Psalms 55:20 - He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.

Generated Verse: Psalms 55:20

What does "Psalms 55:20" mean?


Psalm 55:20 is a verse describing the treacherous behavior of an enemy, likely a close friend or confidant who has turned against the psalmist. Let's break it down:

"He raises his hands against his friends": This refers to a physical act of violence, but more broadly, it symbolizes hostility and betrayal. "Raising hands" implies aggression and a willingness to harm someone who was once considered a companion. It emphasizes the shocking nature of the betrayal, as it's not just a matter of words, but of action that causes pain and suffering.

"He has violated his covenant.": A covenant, in this context, refers to a sacred agreement or bond of friendship and loyalty. It signifies a mutual understanding of trust and commitment. Violating the covenant means breaking that trust, reneging on promises, and acting in direct opposition to the established relationship. It carries weight because covenants were often made before God and were considered deeply binding.

Together, the verse paints a picture of a person who:

Was once a close friend.
Has now turned against the psalmist.
Has broken the bonds of trust and loyalty that once existed between them.
Is actively engaging in hostile acts against the psalmist.

In essence, the verse expresses the deep pain and shock of betrayal by someone who was once considered a trusted friend. It highlights the perfidious nature of the enemy's actions and the violation of sacred agreements.

It's important to understand that in the Psalms, these kinds of laments are often directed towards enemies who are not just personal adversaries, but also represent a larger threat to the faith and community of the psalmist.

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