Psalms 55:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 55:19
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Chapter Context
Psalms 55 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, sacrifice, obedience. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 55:19
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Analysis
God's eternality ('from old') grounds His present action against the wicked. The Hebrew 'anah' (afflict/humble) reveals God's active judgment on those who refuse repentance. 'No changes' indicates hardness of heart—the wicked's immutability in rebellion contrasts with God's unchanging righteousness, demonstrating that apostasy results from persistent resistance to grace.
Historical Context
The reference to God's eternal reign 'from old' connects to Israel's foundational confession of YHWH's sovereignty from creation. Those who 'have no changes' are contrasted with those whom God transforms through covenant renewal.
Reflection
- How does God's unchanging character provide both comfort to the faithful and warning to the rebellious?
- What evidence of spiritual transformation should mark those who truly fear God?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 65:5, 78:59, Deuteronomy 33:27, Isaiah 36:20
- Parallel theme: Psalms 143:12, Ecclesiastes 8:11, Jeremiah 48:11, Micah 5:2, Zephaniah 1:12, Colossians 1:17