A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.
From the complaint which the psalmist makes in the middle of this Psalm, that his greatest confidant proved treacherous to him, it seems probable that it was composed when Absalom's rebellion broke out, and he was forced to flee suddenly from Jerusalem, and as he was going barefoot up the mount of Olives, (he and all his company weeping,) to increase his sorrow, was informed that Ahithophel also was among the conspirators, 2 Samuel 15:31. Immediately he had recourse to God in prayer for support and relief, beseeching him to turn the counsel which Ahithophel might give Absalom into foolishness, and disappoint the conspirators. And it is probable, as soon as he came to a place where he could rest and retire himself, he spread before God his distressed condition more largely in this Psalm, in which there are many excellences. “His description of his own distress is very pathetic, and the occasion of it such as must deeply affect any man of real virtue and honour; namely, the undeserved reproaches with which his enemies loaded him. His wishing for the wings of a dove to carry him into the wilderness, and representing the confusions and violences that were occasioned by the rebellion, under the similitude of a sweeping storm and furious tempest, is truly poetical. The character and treachery of this false friend are painted in such strong colours that no one who reads it can help detesting the man, and abhorring his falsehood and treason. His conduct in casting his cares upon God, under all the distresses he was involved in, and his assurance that God would sustain him, and cause him at last to triumph over all his treacherous and bloody enemies, discover his high sentiments of the benevolence and faithfulness of God, and show us that the principles of religion will support good men under the greatest afflictions and most threatening dangers to which they can be exposed.” Chandler. In this Psalm,
(1,) David prays for support and relief in his great distress, through the conspiracy formed against him, and the clamour, treachery, and violence, that abounded in the city, Psalms 55:1-5.
(2,) Wishes for the wings of a dove, that he might hasten his escape from that scene of confusion and wickedness, which excited his abhorrence and threatened his destruction, Psalms 55:6-8.
(3,) Entreats that the iniquitous counsels of his enemies might be divided and confounded, Psalms 55:9-11.
(4,) Describes the baseness and treachery of one who had been his intimate friend, Psalms 55:12-14.
(5,) Fortels the destruction of his enemies on account of their wickedness, Psalms 55:15.
(6,) Determines still to call upon God, and expresses his confidence that God would hear and deliver him, Psalms 55:16-18. And sooner or later would avenge his cause, and cut off his bloody and deceitful enemies, Psalms 55:19-23.