Psalm 55:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah

NIV: I would flee far away and stay in the desert;

NASB: Behold, I would flee far away, I would spend my nights in the wilderness. Selah

CSB: How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah

NLT: I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude

KJV: Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

NKJV: Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah

David affirms his deep desire to flee from trouble (Psalm 55:6). Given the chance, he would grow wings and literally fly from danger, far away from civilization and its troubles. Other staunch believers, such as Elijah, faced similar levels of panic (1 Kings 19) yet they, too, resolved to maintain their faith in God in the end (Psalm 55:16). David's fear-driven desire to escape ungodly enemies is understandable.

While David sought to fly from danger, in the form of a dove, the prophet Jonah tried to flee from God's direct command—and Jonah's name means "dove." He was afraid the Ninevites, against whom he wanted to predict judgment, might repent and receive God's forgiveness (Jonah 1:2; 4:1–3). So, he boarded a ship that was sailing far to the west, whereas Nineveh was in the east (Jonah 1:3). Of course, Jonah learned a hard lesson, through a massive sea creature, that it is futile to flee from God (Jonah 2).

This verse includes the Hebrew term selah, which is not clearly understood. It seems to imply reflection, or a pause. In this case, it is appropriate. David is praying for rescue (Psalm 55:1–5) while hoping to find rest from his troubles (Psalm 55:6).

Psalm 55:1–8 focuses on David's prayer for the Lord's help. David describes his trouble and the intense, negative feelings that overwhelm him. He recognizes the pressing danger of his enemies—later verses point out that a close friend has betrayed him. If he could, David would escape somewhere far away and seek shelter.

David begins this song with a prayer for rescue, likely from his rebelling son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–12). David is pained because of a close ally's betrayal; this would refer to Ahithophel, who sided with the rebels (2 Samuel 15:31). This situation creates intense fear. However, David is confident God will rescue him. He is fully assured that those who attack him will be humbled and judged by the Lord.

This is among the psalms recording David's plea for divine help in a time of persecution (Psalms 3; 6; 35). He was betrayed by a close friend, likely Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31). This was probably written in response to the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–12). Despite his trouble, David was confident God would protect him and punish his enemies.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.