Psalms 55:20
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁלַ֣ח
He hath put forth
H7971
שָׁלַ֣ח
He hath put forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 5
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָ֭דָיו
his hands
H3027
יָ֭דָיו
his hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 5
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בִּשְׁלֹמָ֗יו
against such as be at peace
H7965
בִּשְׁלֹמָ֗יו
against such as be at peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 5
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Psalms 7:4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)Psalms 89:34My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.Acts 12:1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.Psalms 109:5And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.Psalms 89:28My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.Psalms 89:38But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.Ecclesiastes 8:2I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Historical Context
Covenant violation was considered the gravest sin in ancient Israel, warranting death (Leviticus 24:16). Ahithophel's betrayal after years of trusted counsel to David exemplified this treachery, warranting the judgment David pronounces.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the seriousness of covenant violation teach about the nature of covenant relationship?
- How should the church discipline those who profess Christ yet persistently violate covenant commitments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The betrayer's covenant violation intensifies his guilt—'he hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him.' The Hebrew 'shalom' indicates covenantal wholeness. Profaning the covenant after enjoying its benefits demonstrates judicial hardening. This typologically anticipates Judas, who shared covenant meals with Christ yet violated sacred fellowship.