Psalms 55:20
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
Psalms 55:20
This verse describes the breach of covenant and trust by a person in one’s peace. “He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.” In a communal and political sense, treaties and oaths were foundational to social order. A trusted ally or ruler breaking covenant would provoke fear and a sense of betrayal. The Psalmist’s imagery suggests that the offender’s peace is a false veneer, masking aggression and hostility. In the wider biblical narrative, covenant breaking is a serious violation, often signaling moral deterioration and impending judgment. The verse belongs to a lament where the psalmist wrestles with treachery that disrupts both personal safety and social harmony.
The verse emphasizes the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the moral gravity of breaking agreements. It highlights the expectation that those who claim peace and honor should uphold it in action; a broken covenant reveals the corruption of the human heart apart from divine grace. This aligns with biblical motifs of faithfulness, integrity, and the consequences of deceit. It also points to the need for divine justice against those who exploit peace for hostile ends. Theologically, it reinforces the idea that God’s standard for humanity includes fidelity to agreements, truth-telling, and the protection of the vulnerable against treachery.
Think about your own commitments—marriage, friendships, work promises, or church responsibilities. Are you someone who keeps covenant even when it costs? If you’ve been wronged by a trusted person, this verse can shape your response: refuse vengeance, seek restoration if possible, and entrust ultimate justice to God. For communities, it’s a reminder to uphold transparent commitments, enforce consequences for breach, and cultivate leadership that acts consistently with declared values. If you’re the one who has broken a covenant, repent and pursue restoration; reconciliation begins with acknowledging harm, seeking forgiveness, and making amends where feasible. Practically, renew agreements with clarity, document expectations, and build safeguards to prevent hidden agendas from eroding trust.
Cross-References: Psalm 12:2; Proverbs 25:18; Jeremiah 9:4; Hosea 6:7; Luke 12:51-53