9 Confuse , O Lord , divide their tongues , For I have seen violence and strife in the city . 10 Day and night they go around her upon her walls , And iniquity and mischief are in her midst . 11 Destruction is in her midst ; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets . 12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. 13 But it is you, a man my equal , My companion and my familiar friend ; 14 We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng . 15 Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol , For evil is in their dwelling , in their midst .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 55:9-15
Commentary on Psalm 55:9-15
(Read Psalm 55:9-15)
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.