Psalms 52–55 reveal David’s deep anguish over betrayal and his reliance on God’s justice and faithfulness. Stephen Davey explains that Psalm 52 arose after Doeg’s treachery led to the slaughter of priests at Nob—showing that betrayal is often a “power grab,” but God’s steadfast love endures longer than any deceiver’s schemes. Psalm 53 exposes the fool who denies God’s justice, imagining he can sin unseen. Psalm 54 recounts betrayal by David’s own relatives, the Ziphites, and offers three principles for enduring betrayal: remember that betrayers first betray God, trust that God will sustain and vindicate you, and worship instead of seeking revenge. In Psalm 55, the pain deepens as David laments the betrayal of a close friend—likely his counselor Ahithophel. Yet David finds freedom in the command: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” Davey concludes that when believers face betrayal, they must throw their hurt, anger, and memories onto God’s broad shoulders, trusting that He understands and will bring justice in His time.
Betrayal and the Urge to Bite Back
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