Psalms 55:8

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

אָחִ֣ישָׁה I would hasten H2363
אָחִ֣ישָׁה I would hasten
Strong's: H2363
Word #: 1 of 6
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
מִפְלָ֣ט my escape H4655
מִפְלָ֣ט my escape
Strong's: H4655
Word #: 2 of 6
an escape
לִ֑י H0
לִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 6
מֵר֖וּחַ from the windy H7307
מֵר֖וּחַ from the windy
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 4 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
סֹעָ֣ה storm H5584
סֹעָ֣ה storm
Strong's: H5584
Word #: 5 of 6
to rush
מִסָּֽעַר׃ and tempest H5591
מִסָּֽעַר׃ and tempest
Strong's: H5591
Word #: 6 of 6
a hurricane

Analysis & Commentary

The Hebrew 'sa'ar' (tempest/whirlwind) evokes God's theophanic appearances (Job 38:1) and divine judgment. Yet here the tempest represents human opposition. This paradox reveals that believers may experience storms not from God's wrath but as the context for demonstrating His sustaining grace under sovereign permission.

Historical Context

Storms and tempests were feared in ancient Palestine, particularly affecting shepherds and travelers. David's language draws on his experience as a shepherd exposed to sudden weather changes in the Judean hills.

Questions for Reflection

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