Psalm 55:13
ESV
But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
NIV
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,
NASB
But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my confidant;
CSB
But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
NLT
Instead, it is you — my equal, my companion and close friend.
KJV
But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
NKJV
But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
What does Psalm 55:13 mean?
Worse even than being threatened by imminent death (Psalm 55:1–8), David finds himself in this situation due to the betrayal of a close ally (Psalm 55:12). David was king but refers to this man as his equal and a companion. Most likely, this refers to Ahithophel, an advisor to David who helped David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12, 31).After leaving Jerusalem (Psalm 55:6–8; 2 Samuel 15:14) when Absalom's rebellion gained momentum, David learned that his counselor Ahithophel had become a conspirator with Absalom. David responded to the news by praying, "O Lᴏʀᴅ, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 15:31). Ahithophel's betrayal of David foreshadows Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Although Judas had been Jesus' disciple for longer than three years, he delivered Jesus into the hands of those who arrested Him. However, he did not fool Jesus. Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him (John 13:21–30).
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.
