Psalms 55:15

Psalms 55:15

Verse 15 issues a severe, and jarring, petition: “Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell.” This is one of those hard-Almighty cries found in the Psalms, expressing the depth of perceived wickedness and its consequences. The language reflects ancient Near Eastern expressions of judgment and ultimate fate, underscoring a desire for divine justice rather than personal vengeance. The psalmist believes that the betrayer’s wickedness has earned a severe judgment, consistent with the justice God would enact. While shocking to modern sensibilities, it is a lament that trust in God’s righteous judgment persists even amid emotional turmoil.

Theologically, this verse raises significant questions about judgment, justice, and mercy. The psalmist vends a raw cry that God alone judges rightly and righteously. It also confronts the tension between human desire for justice and God’s timing. The longing for severe judgment reveals the seriousness with which moral evil is viewed in Scripture. Yet the broader biblical arc moves toward mercy and transformation through God’s redemptive work. The verse, read in light of the full psalm, invites readers to entrust ultimate justice to God while continuing to cling to faith and mercy in the present.

Today, such language can be provocative. If you’re distressed by ongoing injustice or harm caused by others, this verse can serve as a caution against vengeance while affirming the longing for justice. Practical steps: pursue lawful, ethical avenues for accountability and healing—mediate disputes, pursue restorative justice, protect vulnerable individuals, and pray for truth to prevail. Use this moment as impetus to seek peace and reconciliation where possible, but also to recognize boundaries and safety needs. Lean into God for ultimate justice rather than taking matters into your own hands. The verse invites faithful hope that God’s judgment will be just and timely.

Cross-References: Romans 12:19; Psalm 58:10-11; Proverbs 24:17-18