TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 55:1–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these verses we have,
I.David praying.
Prayer is a salve for every sore and a relief to the spirit under every burden: Give ear to my prayer, O God! Psa 55:1, Psa 55:2. He does not set down the petitions he offered up to God in his distress, but begs that God would hear the prayers which, at every period, his heart lifted up to God, and grant an answer of peace to them: Attend to me, hear me. Saul would not hear his petitions; his other enemies regarded not his pleas; but, "Lord, be thou pleased to hearken to me. Hide not thyself from my supplication, either as one unconcerned and not regarding it, nor seeming to take any notice of it, or as one displeased, angry at me, and therefore at my prayer." If we, in our prayers, sincerely lay open ourselves, our case, our hearts, to God, we have reason to hope that he will not hide himself, his favours, his comforts, from us.
II.David weeping; for in this he was a type of Christ that he was a man of sorrows and often in tears (Psa 55:2):
"I mourn in my complaint" (or in my meditation, my melancholy musings), "and I make a noise; I cannot forbear such sighs and groans, and other expressions of grief, as discover it to those about me." Great griefs are sometimes noisy and clamorous, and thus are, in some measure, lessened, while those increase that are stifled, and have no vent given them. But what was the matter? Psa 55:3. It is because of the voice of the enemy, the menaces and insults of Absalom's party, that swelled, and hectored, and stirred up the people to cry out against David, and shout him out of his palace and capital city, as afterwards the chief priests stirred up the mob to cry out against the Son of David, Away with him - Crucify him. Yet it was not the voice of the enemy only that fetched tears from David's eyes, but their oppression, and the hardship he was thereby reduced to: They cast iniquity upon me. They could not justly charge David with any mal-administration in his government, could not prove any act of oppression or injustice upon him, but they loaded him with calumnies. Though they found no iniquity in him relating to his trust as a king, yet they cast all manner of iniquity upon him, and represented him to the people as a tyrant fit to be expelled. Innocency itself is no security against violent and lying tongues. They hated him themselves, nay, in wrath they hated him; there was in their enmity both the heat and violence of anger, or sudden passion, and the implacableness of hatred and rooted malice; and therefore they studied to make him odious, that others also might hate him. This made him mourn, and the more because he could remember the time when he was the darling of the people, and answered to his name, David - a beloved one.
III.David trembling, and in great consternation.
We may well suppose him to be so upon the breaking out of Absalom's conspiracy and the general defection of the people, even those that he had little reason to suspect.
1.See what fear seized him. David was a man of great boldness, and in some very eminent instances had signalized his courage, and yet, when the danger was surprising and imminent, his heart failed him. Let not the stout man therefore glory in his courage any more than the strong man in his strength. Now David's heart is sorely pained within him; the terrors of death have fallen upon him, Psa 55:4. Fearfulness of mind and trembling of body came upon him, and horror covered and overwhelmed him, Psa 55:5. When without are fightings no marvel that within are fears; and, if it was upon the occasion of Absalom's rebellion, we may suppose that the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah, which God was now reckoning with him for, added as much more to the fright. Sometimes David's faith made him, in a manner, fearless, and he could boldly say, when surrounded with enemies, I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. But at other times his fears prevail and tyrannise; for the best men are not always alike strong in faith.
2.See how desirous he was, in this fright, to retire into a desert, any where to be far enough from hearing the voice of the enemy and seeing their oppressions. He said (Psa 55:6), said it to God in prayer, said it to himself in meditation, said it to his friends in complaint, O that I had wings like a dove! Much as he had been sometimes in love with Jerusalem, now that it had become a rebellious city he longed to get clear of it, and, like the prophet, wished he had in the wilderness a lodging place of way-faring men, that he might leave his people and go from them; for they were an assembly of treacherous men, Jer 9:2. This agrees very well with David's resolution upon the breaking out of that plot, Arise, let us flee, and make speed to depart, Sa2 15:14. Observe,
(1.)How he would make his escape. He was so surrounded with enemies that he saw not how he could escape but upon the wing, and therefore he wishes, O that I had wings! not like a hawk that flies swiftly; he wishes for wings, not to fly upon the prey, but to fly from the birds of prey, for such his enemies were. The wings of a dove were most agreeable to him who was of a dove-like spirit, and therefore the wings of an eagle would not become him. The dove flies low, and takes shelter as soon as she can, and thus would David fly.
(2.)What he would make his escape from - from the wind, storm, and tempest, the tumult and ferment that the city was now in, and the danger to which he was exposed. Herein he was like a dove, that cannot endure noise.
(3.)What he aimed at in making this escape, not victory but rest: "I would fly away and be at rest, Psa 55:6. I would fly any where, if it were to a barren frightful wilderness, ever so far off, so I might be quiet," Psa 55:7. Note, Peace and quietness in silence and solitude are what the wisest and best of men have most earnestly coveted, and the more when they have been vexed and wearied with the noise and clamour of those about them. Gracious souls wish to retire from the hurry and bustle of this world, that they may sweetly enjoy God and themselves; and, if there be any true peace on this side heaven, it is they that enjoy it in those retirements. This makes death desirable to a child of God, that it is a final escape from all the storms and tempests of this world to perfect and everlasting rest.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
As for the person who wishes to be lifted up by the hand of Christ, let him first fly away himself, let him have his own wings, for one who flees from the world has wings. And if he does not have wings of his own—and perhaps only the individual who is able to fly has them—if then he does not have his own, let him get them from the one who has them. Thus a person who flees from the world does fly. “Behold, I have gone far off flying away, and I remained in the wilderness.” Thus, David flew away like the night raven in the dwelling, like the lone sparrow in the house. Now if you apply this to Christ, he flew away in the passion of his body, so that he could protect the peoples of the nations under the shadow of his wings. He flew away from the Godhead; he remained in the body and dwelled in the desert, so that the children of the deserted wife might be more than those of her who had a husband. Therefore let us seek after Christ’s body that we also may rise again; for where the body is, there also will the eagles be.
And yet, persecution and tribulation had become so great that he [Paul] was weary of life itself. Fear and trembling had come on him, and darkness had enveloped him, as you have heard when it was read in the psalm. That is the voice of the body of Christ, the voice of the members of Christ. Would you like to recognize it as your own voice? Then, be one of Christ's members, and hear what the psalm says: "Fear and trembling are come on me, and darkness has covered me. And I said, Who will give me wings like a dove, and I will fly and be at rest." Is not this similar to the cry of the apostle when he says, "so that we were weary even of life"? It is as though he were suffering weariness from the slime of the body, for he was longing to fly to Christ while the abundance of tribulations was impeding his flight without rendering it impossible. Yes, he was weary of life, weary of this life; for weariness is not to be found in the everlasting life, to which he refers when he says, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain."
"Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and darkness has covered me" [Psalm 55:5]. "And I have said," "He that hates his brother, is in darkness until now." [1 John 2:9, 11] If love is light, hatred is darkness. And what says to himself one set in that weakness and troubled in that exercise? "Who shall give me wings as to a dove, and I shall fly and shall rest?" [Psalm 55:6]. Either for death he was wishing, or for solitude he was longing. So long, he says, as this is the work with me, as this command is given me, that I should love enemies, the revilings of these men, increasing and shadowing me, do derange my eye, perturb my sight, penetrate my heart, slay my soul. I could wish to depart, but weak I am, lest by abiding I should add sins to sins: or at least may I be separated for a little space from mankind, lest my wound suffer from frequent blows, in order that when it has been made whole it may be brought back to the exercise. This is what takes place, brethren, and there arises ofttimes in the mind of the servant of God a longing for solitude, for no other reason than because of the multitude of tribulations and scandals, and he says, "Who shall give me wings?" Does he find himself without wings, or rather with bound wings? If they are wanting, be they given; if bound, be they loosed; because even he that looses a bird's wings, either gives, or gives back to it its wings. For it had not as though its own them, wherewith it could not fly. Bound wings make a burden. "Who," he says, "shall give me wings as to a dove, and I shall fly and shall rest?" Shall rest, where? I have said there are two senses here: either, as says the Apostle, "To be dissolved and to be with Christ, for it is by far the best thing." [Philippians 1:23] ...Even he that amended cannot be, is yours, either by the fellowship of the human race, or ofttimes by Church Communion; he is within, what will you do? Whither wilt go? Whither separate yourself, in order that these things you may not suffer? But go to him, speak, exhort, coax, threaten, reprove. I have done all things, whatever powers I had I have expended and have drained, nothing I see have I prevailed; all my labour has been spent out, sorrow has remained. How then shall my heart rest from such men, except I say, "Who shall give me wings?" "As to a dove," however, not as to a raven. A dove seeks a flying away from troubles, but she loses not love. For a dove as a type of love is set forth, and in her the plaint is loved. Nothing is so fond of plaints as a dove: day and night she complains, as though she were set here where she ought to complain. What then says this lover? Revilings of men to bear I am unable, they roar, with frenzy are carried away, are inflamed with indignation, in anger they shadow me; to do good to them I am unable; O that I might rest somewhere, being separated from them in body, not in love; lest in me there should be troubled love itself: with my words and my speech no good can I do them, by praying for them perchance I shall do good. These words men say, but ofttimes they are so bound, that to fly they are not able. For perchance they are not bound with any birdlime, but are bound by duty. But if they are bound with care and duty, and to leave it are unable, let them say, "I was wishing to be dissolved and to be with Christ, for it is by far the best thing: to abide in the flesh is necessary because of you." [Philippians 1:23-24] A dove bound back by affection, not by cupidity, was not able to fly away because of duty to be fulfilled, not because of little merit. Nevertheless a longing in heart must needs be; nor does any man suffer this longing, but he that has begun to walk in that narrow way: [Matthew 7:14] in order that he may know that there are not wanting to the Church persecutions, even in this time, when a calm is seen in the Church, at least with respect to those persecutions which our Martyrs have suffered. But there are not wanting persecutions, because a true saying is this, "All that will godly to live in Christ, shall suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3:12] ...
Typologically, however, the desert where John [the Baptist] remained separated from the allurements of the world designates the lives of the saints, who, whether they live as solitaries or mingled with the crowds, always reject the desires of the present world with the whole intention of their minds. They take delight in clinging only to God in the secrecy of their heart and in placing their hope in him. This solitude of mind, most dear to God, is what the prophet desired to attain with the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit when he said, “Who will give me wings as of a dove, and I will fly away and rest?” And as soon as he had secured this [solitude] by the Lord’s help, he gave thanks, and as though reviling the entanglements of ordinary earthly desires, he continued, “Behold, I have withdrawn afar in flight, and I have remained in solitude.”
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Summary
Psalms 55:6 captures the psalmist's profound anguish and overwhelming yearning for immediate escape from a situation of intense turmoil, oppression, and deep personal betrayal. Through the poignant imagery of wishing for "wings like a dove," the verse vividly expresses a desperate human longing for swift, unhindered flight away from suffering, seeking a place of true tranquility and secure refuge amidst the chaos and treachery of life. This heartfelt cry is a raw testament to the emotional pain inflicted by disloyalty and the universal human desire for enduring peace.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 55 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament psalm, traditionally attributed to David, unfolding his profound anguish. The psalm begins with a desperate plea for God to hear his prayer, quickly transitioning to a vivid description of the oppressive circumstances he faces. The immediate verses preceding verse 6 express the psalmist's overwhelming fear and distress, as he feels crushed by the "noise of the enemy" and the "oppression of the wicked" (Psalms 55:2-3). The intensity of his suffering is further exacerbated by the central theme of betrayal by a trusted companion, articulated powerfully later in the psalm: "For it was not an enemy that reproached me... But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance" (Psalms 55:12-13). Therefore, verse 6 serves as a poignant, almost visceral, expression of his desire to flee the unbearable pain and conflict emanating from both external adversaries and the devastating wound of internal treachery.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the specific historical backdrop for Psalms 55 is not explicitly stated, traditional attribution to King David strongly suggests periods of intense personal and political turmoil, such as Absalom's rebellion or Saul's relentless pursuit. During Absalom's rebellion, David was indeed forced to flee Jerusalem, experiencing profound betrayal from his own son and close advisors like Ahithophel, whose counsel was "as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God" (2 Samuel 15:13-14). In ancient Near Eastern societies, betrayal by a trusted friend or family member was considered a profound violation of social and covenantal bonds, often far more devastating than open enmity. The "city" mentioned in the psalm (Psalms 55:9-11) would have been Jerusalem, a place meant to be a sanctuary and center of worship, but which had, for the psalmist, become a source of affliction and violence. The imagery of wings, particularly of a dove, would have been familiar and evocative, as doves were common birds known for their swift, direct flight and often associated with purity, mourning, or messengers of peace.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalms 55 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the profound desire for escape and refuge, a common human response to overwhelming adversity. The psalmist's longing to "fly away" is not merely a wish for physical removal but a deep yearning for liberation from distress and the oppressive weight of his circumstances. Secondly, it highlights the universal longing for peace and rest, a fundamental spiritual and emotional need for cessation from turmoil and a secure dwelling place. This theme of rest is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, often presented as a divine promise and ultimate goal for God's people (Hebrews 4:9). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays profound distress and betrayal, revealing the raw, honest expression of human suffering when faced with treachery from those closest to one's heart. Finally, it speaks to human vulnerability, acknowledging the limits of human endurance and the natural inclination to seek relief when life's burdens become unbearable. This raw honesty is a hallmark of the lament psalms, offering a divinely sanctioned template for expressing pain and desperation to God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H83) refers to a "pinion" or "long-wing." In this context, it signifies the physical means of swift movement and escape. The psalmist desires the literal capacity to transcend his immediate, oppressive circumstances, to gain elevation and distance from his troubles. It emphasizes the physical agency of flight.
The dove (H3123) is a bird known for its swift, direct flight, and often associated with innocence, peace, or mournful cooing. Here, the dove's characteristic swiftness is paramount, symbolizing an unhindered, immediate departure from danger. The psalmist is not seeking a powerful, aggressive escape like an eagle, but a gentle, quick, and perhaps unnoticed flight to safety and tranquility.
The verb "be at rest" is derived from shâkan (H7931), meaning "to reside or permanently stay." It implies a cessation from labor, trouble, or movement, leading to a state of tranquility and security. It's more than just a temporary break; it's a desire for a stable, peaceful dwelling place where one can truly find solace and cease from anxiety. This contrasts sharply with the constant turmoil and violence the psalmist describes experiencing in the city.
Verse Breakdown
"And I said,"
This opening phrase immediately draws the reader into the psalmist's internal monologue, presenting a personal, heartfelt utterance born out of deep emotion. It signifies a spontaneous cry, a desperate wish rather than a calculated statement, revealing the depth of his inner turmoil.
"Oh that I had wings like a dove!"
This is a passionate exclamation, a desiderative wish expressing an intense longing. The imagery is powerful, conveying a desperate desire for the ability to escape quickly and cleanly from his present suffering. The specific comparison to a "dove" emphasizes a swift, perhaps innocent or unburdened, flight from corruption and danger.
"[for then] would I fly away,"
This clause articulates the immediate, desired consequence of his wish. The possession of wings is purely for the purpose of escape, to physically remove himself from the source of his pain and oppression. The implied speed and directness of flight are crucial, highlighting the urgency of his desire to flee.
"and be at rest."
This final phrase reveals the ultimate goal of his escape: not merely to flee, but to find profound peace, tranquility, and security. It's a yearning for a state of repose, a cessation from the intense psychological and emotional distress he is enduring. This "rest" is the antithesis of the constant turmoil and violence he describes in his current circumstances.
Literary Devices
Psalms 55:6 is rich in Imagery, particularly the vivid picture of "wings like a dove," which immediately evokes a sense of lightness, speed, and peaceful escape. This imagery functions as potent Symbolism, where the dove represents not only swift flight but also perhaps purity, innocence, or vulnerability, contrasting sharply with the corrupt and violent environment the psalmist wishes to escape. The entire verse is a classic example of Lament, a common genre in the Psalms where the speaker expresses deep sorrow, pain, and a desperate plea for deliverance from overwhelming circumstances. The psalmist's cry is an Exclamation, conveying intense emotion and a desperate wish for an immediate, profound change in his situation. The desire to "fly away, and be at rest" can also be seen as a form of Hyperbole, an exaggerated expression of his longing, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his distress and his profound need for relief and solace.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The psalmist's poignant cry in Psalms 55:6 resonates deeply with the universal human experience of suffering and the natural desire for relief from overwhelming burdens. Theologically, it highlights the stark reality of a fallen world where betrayal, oppression, and violence are pervasive, even among God's people. Yet, even in this raw expression of despair, there is an implicit turning towards a higher power, as the psalmist later demonstrates by casting his burden upon the Lord (Psalms 55:22). The longing for "rest" points to a deeper spiritual truth: true and lasting peace is not ultimately found in physical escape from circumstances, but in the secure and abiding presence of God. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for a theological journey from profound despair to unwavering trust, acknowledging human frailty while ultimately affirming divine sovereignty and the promise of ultimate rest and refuge found only in God.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 55:6 offers profound validation for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life's burdens, betrayed by trusted friends, or simply longed for an escape from relentless pressure. It reminds us that it is profoundly human to desire relief, to wish for a way out when circumstances become unbearable. The psalmist's raw honesty gives us permission to acknowledge our own pain, desperation, and even our desire to flee, rather than suppressing these natural human emotions. While we cannot literally sprout wings and fly away from our problems, the underlying spiritual truth is that true rest and refuge are found not in physical flight, but in the secure and sovereign presence of God. This verse encourages us to bring our deepest anxieties, our feelings of betrayal, and our longing for peace directly to the Lord, who is our ultimate sanctuary. It challenges us to seek not merely an escape from trouble, but a deeper, abiding peace that transcends circumstances, found only in surrendering our burdens to the One who promises rest for our souls.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the psalmist specifically wish for "wings like a dove" and not another bird, like an eagle?
The choice of a "dove" is highly significant for several reasons that align with the psalmist's specific distress. While an eagle symbolizes strength, power, and soaring majesty, the dove often represents swift, unencumbered flight, as well as innocence, gentleness, and sometimes mourning. In the context of the psalmist's overwhelming distress and the corruption he describes in the city, he is not seeking a powerful, aggressive escape or a triumphant victory. Instead, he desires a quiet, pure, and swift departure from the violence and treachery of his surroundings. A dove's flight is typically direct and unburdened, symbolizing a quick, clean break from turmoil. Furthermore, doves were common and familiar birds in ancient Israel, making the imagery relatable and poignant to the original audience. The desire is for a peaceful, immediate cessation of suffering, not a forceful or confrontational overcoming of his enemies.
Is it wrong or a sign of weak faith to desire to escape from difficult situations?
No, it is not inherently wrong or a sign of weak faith to desire to escape from overwhelming or painful situations. Psalms 55:6 demonstrates that this longing is a deeply human and natural response to distress, even for a person of profound faith like David. The Bible is replete with examples of God's people expressing raw, honest emotions, including despair, lament, and a fervent desire for relief or even death (e.g., Job's cries in Job 3:1-3 or Jonah's complaint in Jonah 4:3). The psalmist's lament is a testament to the honesty and authenticity permitted in prayer before God. The key is not to dwell in the desire for escape as an end in itself, but to ultimately turn to God as the true source of refuge and rest, as the psalmist himself does later in Psalms 55:16-18. God understands our human limitations and invites us to cast all our burdens upon Him, promising genuine rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The psalmist's desperate cry for wings to fly away and find rest finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David longed for a physical escape from the pain of betrayal and the turmoil of his circumstances, Christ, the Son of God, willingly entered into the full reality of human suffering. He experienced the ultimate betrayal by a close friend and disciple (Matthew 26:47-50) and bore the crushing weight of sin and oppression for all humanity. Yet, instead of flying away from His suffering, He willingly embraced the cross, becoming the true refuge and rest for all who are weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28). The "rest" the psalmist yearned for is not merely a cessation of earthly troubles, but the profound spiritual peace and security found only in reconciliation with God through Christ's atoning sacrifice. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), offering a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Him (Philippians 4:7). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured an eternal Sabbath rest for His people (Hebrews 4:9-10), a permanent dwelling place of peace and security that no earthly turmoil, betrayal, or suffering can ultimately disrupt. He is the ultimate sanctuary, the one to whom we can always flee and find true, abiding rest for our souls.