Psalm 55 (54):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And you, He says, are in agreement, my advisor and companion. At times, you have offered wise counsel, and at other times you have paved the way for me, sharing valuable insights: together we were part of God’s Church. And you... who shared delightful moments with me. What are these delightful moments? Not everyone knows their significance; yet, let those unaware not feel disheartened, so they may eventually invite others to experience, "Taste and see that the Lord is good.” We approached the House of God in unity. So, why the discord? You, who once stood with me, have taken a position apart. We walked together in the House of God in harmony; yet you established another place separate from it. For what reason was that sacred bond abandoned, the one in which we shared delightful moments?

You who have shared the same table with me. Alternatively, you who have been privileged to dine with me on multiple occasions. In the presence of God, we journey together in unity. He states this because he has visited the temple alongside him on more than one occasion.

The one who adheres to the commandments of the Lord truly deserves the title of friend. A friend is one who is in agreement with others, for friendship is built upon unity, and there is no one more despised than one who harms that bond. The Lord denounced the treachery of the traitor, regarding it as exceptionally serious that he failed to reciprocate goodwill, tainting the fellowship with the venom of malice. The Scriptures declare, "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 can be interpreted as follows: it is intolerable that you, sharing a common mind, have turned against one who has been good to you.

It appears to be deeply regrettable if an individual who has only a fleeting acquaintance with me, who shares in the same thoughts and partakes of the same bread, acts as an adversary despite having been a companion in the pursuits of both God and humanity. In these expressions, the prophetic gift has vividly illustrated the traitor Judas, whom King Christ appointed as ruler, in accordance with the scripture, ‘You shall make me princes over all the earth’ (Psalm 44:17). Judas was a participant in His feast and the profound truths shared but ultimately became a tool for wickedness.

You, who shared joy with me in our union, have now spoken against me, declares Judas. You, who were alongside me, reveled in communion, or perhaps prepared the feast, for a meal that is served brings delight. The nourishment could also refer to the teachings delivered in the gospel that sustain the souls of the faithful, and Judas, as one of the apostles, not only cherished this but also aligned himself with Christ. Simmachus, in his translation, chose to say "my household" instead of "my sovereign," and instead of "my soul also known," he preferred "one and familiar." Theodoret comments that he finds it easier to endure insults from adversaries since they come from those outside. Moreover, confronting an overt enemy can be somewhat manageable.

David, upon presenting a grievance concerning the entire city and its inhabitants, specifically addresses one particular traitor—possibly Ahithophel, who was both his loyal friend and primary advisor, or another noble closely allied with David in friendship. First, David identifies this individual as a man of indifference, implying that he was the most agreeable companion, sharing a like-heartedness with David. This observation intensifies the gravity of the betrayal. Additionally, he refers to him as his lord or leader, highlighting the relational hierarchy. Moreover, he recalls sharing a meal together, symbolized by the act of eating bread at one table. Lastly, he notes that they jointly attended the house of God and prayed together.

This psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of his choir, for it is meant to be sung meaningfully by all. The essence of this psalm culminates in Christ, particularly through His pure Passion. The entire world exists in darkness, and every person is deceitful; however, the Lord came to redeem the first Adam. Let us implore God to grant us the Holy Spirit so that we may turn to Him, honor Him, and silence the destructive forces—the sin dwelling within both our souls and bodies. He renders this salvation elusive to those who endlessly seek and yearn for Him.