Psalms 55

Terrors of Death

My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Psalms 55:4–5

The psalmist is overwhelmed by the terror of death. It softly echoes Jesus in Gethsemane, 'sore amazed' and 'exceeding sorrowful unto death.'

• alluded to by Mark 14:33-34 — Jesus 'began to be sore amazed ... My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.'

Betrayed by a Companion

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: Psalms 55:12–14

David was betrayed by a trusted friend (traditionally Ahithophel, who later hanged himself). This prefigures Jesus betrayed by Judas, a close disciple, who also hanged himself.

• alludes to 2 Samuel 17:23 — Ahithophel, David's counselor turned traitor, hanged himself.
• a type of what is in Matthew 27:5 — Judas 'went and hanged himself.'

Smooth Words, a Betrayer's Heart

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. Psalms 55:20–21

The betrayer broke his covenant with smooth words hiding war. Judas betrayed Jesus with a greeting and a kiss.

• alluded to by Matthew 26:48-49 — 'Hail, master; and kissed him.'

Burden-Bearer

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalms 55:22

The LORD invites us to cast our burdens on Him. Jesus gave the same invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.'

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alluded to by Matthew 11:28 — 'Come unto me ... and I will give you rest.'
• alluded to by 1 Peter 5:7 — 'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.'