My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a stark contrast: a person who, while outwardly at peace, actively launched an assault against those closest to him, thereby violating the sacred trust of their relationship. It's more than just a broken promise; it's a profound betrayal of intimacy and loyalty, a deep wound inflicted by someone who should have been a protector.
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is detailing the betrayal he's experiencing, focusing on a specific, trusted companion who has turned against him. This verse highlights the shock and pain of this close confidant violently attacking those he was at peace with, completely violating their sworn loyalty. The context reveals this is part of a larger rebellion, likely referencing Ahithophel's treachery against David during Absalom's coup.
Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal from someone you deeply trusted? This verse speaks to that exact pain, describing a profound violation of relationship.
The Deep Cut of Treason
This verse paints a stark picture of betrayal. The psalmist describes someone who "stretched out his hands against his friends" and "violated his covenant."
This combination of attacking friends and breaking a sacred covenant highlights the depth of the treachery. It's a profound breach of trust that shakes the very foundation of relationships.
Imagine expecting comfort and finding a dagger instead. This verse captures the shock and pain of an attack from an unexpected quarter.
When Peace Becomes Peril
The phrase "against such as be at peace with him" is crucial. It underscores the jarring nature of the betrayal.
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This highlights how devastating betrayal can be when it comes from someone who was seemingly your ally. The violation of peace is as significant as the violation of the covenant.
Understand the original words
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between parties, often established by God with humanity. It establishes a formal relationship of mutual obligations and divine faithfulness, which, when broken, incurs spiritual consequences.
This verse likely reflects the deep personal pain David felt when his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, not only broke their covenant of loyalty but actively conspired against him during Absalom's rebellion. It highlights the devastating impact of betrayal from someone considered a close friend or ally.
c. 1025 BC
Reign of King David Begins
David is anointed king of Israel, ushering in a period of consolidation and expansion of the kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
Ahithophel Serves as David's Counselor
Ahithophel, a highly respected advisor, serves King David, likely forming a close bond and covenant of loyalty.
c. 980 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion Against David
David's son Absalom launches a rebellion to seize the throne, gaining significant popular support and forcing David to flee Jerusalem.
c. 980 BC
Ahithophel Defects to Absalom
Ahithophel, David's former counselor, betrays David and joins Absalom's rebellion, offering strategic advice.
c. 980 BC
Ahithophel's Counsel to Smite David
Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue David immediately with a select force, aiming to kill David and secure the rebellion.
c. 980 BC
Hushai Thwarts Ahithophel's Plan
David's loyal spy, Hushai, joins Absalom's camp and cleverly advises against Ahithophel's plan, suggesting a larger mobilization instead.
c. 980 BC
Ahithophel Commits Suicide
Realizing his counsel has been rejected and likely foreseeing the rebellion's failure, Ahithophel returns home and hangs himself.
This passage directly references Ahithophel, the likely figure in Psalm 55, acting as a traitor against his king and friend David, illustrating the profound breach of trust and covenant.
John 13:18Jesus quotes Psalm 55:12-14 concerning his betrayal by Judas, who was part of his inner circle and shared meals with him, paralleling the intimate friendship and subsequent treachery described in the psalm.
Proverbs 17:11This proverb speaks of evil persons seeking their 'rebellious one,' highlighting the active malice and intent to harm that characterizes those who betray trust, much like the psalmist's description.
Matthew 26:48-50Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, a gesture of peace and friendship, directly embodying the treacherous actions of 'stretching out hands against those at peace' and violating a deep bond.
clarkePsalms 55:20: "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant."
He hath put forth his hands - A farther description of Ahithophel. He betrayed his friends, and he broke his covenant with his king. He had agreed to serve David for his own emolument, and a stipulation was made accordingly; but while receiving the king's pay, he was endeavoring to subvert the kingdom, and destroy the life of his sovereign.
poolePsalms 55:20: "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant."
He, i.e. they, the persons last mentioned. Before the singular number, Psalm 55:13,14 , was suddenly changed into the plural, Psalm 55:15 , that the punishment might reach not him only, but his partners, in those treacherous and treasonable actions; and here is as sudden a change from the plural into the singular, and he returns to that person who was the chief contriver and promoter o…
This verse reveals a stark contrast: a person who, while outwardly at peace, actively launched an assault against those closest to him, thereby violating the sacred trust of their relationship. It's more than just a broken promise; it's a profound betrayal of intimacy and loyalty, a deep wound inflicted by someone who should have been a protector.
The psalmist is detailing the betrayal he's experiencing, focusing on a specific, trusted companion who has turned against him. This verse highlights the shock and pain of this close confidant violently attacking those he was at peace with, completely violating their sworn loyalty. The context reveals this is part of a larger rebellion, likely referencing Ahithophel's treachery against David during Absalom's coup.
The psalmist is detailing the betrayal he's experiencing, focusing on a specific, trusted companion who has turned against him. This verse highlights the shock and pain of this close confidant violently attacking those he was at peace with, completely violating their sworn loyalty. The context reveals this is part of a larger rebellion, likely referencing Ahithophel's treachery against David during Absalom's coup.
"My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant." — This verse reveals a stark contrast: a person who, while outwardly at peace, actively launched an assault against those closest to him, thereby violating the sacred trust of their relationship. It's…
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Last reviewed October 2026