We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Hebrew word for "company" here can also mean a "crowd" or "throng," highlighting that their shared worship was not just a private pact, but a public joining with many other believers. This reveals that the intimacy described wasn't just between two friends, but was an experience shared within the vibrant, communal life of God's people.
We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is deeply personal, penned by someone feeling betrayed by a close friend and confidant. The speaker recalls a time of shared intimacy, both in private counsel and in public worship at God's house. This painful memory amplifies the sting of present treachery, highlighting the depth of their former bond and the shock of its violation.
Friendships built on shared spiritual journeys can be incredibly deep and meaningful. This verse paints a picture of that kind of bond.
David recalls a time of profound connection with his companions. "We used to take sweet counsel together" speaks to a deep intimacy, where thoughts and plans were shared freely and with mutual delight. This wasn't just casual conversation; it was "sweet counsel," implying wisdom and encouragement exchanged between friends.
This intimacy was further cemented by their shared worship. "Within God’s house we walked in the throng" describes them joining the vibrant, communal worship of God. Imagine the joy of walking alongside friends, part of a larger, devout crowd, all focused on the same holy purpose. This shared spiritual experience amplified their bond, creating a unique fellowship that David clearly cherished.
What happens when that sacred trust is broken? This verse sets the stage for David's deep pain over a friend's betrayal.
The nostalgia David expresses in this verse isn't just a fond memory; it's a stark contrast to his current suffering. The "sweet counsel" and shared worship he recalls were with someone who later turned against him. This makes the betrayal exponentially more painful.
This wasn't an attack from an outsider. It was someone who knew him intimately, who had shared his most private thoughts and stood beside him in public worship. The commentaries point out how such a deep violation of trust is profoundly wounding because it strikes at the very foundation of friendship and shared life. The intimacy described in verse 14 is precisely what makes the treachery described in the surrounding verses so devastating.
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This verse captures the deep sorrow of betrayal, contrasting a past of shared faith and fellowship with the present pain of a trusted friend turning into an enemy during a time of political upheaval.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Court Life
King David ruled over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as his capital and surrounding himself with advisors and loyal companions.
c. 1000 BC
Ahithophel serves as David's Counselor
Ahithophel was a highly respected counselor to King David, known for his wisdom and trusted advice.
c. 979 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
Absalom, David's son, initiated a rebellion against his father, gaining popular support and driving David to flee Jerusalem.
c. 979 BC— this verse
Ahithophel betrays David
Ahithophel abandoned David and joined Absalom's rebellion, offering crucial, albeit wicked, counsel to the new pretender.
c. 979 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
King David, along with his loyal followers, fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's forces, deeply wounded by the betrayal of those he trusted.
This passage describes David being betrayed by his counselor Ahithophel, highlighting the deep personal pain of betrayal by someone with whom he shared close counsel, similar to the psalm's lament.
Luke 22:47-48This New Testament passage parallels the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of his closest followers and disciples, who had shared intimate moments and 'sweet counsel' with Him, echoing the profound sting of betrayal described in the psalm.
Psalm 42:4This verse speaks of the psalmist remembering 'how I would go with the throng to the house of God,' reflecting a similar past experience of communal worship and fellowship that is now a source of pain due to present circumstances.
John 18:20Jesus responds to the high priest by stating He 'taught publicly in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together,' indicating His own participation in public worship and teaching, similar to the 'walking unto the house of God in company' mentioned in Psalm 55:14.
gillPsalms 55:14: "We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
We took sweet counsel together,.... Not in religious matters; for in these the testimonies of the Lord were David's counsellors, Psalm 119:24 ; but in civil things: hearty counsel is one branch of friendship, and which greatly sweetens it, Proverbs 27:9 ; as this may be applied to Christ and Judas, it may denote the mutual delight and pleasure they had, the one in communicating, the other in receiving a…
clarkePsalms 55:14: "We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
Walked unto the house of God in company - Or with haste; for the rabbins teach that we should walk hastily To the temple, but slowly From it.
The original Hebrew word for "company" here can also mean a "crowd" or "throng," highlighting that their shared worship was not just a private pact, but a public joining with many other believers. This reveals that the intimacy described wasn't just between two friends, but was an experience shared within the vibrant, communal life of God's people.
This psalm is deeply personal, penned by someone feeling betrayed by a close friend and confidant. The speaker recalls a time of shared intimacy, both in private counsel and in public worship at God's house. This painful memory amplifies the sting of present treachery, highlighting the depth of their former bond and the shock of its violation.
This psalm is deeply personal, penned by someone feeling betrayed by a close friend and confidant. The speaker recalls a time of shared intimacy, both in private counsel and in public worship at God's house. This painful memory amplifies the sting of present treachery, highlighting the depth of their former bond and the shock of its violation.
"We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng." — The original Hebrew word for "company" here can also mean a "crowd" or "throng," highlighting that their shared worship was not just a private pact, but a public joining with many other believers. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026