How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove!'The psalmist begins with a heartfelt expression of longing for escape. The imagery of "wings like a dove" evokes a sense of peace and freedom. In Hebrew, the word for "dove" is "יונה" (yonah), which is often associated with innocence and purity. Doves are also symbolic of the Holy Spirit in Christian theology, representing divine presence and comfort. The psalmist's desire for wings suggests a yearning to rise above earthly troubles and find solace in God's presence. I would fly away and find rest
The phrase "fly away" captures the deep desire to flee from distress and turmoil. In the Hebrew context, the verb "fly" (עוף, 'uph) conveys a swift and effortless movement, indicating a longing for immediate relief. The concept of "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach) is significant in biblical literature, often associated with the Sabbath and God's promise of peace. This rest is not merely physical but spiritual, reflecting a state of tranquility and trust in God's providence. The psalmist's wish to find rest underscores a profound reliance on God as the ultimate source of peace amidst life's chaos. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep desire to escape his troubles and find peace. 2. WildernessRepresents a place of solitude and refuge, often seen in the Bible as a place where individuals encounter God or find respite from their troubles. 3. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, inviting the reader to contemplate the preceding words. Teaching Points Desire for EscapeWe often long to escape our troubles, but true peace is found in God’s presence, not in physical relocation. Wilderness as a Place of EncounterThe wilderness can be a metaphor for times of trial where we can encounter God more deeply and rely on His strength. Reflection and Pause (Selah)Taking time to pause and reflect on God’s Word can provide clarity and peace amidst chaos. Trust in God’s SovereigntyEven when we desire to flee, trusting in God’s plan and sovereignty can bring comfort and direction. Prayer as a RefugeLike David, we can turn to prayer as a means of seeking refuge and expressing our deepest desires and fears to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David’s desire to flee to the wilderness resonate with your own experiences of wanting to escape difficult situations? 2. In what ways can the wilderness be both a place of trial and a place of divine encounter in your life? 3. How can the concept of "Selah" be applied in your daily routine to help you pause and reflect on God’s presence? 4. What other biblical figures sought refuge in the wilderness, and what can we learn from their experiences? 5. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty when you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:4Elijah, like David, seeks refuge in the wilderness, desiring to escape his burdens and find solace. Matthew 4:1Jesus is led into the wilderness, a place of testing and communion with God, highlighting the wilderness as a place of both trial and divine encounter. Psalm 23:4David speaks of walking through the "valley of the shadow of death," yet finding comfort in God's presence, contrasting his desire to flee with the assurance of God's guidance. | The True and the False Way of Encountering the Difficulties of Life | C. Short | Psalm 55:1-8 | | The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in Life | Homilist | Psalm 55:1-23 | | The Outcry of a Soul in Distress | T. W. Chambers, D. D. | Psalm 55:1-23 | | Dissatisfaction the Law of Life | C. Wadsworth, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Dove-Wings | W. M. Statham. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Man's Higher Longings | W. C. Hawkesley, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Mistaken Longings | W. L. Watkinson. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Rest | Charles New. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Seeking Rest by Flight | J. H. Jowett, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Should Heaven be Sought as a Distant | Homilist | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Cry of Humanity for Rest | D. Jones, B. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Instinct of Repose | W. Forsyth, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Restlessness of Human Ambition | Thomas Chalmers, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Sigh of David | Dean Farrar. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Soul's Desire for Rest | James Jeffery, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Vagueness and Endlessness of Human Aspirations | A. K. H. Boyd, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 |
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Afar, Behold, Desert, Flee, Lodge, Move, Selah, Stay, Wander, Wandering, Waste, Wilderness, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:4-8 5058 rest, spiritual Psalm 55:4-14 5799 bitterness Psalm 55:6-8 5831 depression Library July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 55:7 NIVPsalm 55:7 NLTPsalm 55:7 ESVPsalm 55:7 NASBPsalm 55:7 KJV
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