Psalm 55 (54):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, beloved, those individuals whom you observe within these walls are obstinate souls, filled with pride and self-interest, displaying no fervor for the purity and soundness of God, yet they credit themselves abundantly; they are eager for conflict but find no opportunity, resembling the chaff on the Lord’s threshing floor (Matthew 3:12). Thus, these few are carried along by the winds of arrogance: the entire threshing floor will only be affected when He ultimately concludes the harvest. What are we to do but join in song with this individual, pray alongside him, and weep with him, confidently proclaiming, ‘With peace He shall redeem my soul’ (Ps. 54:18). Against those who do not cherish peace, my soul shall be redeemed with peace.

I will stand beside you in numerous situations, for many have come together against me, seeking to take my soul from me.

The phrase "in multitude be with me" indicates that the adversaries are plentiful. Simmachus interprets it as "for very many were against me."

In tranquility, He declares that the Lord will effortlessly rescue my spirit from those aligned with Saul, yet who are also David's relatives and comrades in battle. He further explains their closeness by stating that they were my allies, along with many other warriors, and that they fought alongside one another. Theodoret interprets the phrase, "They were with me in multitude," as referring to numerous adversaries, a sentiment echoed by Simmachus' translation. In multitude they rose against me, indicating that there were many who sought to distress my soul. At the conclusion of this psalm, Euthymius notes that the phrase: in multitude were they with me, effectively means: with many were they against me, reflecting a reciprocal use of prepositions.

David, confident in the assistance of the Lord, expresses newfound hope and asserts that God, having rescued him from impending conflict, will restore the tranquility his soul desires. The subsequent phrase, "As many as were with me," can be understood in two ways. Some view it as referencing the numerous foes that battled against David, while others interpret it in relation to the angels who vigilantly protect us and oversee those who revere God, as stated in Psalm 33:8. The latter interpretation offers a deeply comforting doctrine; although God does not require the aid of angels, in His grace, He employs many ministers for our salvation. However, it is perhaps more appropriate to interpret this as a reference to enemies, as David, by highlighting their number, magnifies the might of God who rescued him from their grasp.

This psalm, composed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit by David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of his singers, so that it could be performed with understanding by all. The essence of this psalm culminates in Christ, particularly through His unblemished Passion. The entire world is enveloped in darkness, every individual is deceitful, yet the Lord has come to redeem the first Adam. Let us implore God to bestow upon us the Holy Spirit, enabling us to approach Him with reverence and to quell the malevolent winds—the very sins residing within our souls and bodies. He renders this salvation beyond comprehension for those who perpetually yearn for, hope in, and diligently seek Him.

Rescue my soul in tranquility - Save my soul due to the harmony I have maintained with them, or because I have bestowed peace upon it - through various means - in numerous ways of sharing in communion with them; transformations - amendments and vindications.