This verse paints a vivid portrait of David’s deep emotional distress, highlighting that even rulers and people of strong faith can succumb to fear.
“Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.” (v.5) appears in a psalm written by David, who served as the second king of Israel around 1010-970 BC. Though this single verse contains no direct mention of a specific location, the broader psalm setting indicates David’s dire emotional state in Jerusalem, the capital of ancient Israel. His words vividly depict the paralyzing nature of anxiety and dread, unveiling the weight of his burdens. In the broader context of Psalm 55, David describes how betrayal from close associates leaves him shaken—a reflection of profound sorrow and potential danger that threatens his wellbeing.
David’s lament recognizes that painful feelings of terror and trembling can overwhelm even the most faithful among God’s people. This heartfelt cry has parallels to other scriptural instances where individuals feared imminent danger or betrayal. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself experiences distress and deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38). Such connections across Scripture highlight a shared, deeply human experience of fear, but they also point to the same God who provides rescue and solace when life’s pressures become too great to bear.
“Fear and trembling come upon me” hints at the internal turmoil David was facing, suggesting that anxiety is more than a passing feeling; it can utterly unsettle one’s spirit. In these moments, David models open-hearted communication with God, indicating that honest prayers can become paths to peace. The subsequent phrase, “And horror has overwhelmed me,” underscores the complete sense of being engulfed by dread, while still encouraging believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord who hears and cares (Psalm 55:22).
Set to dark mode
Psalms 55:5 meaning
“Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.” (v.5) appears in a psalm written by David, who served as the second king of Israel around 1010-970 BC. Though this single verse contains no direct mention of a specific location, the broader psalm setting indicates David’s dire emotional state in Jerusalem, the capital of ancient Israel. His words vividly depict the paralyzing nature of anxiety and dread, unveiling the weight of his burdens. In the broader context of Psalm 55, David describes how betrayal from close associates leaves him shaken—a reflection of profound sorrow and potential danger that threatens his wellbeing.
David’s lament recognizes that painful feelings of terror and trembling can overwhelm even the most faithful among God’s people. This heartfelt cry has parallels to other scriptural instances where individuals feared imminent danger or betrayal. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself experiences distress and deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38). Such connections across Scripture highlight a shared, deeply human experience of fear, but they also point to the same God who provides rescue and solace when life’s pressures become too great to bear.
“Fear and trembling come upon me” hints at the internal turmoil David was facing, suggesting that anxiety is more than a passing feeling; it can utterly unsettle one’s spirit. In these moments, David models open-hearted communication with God, indicating that honest prayers can become paths to peace. The subsequent phrase, “And horror has overwhelmed me,” underscores the complete sense of being engulfed by dread, while still encouraging believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord who hears and cares (Psalm 55:22).