Psalms 55:6

KJV

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559}{H8799)}, Oh that {H5414}{H8799)} I had wings {H83} like a dove {H3123}! for then would I fly away {H5774}{H8799)}, and be at rest {H7931}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, "I wish I had wings like a dove! Then I could fly away and be at rest.

Berean Standard Bible

I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.

American Standard Version

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:6 captures the psalmist's profound distress and overwhelming desire for escape from a situation of intense turmoil and betrayal. The vivid imagery of wishing for "wings like a dove" expresses a deep human longing for swift flight away from suffering, seeking a place of true tranquility and secure refuge amidst the chaos of life. This cry is a raw testament to the emotional pain inflicted by treachery and the universal yearning for peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 55 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament psalm, traditionally attributed to David. It unfolds the psalmist's anguish, moving from a desperate plea for God to hear his prayer in the opening verses to a vivid description of the oppressive circumstances he faces. The immediate context of verse 6 follows expressions of deep distress and fear, where the psalmist feels overwhelmed by the "noise of the enemy" and the "oppression of the wicked" ([Psalms 55:2-3](/psalms/55-2 "Psalms 55:2-3 - The Psalmist's Distress")). The intensity of his suffering, particularly the betrayal by a trusted companion, is a central theme, articulated powerfully later in the psalm where he laments, "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](/psalms/55-12 "Psalms 55:12-13 - The Betrayal of a Friend")). This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant expression of his desire to flee the unbearable pain and conflict emanating from both external enemies and internal betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalms 55 is not explicitly stated, traditional attribution to David suggests periods of intense personal and political turmoil, such as Absalom's rebellion or Saul's relentless pursuit. During Absalom's rebellion, David was forced to flee Jerusalem, experiencing profound betrayal from his own son and close advisors like Ahithophel ([2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Flees Jerusalem")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, betrayal by a trusted friend or family member was considered a profound violation of social and covenantal bonds, often more devastating than open enmity. The "city" mentioned in the psalm ([Psalms 55:9-11](/psalms/55-9 "Psalms 55:9-11 - Violence and Strife in the City")) would have been Jerusalem, a place meant to be a sanctuary but which had become a source of affliction for the psalmist. The imagery of wings, particularly of a dove, would have been familiar, as doves were common birds known for their swift flight and often associated with purity or lament.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalms 55 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the **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. Secondly, it highlights the **longing for peace and rest**, a profound spiritual and emotional need for cessation from turmoil and a secure dwelling place. This theme of rest is echoed throughout Scripture as a divine promise ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Promise of Rest")). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **profound distress and betrayal**, revealing the raw, honest expression of human suffering when faced with treachery from those closest. 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 template for expressing pain to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wings (Hebrew, _kānāph_'):** This word literally means "wing" or "extremity." In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to protection (as under a bird's wing, [Psalms 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalms 91:4 - Under His Wings")) or, as here, the means of swift movement and escape. The psalmist desires the physical capacity to transcend his immediate, oppressive circumstances.
* **Dove (Hebrew, _yônāh_'):** The dove is a bird often associated with innocence, peace, and purity. However, it is also known for its swift, direct flight, and sometimes for its mournful cooing. In this context, the dove's characteristic swiftness is paramount, symbolizing an unhindered, immediate departure from danger. The psalmist isn't seeking a powerful, aggressive escape, but a gentle, quick, and perhaps unnoticed flight to safety.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûaḥ_'):** The verb `nûaḥ` means "to rest, settle down, be quiet, repose." 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 with the constant turmoil and violence the psalmist describes experiencing in the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said,"**: This opening phrase immediately places the reader into the psalmist's internal monologue, revealing a personal, heartfelt utterance born out of deep emotion. It's a spontaneous cry, not a calculated statement.
* **"Oh that I had wings like a dove!"**: This is a passionate exclamation, a desiderative wish. The imagery is powerful, conveying a desperate longing for the ability to escape quickly and cleanly from his present suffering. The "dove" specifically emphasizes a swift, perhaps innocent or unburdened, flight.
* **"[for then] would I fly away,"**: This clause expresses the immediate consequence of his wish. The desire for 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 key.
* **"and be at rest."**: This final phrase reveals the ultimate goal of his escape: not just to flee, but to find 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 turmoil he describes.

#### 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 **Symbolism**, where the dove represents not only swift flight but also perhaps purity or vulnerability, contrasting with the corrupt and violent environment the psalmist wishes to escape. The entire verse is an example of **Lament**, a common genre in the Psalms where the speaker expresses deep sorrow, pain, and a plea for deliverance. The psalmist's cry is an **Exclamation**, conveying intense emotion and a desperate wish. 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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The psalmist's cry in Psalms 55:6 resonates with the universal human experience of suffering and the natural desire for relief. Theologically, it highlights the reality of a fallen world where betrayal and oppression 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](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord")). The longing for "rest" points to a deeper spiritual truth: true and lasting peace is not found in physical escape from circumstances, but in the secure presence of God. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for a theological journey from despair to trust, acknowledging human frailty while ultimately affirming divine sovereignty and the promise of ultimate rest in God.

* [Psalms 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7 "Psalms 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence")
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")

### 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 and desperation, rather than suppressing them. 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 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
* **What specific circumstances in your life currently make you long for "wings like a dove" to fly away and be at rest?**
* **How does the psalmist's honest expression of pain in this verse validate your own feelings of distress or desire for escape?**
* **Where do you typically seek "rest" when life becomes overwhelming, and how does that compare to the spiritual rest offered in God's presence?**
* **Considering that true rest is found in God, what practical steps can you take to "cast your burden upon the Lord" (as the psalmist later does in [Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord")) when you feel the urge to flee?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalmist specifically wish for "wings like a dove" and not another bird, like an eagle?**

Answer: The choice of a "dove" is significant for several reasons. While an eagle symbolizes strength and soaring majesty, the dove often represents swift, unencumbered flight, as well as innocence and gentleness. In the context of the psalmist's distress, he is not seeking a powerful, aggressive escape, but rather a quiet, pure, and swift departure from the corruption and violence of his surroundings. A dove's flight is typically direct and unburdened, symbolizing a quick, clean break from the turmoil. Furthermore, doves were common and familiar birds, making the imagery relatable to the audience. The desire is for a peaceful, immediate cessation of suffering, not a triumphant or forceful overcoming of his enemies.

**Is it wrong or a sign of weak faith to desire to escape from difficult situations?**

Answer: 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 faith like David. The Bible is filled with examples of God's people expressing raw emotions, including despair and a desire for relief (e.g., [Job 3:1-3](/job/3-1 "Job 3:1-3 - Job Curses His Day"), [Jonah 4:3](/jonah/4-3 "Jonah 4:3 - Jonah's Desire to Die")). The psalmist's lament is a testament to the honesty permitted in prayer. The key is not to dwell in the desire for escape 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](/psalms/55-16 "Psalms 55:16-18 - The Psalmist's Trust in God"). God understands our human limitations and invites us to cast our burdens upon Him, promising rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's desperate cry for wings to fly away and find rest finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While David longed for a physical escape from betrayal and turmoil, Christ entered into the full reality of human suffering, experiencing the ultimate betrayal by a close friend ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - The Betrayal of Judas")) and the crushing weight of sin and oppression. Yet, instead of flying away, He willingly embraced the cross, becoming the true refuge and rest for all who are weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "rest" the psalmist yearned for is not merely a cessation of earthly troubles, but the 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured an eternal Sabbath rest for His people ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")), a permanent dwelling place of peace and security that no earthly turmoil or betrayal can disrupt. He is the ultimate sanctuary, the one to whom we can always flee and find true, abiding rest for our souls.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 11:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?

Psalms 139:9

[If] I take the wings of the morning, [and] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.