Psalms 55:9
Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The prayer to "divide their tongues" isn't just about confusion; it's a powerful request for God to dismantle their unity, echoing the scattering at Babel. This isn't just a plea against violence, but against the very conspiracy and shared deceit that fuels it.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed and hearing reports of chaos. He cries out to God for intervention, seeing violence and internal conflict erupting within the city. This leads him to pray for confusion among his enemies, hoping that their discord will lead to their downfall, a prayer that finds a poignant echo in David's dealings with Absalom's rebellion.
Ever felt so overwhelmed by injustice that you just wanted God to step in and fix it all? This verse is a raw cry for that kind of intervention.
David, the writer of this psalm, is in deep distress. He's not just asking for a little help; he's asking God to actively intervene and dismantle the forces working against him.
Divine Action
The words 'Destroy, O Lord' aren't just an expression of anger. They are a plea for God's ultimate justice to be enacted. Think of it like calling in the ultimate authority when a situation is beyond human control.
Dividing Tongues
The phrase 'divide their tongues' is fascinating. It’s a prayer for confusion and disunity among his enemies. Instead of agreeing and working together, David asks that their plans and communication would be shattered, mirroring the confusion at the Tower of Babel. This would effectively neutralize their ability to conspire and act.
The city. For us, it can be a place of opportunity or overwhelming darkness. For David, it was a hotbed of trouble.
David doesn't just feel threatened; he sees the problem clearly. His prayer is rooted in a stark observation of the city's moral decay.
Violence and Strife
The words 'violence and strife' paint a vivid picture. This isn't just petty arguments; it's systemic injustice, oppression, and conflict that have taken root. The city, which should be a place of peace and order, has become a place where these destructive forces rule.
Public Sin
What's particularly disturbing is that this isn't happening in secret. David sees it openly. The commentators note that 'the city' likely refers to Jerusalem, the very place where God's presence and justice were supposed to be central. The fact that violence and strife are rampant there is an extreme aggravation, suggesting a deep spiritual sickness.
Understand the original words
’ădōnāy · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew title Adonai, indicating God’s sovereign authority, lordship, and master-status over all creation and individuals.
lāšôn · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word for "tongue," often representing speech, communication, or counsel. Dividing tongues suggests causing confusion or internal conflict among the wicked, preventing their evil schemes.
ḥāmās · Hebrew Noun
Physical force, injustice, or wrongful exploitation. Biblically, it describes the perversion of justice and the behavior of those who ignore God’s moral law.
rîḇ · Hebrew Noun
Contention, legal disputes, or quarrels. It refers to the breakdown of relational or civic harmony, often rooted in pride and rejection of God.
This prayer vividly reflects King David's anguish and strategic thinking during Absalom's rebellion, highlighting the chaos and betrayal he experienced when his own city turned against him.
~1000 BC
David's Reign and Absalom's Rebellion
King David's reign over Israel is marked by both periods of peace and intense internal conflict, including the devastating rebellion led by his son Absalom.
c. 970 BC
Ahithophel Defects to Absalom
Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor to David, betrays him and joins Absalom's rebellion, offering strategic advice to the usurper.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David Flees Jerusalem
Faced with Absalom's rebellion and the defection of Ahithophel, David is forced to abandon Jerusalem, leaving the city in the hands of his son.
c. 970 BC
Conflicting Counsel in Absalom's Camp
Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue David immediately, but Hushai, a spy for David, cleverly offers alternative counsel that delays Absalom and gives David time to rally his forces.
This verse directly alludes to the event at Babel, where God confused the languages of humanity to scatter them, mirroring the psalmist's prayer for confusion among his enemies.
2 Samuel 15:31This passage describes David praying for God to turn Ahithophel's wise counsel into foolishness, a specific instance where such a prayer for division among leaders was answered, leading to the rebellion's downfall.
Acts 23:7When Paul was on trial, the assembly was divided between Pharisees and Sadducees, illustrating how 'divided tongues' can lead to chaos and hinder unified opposition, as David likely experienced.
Isaiah 25:8The initial plea to 'destroy' echoes the ultimate promise of God swallowing up death itself and wiping away tears, showing that this prayer for destruction is part of a larger divine plan for ultimate victory over evil.
gillPsalms 55:9: "Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city."
Destroy, O Lord,.... Or "swallow up" (s), as Pharaoh and his host were swallowed up in the Red sea; or as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up in the earth; so all the enemies of Christ and his church will be destroyed; and death, the last of them, will be swallowed up in victory, Isaiah 25:8 . The Targum interprets it, "destroy", or "scatter their counsel": but this seems to be in…
clarkePsalms 55:9: "Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city."
Destroy, O lord - Swallow them up - confound them. Divide their tongues - Let his counsellors give opposite advice. Let them never agree, and let their devices be confounded. And the prayer was heard. Hushai and Ahithophel gave opposite counsel. Absalom followed that of Hushai; and Ahithophel, knowing that the steps advised by Hushai would bring Absalom's affairs to ruin, went and hanged h…
The prayer to "divide their tongues" isn't just about confusion; it's a powerful request for God to dismantle their unity, echoing the scattering at Babel. This isn't just a plea against violence, but against the very conspiracy and shared deceit that fuels it.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed and hearing reports of chaos. He cries out to God for intervention, seeing violence and internal conflict erupting within the city. This leads him to pray for confusion among his enemies, hoping that their discord will lead to their downfall, a prayer that finds a poignant echo in David's dealings with Absalom's rebellion.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed and hearing reports of chaos. He cries out to God for intervention, seeing violence and internal conflict erupting within the city. This leads him to pray for confusion among his enemies, hoping that their discord will lead to their downfall, a prayer that finds a poignant echo in David's dealings with Absalom's rebellion.
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c. 970 BC
Ahithophel's Suicide
When his counsel is rejected in favor of Hushai's, Ahithophel recognizes the rebellion is doomed and returns home to hang himself.
c. 970 BC
David's Victory and Restoration
David's forces defeat Absalom's army, and David eventually reclaims his throne, though the rebellion leaves deep scars.
"Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city." — The prayer to "divide their tongues" isn't just about confusion; it's a powerful request for God to dismantle their unity, echoing the scattering at Babel. This isn't just a plea against violence, bu…
