What does Psalm 55:11 mean?
David laments the "ruin…oppression and fraud" plaguing Jerusalem. This probably refers to the way his son, Absalom, convinced the people to turn against David, their king (2 Samuel 15:1–6). Part of Absalom's strategy was to engage the people in public spaces—winning their loyalty. Of course, this also required him to mislead people and pull them away from their rightful king.Other Scriptures note the importance of city gates and markets in ancient society. Genesis reports that Lot sat in the gate of Sodom (Genesis 19:1), a wicked city that the Lord later destroyed (Genesis 19:24–25). Apparently, Lot had become a prominent citizen of Sodom. Although Jerusalem had not become as wicked as ancient Sodom, it had descended into moral failure. People in Jerusalem oppressed and defrauded one another. Instead of speaking truthfully, they lied to one another and took advantage of one another. They rejected God's commandments (Exodus 20:15–16; Leviticus 19:13, 35–37; Deuteronomy 25:13–16).
Psalm 55:9–15 transitions from David asking for rescue into a description of the evil his enemies commit. His foes bring violence, division, fraud, and oppression to the capital city of Jerusalem. Further, a former ally has betrayed David. These descriptions seem to match his experience during the rebellion of Absalom, who was aided by David's prior counselor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:13–14, 31). Rather than seeking revenge himself, David prays for the Lord's judgment to come on these ungodly persecutors.
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.
