Psalms 55:20-21

David Draws Out The Evil And Hypocrisy Of His Enemy (Psalms 55:20).

David here defines what type of enemy he is up against. This may refer to Saul, but more probably it refers to his treacherous one time friend who has already been mentioned (Psalms 55:13).

Psalms 55:20

‘He has put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him,

He has profaned his covenant.

His mouth was smooth as butter,

But his heart was war,

His words were softer than oil,

Yet were they drawn swords.'

We have described here his friend's (or Saul's) treachery. He and David had been on the best of terms (at peace), as had their men, but without warning he had put forth his hands against both David and his bodyguard. They had had a covenant of friendship, but he had ignored it and dealt treacherously with David. He had, pretending continuing friendship, spoken soft, smooth words, possibly in order to get him on his own, but in his heart he had been plotting violence and death. He is treacherous in every way.