Verse

Psalm 55:1

ESV Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
NIV For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;
NASB Listen to my prayer, God; And do not hide Yourself from my pleading.
CSB For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.
NLT Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
KJV To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
NKJV {To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David.} Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

What does Psalm 55:1 mean?

David pleads with the Lord not to ignore his prayer. He calls for mercy and rescue, pouring out his heart to God. Though David does not specifically describe the situation, he refers to enemies (Psalm 55:3), the threat of death (Psalm 55:4), and the betrayal of a close friend (Psalm 55:12–13). This resembles his experience with Ahithophel, once David's trusted counselor, who sided with David's son, Absalom, in a rebellion (2 Samuel 15—18).

Seeking the Lord during trying times is always a wise choice. God promises to hear and answer those who call upon Him. Jeremiah 33:3 communicates His invitation to call to Him and His promise to answer. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray persistently. He assured the disciples, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened" (Luke 11:9–10).

This song is directed to a "choirmaster," likely the person supervising music in the temple. It is also described as a maskiyl, likely meaning a reflective, contemplative song.
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Context Summary
Psalm 55:1–8 focuses on David's prayer for the Lord's help. David describes his trouble and the intense, negative feelings that overwhelm him. He recognizes the pressing danger of his enemies—later verses point out that a close friend has betrayed him. If he could, David would escape somewhere far away and seek shelter.
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Chapter Summary
David begins this song with a prayer for rescue, likely from his rebelling son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–12). David is pained because of a close ally's betrayal; this would refer to Ahithophel, who sided with the rebels (2 Samuel 15:31). This situation creates intense fear. However, David is confident God will rescue him. He is fully assured that those who attack him will be humbled and judged by the Lord.
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