Psalms 55:18

Authorized King James Version

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פָּ֘דָ֤ה

H6299

He hath delivered

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

בְשָׁל֣וֹם

H7965

in peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

נַ֭פְשִׁי

H5315

my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִקֲּרָב

H7128

from the battle

hostile encounter

לִ֑י

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְ֝רַבִּ֗ים

H7227

that was against me for there were many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הָי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִמָּדִֽי׃

H5978

along with

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of peace reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?