Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

Psalms 55:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 55 is attributed to King David. In this psalm, David pours out his distress to God because a close companion has betrayed him. The betrayal is not from a distant enemy but from someone who once shared peace and trust with him.

Meaning

The first phrase, “He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him,” describes an act of violence against a friend. The betrayer stretched out his hands to harm someone who had no reason to expect attack. The second phrase, “he hath broken his covenant,” shows that this was not a sudden quarrel. It was a deliberate violation of a solemn promise or agreement, making the treachery even more serious.

This verse also exposes the hypocrisy of the false friend. He pretended to be at peace while planning harm. David names the cruelty and faithlessness of such a person, and he brings the matter honestly before God.

Biblical connections

David experienced this kind of betrayal through Ahithophel, his trusted counselor, who joined Absalom’s rebellion and even devised a plan to strike the king (2 Samuel 17:1-2). In a similar way, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of His own disciples. Psalm 41:9 calls such a betrayer “the man of my peace,” and Jesus applied that truth to Judas at the Last Supper. Both David and Jesus entrusted their cause to God rather than taking revenge.

Application

This verse reminds us that broken trust is a painful reality in a fallen world. Even those who once walked in harmony can turn against us. When that happens, we can follow David’s example: we may grieve and protest, but we also place our hope in God, who sees every broken promise and will bring justice in His time.

Reflection

Have you ever been hurt by someone you trusted? Bring that pain to God in prayer. He understands betrayal fully, and He is faithful to comfort and guide those who call on Him.