God is the righteous Judge who can disrupt the plans of evildoers and restore peace to His people.
David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from about 1010-971 BC, continues his heartfelt plea in Psalm 55, where he calls on the Lord to intervene in a situation of betrayal and turmoil. He declares, “Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.” (v.9) The word “confuse” echoes ancient stories in Scripture about the Lord disrupting the plans of those who sought to exalt themselves, such as the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Here, David is asking for God to disrupt the destructive unity of his adversaries by breaking their communication and partnership. His cry reflects both desperation and unwavering faith in the divine capacity to dismantle evil schemes.
When David says, “…divide their tongues…” (v.9), he points to the power of God to dethrone those who use words as tools for violence, deceit, or conspiracies. The city in question is understood to be Jerusalem, the political and spiritual heart of Israel. Historically, Jerusalem stands on the southern plateau of the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, and has been a central location of biblical events. David observes that violence and strife threaten to envelop the people, which amplifies his sense of urgency. He is not content to watch social and moral chaos; he yearns for heavenly intervention.
By asking for divine interference, evidenced in the plea, “…For I have seen violence and strife in the city.” (v.9), David also models for believers a reliance on God’s sovereignty. Though he struggles with betrayal and conflict, he ultimately leaves vengeance in the Lord’s hands, confident that righteousness will prevail, much like Jesus entrusted Himself fully to the Father (Luke 23:46). This verse underscores the belief that God not only hears such prayers but actively responds in His timing to protect His people and uphold justice.
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Psalms 55:9 meaning
David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from about 1010-971 BC, continues his heartfelt plea in Psalm 55, where he calls on the Lord to intervene in a situation of betrayal and turmoil. He declares, “Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.” (v.9) The word “confuse” echoes ancient stories in Scripture about the Lord disrupting the plans of those who sought to exalt themselves, such as the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Here, David is asking for God to disrupt the destructive unity of his adversaries by breaking their communication and partnership. His cry reflects both desperation and unwavering faith in the divine capacity to dismantle evil schemes.
When David says, “…divide their tongues…” (v.9), he points to the power of God to dethrone those who use words as tools for violence, deceit, or conspiracies. The city in question is understood to be Jerusalem, the political and spiritual heart of Israel. Historically, Jerusalem stands on the southern plateau of the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, and has been a central location of biblical events. David observes that violence and strife threaten to envelop the people, which amplifies his sense of urgency. He is not content to watch social and moral chaos; he yearns for heavenly intervention.
By asking for divine interference, evidenced in the plea, “…For I have seen violence and strife in the city.” (v.9), David also models for believers a reliance on God’s sovereignty. Though he struggles with betrayal and conflict, he ultimately leaves vengeance in the Lord’s hands, confident that righteousness will prevail, much like Jesus entrusted Himself fully to the Father (Luke 23:46). This verse underscores the belief that God not only hears such prayers but actively responds in His timing to protect His people and uphold justice.