Psalm 55 (54):14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And He said, you are my companion, my advisor, and my friend (Psalm 54:13). At times you have provided wise counsel, and you have often led me, sharing invaluable guidance: we shared communion within the Church of God. And you... who alongside me enjoyed close fellowship (Psalm 54:14). What do these sweet morsels represent? Not everyone is aware; yet let those who are unaware not be troubled, for they may be inspired to tell those who have yet to understand, Taste and see that the Lord is good. We entered the House of God in unity. So why the conflict? You, who were once close, have now become distant. He walked with me in harmony within God's House; yet he has erected a different dwelling against it. What was the reason for abandoning that sacred space where we once united? Why was that cherished place forsaken where we shared sweet morsels together?

The individual who observes the commandments of the Lord truly earns the title of friend. A friend is one who stands in agreement, as true friendship thrives on unity, and there is no greater offense than one who undermines such bonds. The Lord denounced the treachery of the traitor, deeming it profoundly wrong to repay goodness with malice, tainting the fellowship shared. Scripture declares, ‘You are a man of one accord with Me, you are My leader and My known, who has always tasted sweet food with Me (Psalm 54:14-15).’ This should be interpreted as follows: it is unbearable that you, one of a singular mind, have turned against the one who has treated you with kindness.

It is rather unfortunate when a person who knows me only slightly, who shares a common understanding and partakes in fellowship with me, becomes an adversary. In these words, the prophetic insight has distinctly illustrated the traitor Judas, whom King Christ appointed as a leader, in line with the declaration, ‘You shall make me princes over all the earth’ (Psalm 44:17). Judas shared in the sacred meal and the profound teachings, yet became an instrument of wickedness. Instead of calling Him ‘my lord,’ Symmachus referred to Him as 'known to me for a short time.' This, however, does not pertain to the blessed David, for he was not betrayed by those close to him during Saul's persecution; neither Doeg nor Ziba were considered close friends.

But you, O man of apathy, akin to my very soul, my sovereign and my understanding. Here, drawing from another passage, the usual actions must be inferred: insulted and blasphemed. In other words, you, Judas, that man who, like my soul, insulted me and spoke against me. By referring to Judas in this way, the Lord calls him his companion and also his sovereign, for he had been chosen by the Lord, alongside the eleven apostles, to serve as a leader and prince over those who have faith in Christ, as it is written, “Thou shalt make them rulers over all the earth” (Psalm 44:17); yet He refers to him as familiar, indicating closeness and intimacy.

Christ expresses in straightforward terms regarding the traitor: “The pain of his betrayal affected Me deeply, especially as I understood it was coming from one who seemed to be Mine.”

David, after raising a grievance against the entire city and its inhabitants, specifically takes issue with one particular traitor—potentially Ahithophel, his most loyal friend and trusted adviser, or another noble with whom David shared a close bond of friendship. To begin with, he labels this individual as an indifferent man, meaning he was exceptionally pleasant and as if sharing the same heart and spirit as David. This detail amplifies the gravity of the betrayer’s transgression. Furthermore, he refers to him as his lord or leader. Additionally, he points out that they had shared their meals together at the same table. Lastly, he recounts how they both attended the house of God, engaging in prayer together.

This psalm, divinely inspired for David, was entrusted to Asaph, the head of his musicians, so that it could be sung with understanding by all. The essence of this psalm culminates in Christ, particularly through His unblemished suffering. The entire world remains enveloped in darkness, each individual deceives, and the Lord has come to redeem the first Adam. Let us earnestly pray to God for the Holy Spirit to guide us toward Him and to exalt Him, while quelling the malevolent spirit—the very sin that dwells within our souls and bodies. He renders this salvation unfathomable to those who constantly yearn for and seek Him.

Yet you, O individual of apathy, you who share the same mindset as I, whom I have appointed as overseer, that is, the apostles.