Psalms 55:7
Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
אַרְחִ֣יק
far off
H7368
אַרְחִ֣יק
far off
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
2 of 6
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
נְדֹ֑ד
Lo then would I wander
H5074
נְדֹ֑ד
Lo then would I wander
Strong's:
H5074
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
אָלִ֖ין
and remain
H3885
אָלִ֖ין
and remain
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
4 of 6
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:2Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.Jeremiah 37:12Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.2 Samuel 15:14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
Historical Context
David had extensive wilderness experience during Saul's persecution, living in the caves of En Gedi and the strongholds of Judah. The wilderness was both a place of divine provision and testing in Israel's collective memory.
Questions for Reflection
- What might God be accomplishing through your current 'wilderness' that escape would prevent?
- How does Christ's wilderness temptation inform your understanding of spiritual testing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The wilderness represented both refuge and divine testing in Israel's theology. David's desire echoes Elijah's flight (1 Kings 19) yet God's providence often keeps His servants in the furnace of affliction for sanctification. The 'Selah' pause invites meditation on God's purposes in allowing prolonged trials.