Absalom's conspiracy, and the falling away of the people. Horror overwhelmed him. Probably the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah added much to the terror. When under a guilty conscience we must mourn in our complaint, and even strong believers have for a time been filled with horror. But none ever was so overwhelmed as the holy Jesus, when it pleased the Lord to put him to grief, and to make his soul an offering for our sins. In his agony he prayed more earnestly, and was heard and delivered; trusting in him, and following him, we shall be supported under, and carried through all trials. See how David was weary of the treachery and ingratitude of men, and the cares and disappointments of his high station: he longed to hide himself in some desert from the fury and fickleness of his people. He aimed not at victory, but rest; a barren wilderness, so that he might be quiet. The wisest and best of men most earnestly covet peace and quietness, and the more when vexed and wearied with noise and clamour. This makes death desirable to a child of God, that it is a final escape from all the storms and tempests of this world, to perfect and everlasting rest.

‏ Psalms 55

* Prayer to God to manifest his favour. (1-8) The great

wickedness and treachery of his enemies. (9-15) He is sure that

God would in due time appear for him. (16-23)1-8 In these verses we have, 1. David praying. Prayer is a

salve for every sore, and a relief to the spirit under every

burden. 2. David weeping. Griefs are thus, in some measure,

lessened, while those increase that have no vent given them.

David in great alarm. We may well suppose him to be so, upon the

breaking out of Absalom's conspiracy, and the falling away of

the people. Horror overwhelmed him. Probably the remembrance of

his sin in the matter of Uriah added much to the terror. When

under a guilty conscience we must mourn in our complaint, and

even strong believers have for a time been filled with horror.

But none ever was so overwhelmed as the holy Jesus, when it

pleased the Lord to put him to grief, and to make his soul an

offering for our sins. In his agony he prayed more earnestly,

and was heard and delivered; trusting in him, and following him,

we shall be supported under, and carried through all trials. See

how David was weary of the treachery and ingratitude of men, and

the cares and disappointments of his high station: he longed to

hide himself in some desert from the fury and fickleness of his

people. He aimed not at victory, but rest; a barren wilderness,

so that he might be quiet. The wisest and best of men most

earnestly covet peace and quietness, and the more when vexed and

wearied with noise and clamour. This makes death desirable to a

child of God, that it is a final escape from all the storms and

tempests of this world, to perfect and everlasting rest. 9-15 No wickedness so distresses the believer, as that which he

witnesses in those who profess to be of the church of God. Let

us not be surprised at the corruptions and disorders of the

church on earth, but long to see the New Jerusalem. He complains

of one that had been very industrious against him. God often

destroys the enemies of the church by dividing them. And an

interest divided against itself cannot long stand. The true

Christian must expect trials from professed friends, from those

with whom he has been united; this will be very painful; but by

looking unto Jesus we shall be enabled to bear it. Christ was

betrayed by a companion, a disciple, an apostle, who resembled

Ahithophel in his crimes and doom. Both were speedily overtaken

by Divine vengeance. And this prayer is a prophecy of the utter,

the everlasting ruin, of all who oppose and rebel against the

Messiah. 16-23 In every trial let us call upon the Lord, and he will

save us. He shall hear us, and not blame us for coming too

often; the oftener the more welcome. David had thought all were

against him; but now he sees there were many with him, more than

he supposed; and the glory of this he gives to God, for it is he

that raises us up friends, and makes them faithful to us. There

are more true Christians, and believers have more real friends,

than in their gloomy hours they suppose. His enemies should be

reckoned with, and brought down; they could not ease themselves

of their fears, as David could, by faith in God. Mortal men,

though ever so high and strong, will easily be crushed by an

eternal God. Those who are not reclaimed by the rod of

affliction, will certainly be brought down to the pit of

destruction. The burden of afflictions is very heavy, especially

when attended with the temptations of Satan; there is also the

burden of sin and corruption. The only relief under it is, to

look to Christ, who bore it. Whatever it is that thou desirest

God should give thee, leave it to him to give it in his own way

and time. Care is a burden, it makes the heart stoop. We must

commit our ways and works to the Lord; let him do as seemeth him

good, and let us be satisfied. To cast our burden upon God, is

to rest upon his providence and promise. And if we do so, he

will carry us in the arms of his power, as a nurse carries a

child; and will strengthen our spirits by his Spirit, so that

they shall sustain the trial. He will never suffer the righteous

to be moved; to be so shaken by any troubles, as to quit their

duty to God, or their comfort in him. He will not suffer them to

be utterly cast down. He, who bore the burden of our sorrows,

desires us to leave to him to bear the burden of our cares,

that, as he knows what is best for us, he may provide it

accordingly. Why do not we trust Christ to govern the world

which he redeemed