Cast Your Burden on the Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 55

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 55 is a poignant cry from the heart of David, wrestling with betrayal, anxiety, and the crushing weight of injustice. It’s a psalm particularly resonant for us today, living as we do in a world rife with conflict, uncertainty, and the ever-present temptation to despair. Through a Coptic Orthodox lens, we see in David’s experience a reflection of the suffering Christ and a pattern for our own spiritual journeys. This psalm isn’t just about lament; it’s about entrusting ourselves to the unwavering faithfulness of God. We will examine the depths of David’s pain, his longing for escape, his righteous anger, and ultimately, his unshakable trust in the Lord, offering practical applications for navigating our own trials and tribulations, and learning to truly Cast Your Burden on the Lord.

Introduction 📖

Psalm 55 is a raw, unfiltered expression of human suffering. David, the Psalmist, doesn’t hold back. He pours out his heart to God, detailing the treachery of a close friend, the violence that surrounds him, and the intense fear that grips his soul. It’s a psalm many can relate to, especially in times of personal crisis or societal upheaval. Let’s delve into each verse and discover the profound spiritual truths hidden within its words, guided by the rich tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Commentary Sections

Psalm 55:1-3

Hebrew: (Psalm 55:1) לַמְנַצֵּחַ בִּנְגִינֹת מַשְׂכִּיל לְדָוִד׃ (Psalm 55:2) הַאֲזִינָה אֱלֹהִים תְּפִלָּתִי וְאַל־תִּתְעַלַּם מִתְּחִנָּתִי׃ (Psalm 55:3) הַקְשִׁיבָה לִי וַעֲנֵנִי אָרִיד בְּשִׂיחִי וְאֵהִימָה

KJV: Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

NKJV: Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.

David begins with a direct plea to God. “Give ear to my prayer, O God, and do not hide Yourself from my supplication.” This is a fundamental act of faith: believing that God hears us, that He is attentive to our needs, and that He cares. The phrase “do not hide Yourself” suggests a fear that God might be absent or indifferent. This fear is real, and it’s something we all struggle with at times. Remember, the Prophet Elijah also struggled with this feeling (1 Kings 19:9-18), yet God was there even in the still, small voice. David expresses his distress, mourning and making a noise because of the enemy’s voice and the oppression of the wicked. The word “moan” suggests a deep, visceral pain, a suffering that goes beyond words.

Spiritual Application: When you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to cry out to God. He is always listening, even when you feel like He is far away. Develop a prayer rule and stick to it, even when you don’t feel like it. Find solace and support by joining online community discussions.

Psalm 55:4-8

Hebrew: (Psalm 55:4) לִבִּי יָחִיל בְּקִרְבִּי וְאֵימוֹת מָוֶת נָפְלוּ עָלָי׃ (Psalm 55:5) יִרְאָה וָרַעַד יָבֹא בִי וַתְּכַסֵּנִי פַּלָּצוּת׃ (Psalm 55:6) וָאֹמַר מִי־יִתֵּן־לִי אֵבֶר כַּיּוֹנָה אָעוּפָה וְאֶשְׁכֹּנָה׃ (Psalm 55:7) הִנֵּה אַרְחִיק נְדֹד אָלִין בַּמִּדְבָּר סֶלָה׃ (Psalm 55:8) אָחִישָׁה מִפְלָט מֵרוּחַ סֹעָה מִסָּעַר׃

KJV: My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

NKJV: My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. And I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”

Here, David describes the overwhelming physical and emotional effects of his distress. His heart is “sore pained,” and the “terrors of death” have fallen upon him. Fear and trembling consume him. This is more than just anxiety; it’s a profound sense of being trapped, of being suffocated by circumstances. Notice the image of the dove. David longs for the freedom and peace of flight, for a place of refuge away from the turmoil. He dreams of escaping to the wilderness, a place often associated with solitude and encounter with God. “I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” The storm represents the chaos and violence surrounding David, and the tempest, his inner turmoil.

Saint Athanasius, in his *Life of Antony* writes about the Desert Fathers seeking refuge in the wilderness to escape the corruptions of the world and find true communion with God. The Coptic Orthodox tradition values the monastic life as a means of achieving spiritual stillness and resisting worldly temptations. (Αθανασίου, Βίος Ἀντωνίου, PG 26, 835-978).

Spiritual Application: In moments of intense anxiety, seek solace in prayer and contemplation. Remember that even the wilderness can be a place of encounter with God. When you feel like you need to escape, spend time in prayer and scripture, seeking God’s guidance and peace. Consider a retreat, even if just for a day, to disconnect from the noise of the world.

Psalm 55:9-11

Hebrew: (Psalm 55:9) בַּלַּע אֲדֹנָי פַּלַּג לְשׁוֹנָם כִּי־רָאִיתִי חָמָס וְרִיב בָּעִיר׃ (Psalm 55:10) יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה יְסוֹבְבֻהָ עַל־חוֹמֹתֶיהָ וְאָוֶן וְעָמָל בְּקִרְבָּהּ׃ (Psalm 55:11) הַוּוֹת בְּקִרְבָּהּ וְלֹא־יָמִישׁ מֵרְחֹבָהּ תֹּךְ וּמִרְמָה׃

KJV: Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

NKJV: Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. Destruction is in its midst; Deceit and guile do not depart from its streets.

David cries out for God to “destroy” and “divide” the tongues of his enemies. This is a prayer for confusion and discord among those who plot against him. The violence and strife within the city walls are not just external threats; they represent a breakdown of social order, a corruption of justice, and a betrayal of trust. “Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.” This constant vigilance of evil suggests a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The presence of “deceit and guile” in the streets indicates a loss of integrity and truth.

The phrase “divide their tongues” evokes the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where God confused the language of the people to prevent them from uniting in rebellion. This is a call for God to disrupt the plans of the wicked and prevent them from succeeding in their evil schemes.

Spiritual Application: Pray for discernment to recognize and resist the forces of evil in your own life and in the world around you. Ask God to confuse and frustrate the plans of those who seek to harm you or others. Recognize that spiritual warfare is real and that we must rely on God’s strength to overcome it.

Psalm 55:12-14

Hebrew: (Psalm 55:12) כִּי־לֹא־אוֹיֵב יְחָרְפֵנִי וְאֶשָּׂא לֹא־מְשַׂנְאִי עָלַי הִגְדִּיל וְאֶסָּתֵר מִמֶּנּוּ׃ (Psalm 55:13) וְאַתָּה אֱנוֹשׁ כְּעֶרְכִּי אַלּוּפִי וּמְיֻדָּעִי׃ (Psalm 55:14) אֲשֶׁר יַחְדָּו נַמְתִּיק סוֹד בְּבֵית אֱלֹהִים נְהַלֵּךְ בְּרָגֶשׁ׃

KJV: For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

NKJV: For it was not an enemy who reproached me; Then I could have borne it. Nor was it one who hated me who lifted himself up against me, Then I could have hidden from him. But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.

This is the heart of David’s pain: betrayal by a close friend. “For it was not an enemy who reproached me; then I could have borne it.” The wound inflicted by an enemy is easier to bear because it is expected. But betrayal by someone you trust, someone who was your “equal,” your “companion,” your “acquaintance,” cuts much deeper. “We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.” This emphasizes the shared spiritual bond, the common faith that made the betrayal so devastating. The phrase “sweet counsel” suggests a deep level of intimacy and trust. They shared their thoughts, their hopes, and their fears with each other.

This betrayal foreshadows the betrayal of Christ by Judas. Just as David was betrayed by a close friend, Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples. This adds a layer of profound meaning to this passage, highlighting the pain and suffering that Christ endured for our sake.

Spiritual Application: Forgiveness is essential, even when it is difficult. Remember Christ’s example on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Seek healing and reconciliation, but also protect yourself from further harm. Learn to discern true friendship and be cautious about whom you trust with your deepest vulnerabilities.

Psalm 55:22

Hebrew: הַשְׁלֵךְ עַל-יְהוָה יְהָבְךָ וְהוּא יְכַלְכְּלֶךָ לֹא-יִתֵּן לְעוֹלָם מוֹט לַצַּדִּיק

KJV: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

NKJV: Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

This verse is the cornerstone of the entire psalm and perfectly encapsulates the power of the service provided by DoHost. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” This is a direct and powerful call to trust in God’s providence. The word “burden” can refer to anything that weighs us down: anxiety, fear, sorrow, guilt, physical illness, financial problems, relationship difficulties, etc. The promise is that God will “sustain” us; He will provide for our needs, He will give us strength, and He will never abandon us. “He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” This is not a promise of a life free from difficulty, but a promise that God will keep us steadfast in our faith, even in the midst of trials. The righteousness is not our own, but Christ’s imparted to us.

This verse echoes the words of St. Peter: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). This is a central theme in Coptic Orthodox spirituality: surrendering our will to God’s will, trusting in His love and mercy, and finding peace in His presence.

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious decision to release your worries and anxieties to God. Pray specifically about the things that are troubling you. Trust that He knows what is best for you, even if you don’t understand His plan. Practice gratitude, focusing on the blessings in your life rather than the problems. Remember, the act of casting your burden on the Lord is not a one-time event, but a continuous practice.

Psalm 55:23

Hebrew: וְאַתָּה אֱלֹהִים תּוֹרִדֵם לִבְאֵר שַׁחַת אַנְשֵׁי דָמִים וּמִרְמָה לֹא-יֶחֱצוּ יְמֵיהֶם וַאֲנִי אֶבְטַח-בָּךְ

KJV: But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

NKJV: But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.

David expresses his confidence in God’s justice. “But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction.” He believes that God will ultimately punish the wicked. This is not a call for personal vengeance, but a statement of faith in God’s righteous judgment. “Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days.” This is a consequence of their actions. Their violence and deceit will lead to their own downfall. “But I will trust in You.” This is the key to David’s peace. Even in the face of adversity, even when surrounded by enemies, he chooses to trust in God.

This verse reflects the Coptic Orthodox belief in the final judgment, when God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. We believe that justice will ultimately prevail, even if it is not always seen in this life.

Spiritual Application: Remember that God is just and that He will ultimately right all wrongs. Don’t allow anger and resentment to consume you. Focus on living a righteous life and trust that God will take care of the rest. Forgive those who have wronged you, knowing that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19).

Subtopic Sections

Understanding Betrayal in Light of Coptic Spirituality 🕊️

Betrayal is a recurring theme in the lives of the saints and in the scriptures. Here are some key reflections:

• Christ’s Betrayal: Jesus’s betrayal by Judas is the ultimate example of betrayal, highlighting the depth of His suffering and the extent of His love.
• The Example of St. Mark: St. Mark, after initially abandoning Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-40), was later restored and became a key figure in the early Church. This teaches us about forgiveness and second chances.
• Spiritual Warfare: Betrayal can also be seen as a form of spiritual warfare, a test of our faith and our ability to forgive.
• Finding Strength in Christ: When betrayed, we can find strength in Christ’s example, knowing that He understands our pain and that He will never abandon us.
• The Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential for our own healing and for maintaining healthy relationships. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for spiritual growth.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about applying Psalm 55 to modern life:

• Q: How do I “cast my burden” on the Lord when I don’t feel like He’s listening?
  • A: Persist in prayer, even when you feel discouraged. Remember that God’s timing is not always our timing. Focus on expressing your trust in Him, even when you don’t understand His plan. Study and reflect on scripture, particularly passages that speak of God’s faithfulness.
• Q: What if my burden is the result of my own sin? Can I still cast it on the Lord?
  • A: Absolutely. God’s forgiveness is available to all who repent and seek His mercy. Confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, and commit to turning away from your sinful ways. Remember the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
• Q: How can I forgive someone who has deeply betrayed me?
  • A: Forgiveness is a process, not an event. Start by acknowledging the pain and anger you feel. Pray for the person who has wronged you. Ask God to help you see them through His eyes. Remember that forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong, but it frees you from the burden of resentment.
• Q: What if my burden is something I can actively do something about? Should I still cast it on the Lord?
  • A: Yes! Casting your burden on the Lord doesn’t mean passive inaction. It means seeking His guidance and strength as you take action. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you make decisions. Trust that He will direct your steps and use your efforts for His glory.

Conclusion

Psalm 55 offers a profound message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It teaches us that it is not only acceptable, but vital, to express our pain and anguish to God. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in His faithfulness, even when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances. The central message is clear: Cast Your Burden on the Lord. By doing so, we open ourselves to His grace, His strength, and His unwavering love. We find solace in knowing that He cares for us, that He hears our prayers, and that He will never abandon us. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone. May we all learn to entrust our burdens to the Lord and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Tags

Psalm 55, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Betrayal, Trust, Suffering, Prayer, Forgiveness, Faith, Lord

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 55: Cast Your Burden on the Lord. Find spiritual insights, practical applications, and hope in the face of betrayal and suffering.