Psalms 55:19
God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a crucial insight about the unrepentant: their smooth, unchanging prosperity, rather than proving their favor with God, actually fuels their godlessness. Because they face no trials or setbacks to remind them of their dependence, they become hardened and assume they are untouchable, ironically failing to fear the very God whose unchangeable nature they ignore.
The Psalmist, facing a profound betrayal, is contrasting his own fervent prayer life with the unrepentant, prosperous state of his enemies. He’s declared his unwavering commitment to prayer and God’s deliverance in the preceding verses, and now he asserts that God sees and will act against those who remain stubbornly wicked and unafraid of Him, even amidst their apparent success. This divine judgment is framed against the backdrop of God's eternal, unchanging nature, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, uncorrected lives of the wicked.
Even when it feels like your prayers are lost in the noise, God hears. This verse reminds us that the One who has always been God also hears the cries of His people and the wicked alike.
The Psalmist declares, 'God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old.' This isn't just about judgment; it's about divine attention.
God's Unwavering Focus
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Have you ever noticed how easy it is to forget God when things are going smoothly? This verse pinpoints a dangerous spiritual condition that arises from uninterrupted success.
The core reason given for the wicked's lack of fear is stark: 'Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.'
The Peril of Smooth Sailing
Understand the original words
yashab · Hebrew Verb
The sovereign, rightful place of rule and authority, typically referring to God's eternal majesty and heavenly kingship over all creation. It emphasizes His enduring, unchanging, and absolute power.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness and power. It involves recognizing God as the ultimate authority, leading to obedience, submission, and avoidance of evil.
This psalm is deeply rooted in the bitter experience of betrayal during Absalom's rebellion. The Psalmist contrasts his own faithfulness and reliance on God with the unrepentant arrogance of his enemies, who, enjoying a period of uninterrupted success, grew so confident that they forgot God entirely.
c. 1040 BC
David's Reign Begins
David becomes king over Judah, and later over all Israel, establishing a united monarchy. This period saw both immense success and significant internal strife.
c. 1030 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion
Absalom, David's son, incites a rebellion against his father, leading to a civil war that nearly topples the kingdom. Many initially sided with Absalom due to his charm and perceived grievances.
c. 1030 BC
Ahithophel Defects to Absalom
Ahithophel, a highly trusted counselor to David, betrays him and joins Absalom's rebellion, offering strategic advice that emboldened the rebels.
c. 1030 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
Fearing for his life and the safety of the city, David flees Jerusalem with a loyal contingent, leaving the capital vulnerable to Absalom's forces.
c. 1030 BC
David Prays for Deliverance
During his flight and exile from Jerusalem, David pours out his heart to God in prayer, lamenting the betrayal and seeking divine intervention against his enemies.
c. 1030 BC
Rebellion Crushed and Leaders Punished
David's forces ultimately prevail, the rebellion is suppressed, and key figures like Ahithophel face severe consequences for their treachery.
This passage speaks of God's unchanging nature, contrasting with the 'changes' or variableness the wicked experience and ignore, highlighting the steadfastness of God as a point of reference.
Proverbs 1:32This proverb directly links prosperity and lack of affliction ('no changes') to a deadly complacency and turning away from God, mirroring the Psalmist's observation about the wicked's fearlessness.
Jeremiah 22:21This verse criticizes Israel for prospering and refusing to listen to God's voice, paralleling the idea that uninterrupted success can lead to a hardened heart and a disregard for divine authority.
Job 21:7-15Job's friends argue that wickedness eventually leads to suffering, but Job counters by describing wicked people who prosper, live at ease, and 'do not regard God,' showing this theme of unpunished prosperity is a long-standing theological puzzle.
Romans 2:4-5This New Testament passage directly addresses the danger of despising God's kindness, goodness, and patience, explaining that people often mistake this forbearance for indifference, leading them to harden their hearts and store up wrath, much like the unrepentant in the Psalm.
clarkePsalms 55:19: "God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God."
Because they have no changes - At first Absalom, Ahithophel, and their party, carried all before them. There seemed to be a very general defection of the people; and as in their first attempts they suffered no reverses, therefore they feared not God. Most of those who have few or no afflictions and trials in life, have but little religion. They become…
poolePsalms 55:19: "God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God."
God shall hear; either, 1. My prayers against them, mentioned Psalm 55:15 . Or, 2. Their reproaches, Psalm 55:12 ; their deceitful and treacherous speeches, Psalm 55:21 . He said God would hear his voice , Psalm 55:17 ; now he adds that God will hear his enemies’ voice also, of which he spake Psalm 55:3 . Afflict them; or, testify against them , or giv…
The verse highlights a crucial insight about the unrepentant: their smooth, unchanging prosperity, rather than proving their favor with God, actually fuels their godlessness. Because they face no trials or setbacks to remind them of their dependence, they become hardened and assume they are untouchable, ironically failing to fear the very God whose unchangeable nature they ignore.
The Psalmist, facing a profound betrayal, is contrasting his own fervent prayer life with the unrepentant, prosperous state of his enemies. He’s declared his unwavering commitment to prayer and God’s deliverance in the preceding verses, and now he asserts that God sees and will act against those who remain stubbornly wicked and unafraid of Him, even amidst their apparent success. This divine judgment is framed against the backdrop of God's eternal, unchanging nature, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, uncorrected lives of the wicked.
The Psalmist, facing a profound betrayal, is contrasting his own fervent prayer life with the unrepentant, prosperous state of his enemies. He’s declared his unwavering commitment to prayer and God’s deliverance in the preceding verses, and now he asserts that God sees and will act against those who remain stubbornly wicked and unafraid of Him, even amidst their apparent success. This divine judgment is framed against the backdrop of God's eternal, unchanging nature, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, uncorrected lives of the wicked.
"God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God." — The verse highlights a crucial insight about the unrepentant: their smooth, unchanging prosperity, rather than proving their favor with God, actually fuels their godlessness. Because they face no tri…
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