Psalm 55:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest."

NIV: I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."

NASB: I would hurry to my place of refuge From the stormy wind and heavy gale.'

CSB: I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm."

NLT: How quickly I would escape — far from this wild storm of hatred.

KJV: I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

NKJV: I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”

This psalm began with David expressing intense fear and an imminent threat of death (Psalm 55:1–5). Later verses also mention betrayal by an ally (Psalm 55:12–13). It's possible this refers to the treachery of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31) and David's need to evacuate to escape his rebelling son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14). Since David fled from Absalom and dire danger, seeking safety, his words here would be entirely appropriate.

David's poetic language here describes his situation as a violent thunderstorm. He was distressed and fearful of his enemy; he experienced not only danger, but also chaos and noise. Taking shelter from a storm, to escape wind and rain, would be the equivalent of running into the wilderness to escape murderous enemies. However, David knew that physical escape would not cure his inner turmoil. As this psalm continues, he will express utter faith in God (Psalm 55:16). In other songs, David reinforced this idea of relying on God despite one's fears (Psalm 23:4).

Only the Lord is a haven in times of trouble. Instead of trusting in natural defenses, David and all believers can trust in a supernatural refuge. The Lord is the perfect place of safety for His people. The psalmist testifies in Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He affirms that neither earthquakes, the casting of mountains into the sea, nor tidal disturbances can cause believers to fear because God is their refuge (Psalm 46:2–3). Jesus told his frightened disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).

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.