The author thinks back and refers to the trusted friend he once had. They always got along well. In the midst of the masses of believers, both of them went up to God’s house, the temple. Friends who understand each other, even when little is said; fellow believers, praying and sacrificing in God’s house.
Psalm 55:12–14 can be seen as the core of the Psalm: enmity from a very unexpected corner.
It feels like his soul is being stepped on. First there existed a blind trust in each other. But now this friend
turned out to be an enemy!
Commentators point to Absalom’s uprising against David. The counsel of the king, Ahithophel, had deserted to the camp of the son of David. First, he had such a special trusted position. How bitter for David when he notices that his trusted person betrays him.
The complaint of Psalm 55:13–14 turns into a question to curse the opponent. It also moves from the singular to the plural.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.