Psalms 55:7

KJV

Lo, [then] would I wander far off, [and] remain in the wilderness. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, then would I wander {H5074}{H8800)} far off {H7368}{H8686)}, and remain {H3885}{H8799)} in the wilderness {H4057}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I would flee to a place far off, I would stay in the desert. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah

American Standard Version

Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:7 articulates the psalmist's profound and desperate longing for escape from overwhelming distress and betrayal. Overwhelmed by the treachery of a trusted companion and the chaos of his circumstances, he expresses an intense wish to flee far away and find permanent solace in the isolation of the wilderness. This verse captures a universal human experience of yearning for refuge when faced with unbearable pain, highlighting the depth of despair that can lead one to desire complete detachment from the source of their suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the psalmist's fervent wish expressed in the preceding verse, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest" ([Psalms 55:6](/psalms/55-6 "Psalms 55:6 - A Wish for Wings")). The desire to "wander far off" and "remain in the wilderness" is the practical outworking of that wish for escape. The entire [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Lament of Betrayal") is a lament, opening with a desperate plea for God to hear his prayer ([Psalms 55:1](/psalms/55-1 "Psalms 55:1 - Hear My Prayer")), vividly describing his anguish, fear, and the "terrors of death" that have fallen upon him ([Psalms 55:4](/psalms/55-4 "Psalms 55:4 - The Terrors of Death")). The psalmist's anguish is intensified by the betrayal of a close friend, as revealed later in the psalm ([Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalms 55:12-14 - Betrayal by a Friend")). Thus, Psalms 55:7 is a pivotal expression of his yearning for an ultimate, permanent removal from the source of his profound pain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King David, [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Lament of Betrayal") is often associated with the period of Absalom's rebellion and the treachery of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor who joined the rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2-samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal")). In ancient Israel, the "wilderness" (`midbar`) was not merely an empty desert but often a place of both desolation and refuge. It was where Israel wandered for forty years ([Numbers 14:33](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty Years in the Wilderness")), where prophets like Elijah found solace and encountered God ([1 Kings 19:4](/1-kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah in the Wilderness")), and where outcasts or those fleeing persecution might seek shelter. For the psalmist, the wilderness represents a stark contrast to the urban environment, which had become a place of danger, deceit, and overwhelming pressure. His desire to "remain" there signifies a yearning for a lasting state of peace and detachment from the turmoil of court life and treacherous relationships.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Lament of Betrayal") and the broader Psalter. The most prominent is the **desire for escape and refuge** from overwhelming distress. The psalmist's fantasy of flying away like a dove and dwelling in the wilderness underscores the intensity of his suffering and his desperate need for relief. This theme resonates with the universal human experience of wishing to flee from pain or conflict. Secondly, it highlights the **crushing weight of distress and betrayal**, particularly the anguish caused by a trusted friend turning into an enemy. This profound emotional burden drives the psalmist to such an extreme longing for solitude. Finally, the verse introduces **solitude as a sanctuary**, presenting the wilderness—a place often associated with hardship—as a potential haven from human treachery and urban chaos. It symbolizes a longing for peace and quiet away from the source of his pain, reflecting a deep spiritual and emotional exhaustion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lo (Hebrew, _hinneh'_):** This interjection serves to draw immediate attention to the psalmist's earnest and desperate wish. It can be translated as "Behold!" or "Indeed!" emphasizing the sudden, intense, and heartfelt nature of his desire to flee. It highlights the urgency and depth of his emotional state.
* **wander far off (Hebrew, _nadad'_):** The verb `nadad` means to flee, to wander, to move on, or to depart swiftly. It conveys a sense of urgent, perhaps even frantic, movement away from a threatening situation. The psalmist isn't just wishing for a leisurely stroll but an immediate and decisive removal from his tormentors.
* **remain (Hebrew, _shakan'_):** This verb means to dwell, to settle, or to abide. It suggests a desire for permanence, not just a temporary visit. The psalmist yearns for a lasting state of peace and detachment in the wilderness, indicating the severe and ongoing nature of his distress that makes him long for a perpetual escape.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbar'_):** While literally referring to a desert or uncultivated land, `midbar` often carries deeper connotations in biblical texts. It can be a place of testing, spiritual encounter, or, as here, a place of refuge and solitude. For the psalmist, it represents a place devoid of the human treachery and urban chaos that are the source of his suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, then would I wander far off":** This clause expresses the psalmist's immediate and intense desire to escape. The "Lo" (or "Indeed") emphasizes the earnestness of his wish, while "wander far off" conveys a desperate, swift departure from his current painful circumstances. It is a cry for instant removal from the source of his anguish.
* **"[and] remain in the wilderness.":** This second clause specifies the desired destination and condition. The "wilderness," often a desolate place, is paradoxically envisioned as a refuge. The verb "remain" signifies a longing for a lasting, permanent dwelling there, indicating that the psalmist's desire is not for a temporary respite but for a complete and enduring detachment from his troubles, finding ultimate peace in isolation.
* **"Selah.":** This term, appearing frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical instruction, often indicating a pause for reflection. In this context, it invites the reader to pause and ponder the profound depth of the psalmist's despair, his desperate longing for escape, and the implications of seeking refuge in such a desolate place, underscoring the weight of his emotional burden.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:7 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey the psalmist's profound anguish. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the psalmist's desire to "wander far off, and remain in the wilderness" is an exaggerated expression of his wish to escape his tormentors. While a literal flight to the wilderness might be possible, the intensity of the language conveys an almost fantastical yearning for complete removal from his pain, highlighting the extremity of his suffering. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "wilderness" serving as a powerful symbol. Though often a place of desolation and testing, here it symbolizes a paradoxical sanctuary—a place of refuge, solitude, and peace, free from the treachery and chaos of human society. This contrasts sharply with the urban setting, which has become a symbol of his distress. Furthermore, the entire [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Lament of Betrayal") is a classic example of a **Lament**, a genre characterized by expressions of profound pain, cries for divine intervention, and pleas for deliverance. This verse, with its raw honesty and desperate longing, perfectly encapsulates the emotional depth of the lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The psalmist's desperate longing for escape to the wilderness in Psalms 55:7 resonates deeply with the human experience of seeking refuge from overwhelming pain and betrayal. Theologically, this yearning points to a fundamental human need for security and peace, a need that is ultimately and perfectly met in God alone. While the psalmist initially contemplates a physical escape, the broader biblical narrative consistently redirects the search for true refuge and rest to the divine presence. God is portrayed as the ultimate sanctuary, a steadfast deliverer in times of trouble, and the only one who can truly provide lasting peace amidst life's storms. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder that while temporary solitude may offer some respite, true and enduring peace is found not in geographical isolation, but in the unwavering presence and protection of the Almighty.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge")
* [Psalms 119:114](/psalms/119-114 "Psalms 119:114 - God as Hiding Place")
* [Isaiah 32:2](/isaiah/32-2 "Isaiah 32:2 - A Hiding Place from the Wind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:7 offers profound validation for the depth of human emotion, acknowledging that when faced with overwhelming stress, betrayal, or conflict, it is entirely natural to feel an intense desire to escape. The psalmist's raw honesty gives us permission to acknowledge our own feelings of despair, exhaustion, or the crushing weight of circumstances. While physical flight may not always be possible or the ultimate solution, this verse invites us to consider healthy ways to seek respite and refuge. It encourages us to identify the sources of our distress and, rather than succumbing to unhealthy escapism, to intentionally seek moments of solitude, quiet reflection, and prayer. Such intentional withdrawal can be a vital spiritual discipline, allowing us to process emotions, regain perspective, and most importantly, re-center ourselves in God's presence, who is our true and ultimate refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt an overwhelming desire to escape from difficult circumstances or relationships?**
* **How do you typically respond to intense distress or feelings of betrayal? Do you tend to seek escape, confrontation, or something else?**
* **In what ways can seeking temporary solitude or quiet time be a healthy spiritual discipline for you, allowing you to process emotions and reconnect with God?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty in expressing his despair encourage you in your own prayers and conversations with God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist desire the wilderness, which is often a harsh place, as a refuge?**

Answer: The psalmist's desire for the wilderness is paradoxical but deeply meaningful. While literally a desolate and challenging environment, the wilderness in this context symbolizes a place of absolute isolation from human conflict and treachery. It represents a sanctuary from the very people and circumstances causing his pain, particularly the betrayal of a trusted friend. Unlike the bustling city, which has become a source of danger and deceit, the wilderness offers a perceived freedom from enemies and the chaos of society. It is a place where one can be utterly alone, away from all distractions and threats, thus offering a unique form of peace and quiet that the psalmist desperately craves. It's not about comfort, but about the absence of torment.

**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of this verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew word found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical instruction. Its precise meaning is debated, but common interpretations suggest it indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a call to lift up praise. In the context of [Psalms 55:7](/psalms/55-7 "Psalms 55:7 - A Wish for the Wilderness"), "Selah" serves as a powerful punctuation mark. It invites the reader or worshipper to pause and deeply ponder the profound anguish expressed by the psalmist, the intensity of his desperate plea for escape, and the weight of his desire for permanent solitude. It emphasizes the gravity of the preceding statement, urging a moment of silent contemplation on the human experience of suffering and the longing for refuge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's desperate yearning to "wander far off, and remain in the wilderness" finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist sought a physical escape from betrayal and turmoil, Christ is the One who offers true and lasting refuge, not merely from circumstances, but from the very power of sin and death. Jesus himself knew the pain of betrayal, experiencing the ultimate treachery from a trusted disciple ([Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas' Betrayal")). He also understood the need for solitude, often withdrawing to quiet places to pray and commune with His Father ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Seeking Solitude")). Yet, unlike the psalmist who longed to escape *from* a painful reality, Jesus entered *into* the ultimate suffering to provide an escape *for* humanity. He is the true "hiding place" and "covert from the tempest" ([Isaiah 32:2](/isaiah/32-2 "Isaiah 32:2 - A Hiding Place from the Wind")), inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")). In Him, we find not a temporary wilderness retreat, but an eternal spiritual rest that transcends all earthly turmoil, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). He is our ultimate sanctuary, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart for security and peace that the psalmist could only dream of finding in a desolate land.

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

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh 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 37:12

Then 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 17:21

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

2 Samuel 17:22

¶ Then David arose, and all the people that [were] with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

Proverbs 6:4

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

2 Samuel 15:14

And 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.