Psalms 55:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I would hasten {H2363}{H8686)} my escape {H4655} from the windy {H7307} storm {H5584}{H8801)} and tempest {H5591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would quickly find me a shelter from the raging wind and storm."

Berean Standard Bible

I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”

American Standard Version

I would haste me to a shelter From the stormy wind and tempest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 55:8 vividly portrays the psalmist's profound and desperate yearning for immediate deliverance from overwhelming distress, graphically depicted as a "windy storm and tempest." This verse articulates a universal human desire to flee from intense suffering, betrayal, and chaotic circumstances, expressing a deep longing for peace and rest away from the relentless pressures and destructive forces of life's most violent trials. It captures the raw emotion of one caught in a maelstrom, seeking any means of rapid escape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply poignant lament, traditionally attributed to David, marked by intense personal anguish, fear, and a profound sense of betrayal. The psalm commences with an earnest and urgent plea for God to hear his prayer and not hide Himself from his supplication ([Psalm 55:1-2](/psalms/55-1-2 "Psalm 55:1-2 - David's Earnest Plea to God")). The psalmist then describes the terror inflicted by his enemies and the crushing weight of their oppression, lamenting the violent and oppressive actions that cause his heart to be in anguish within him ([Psalm 55:3-5](/psalms/55-3-5 "Psalm 55:3-5 - The Anguish of Oppression")). Immediately preceding verse 8, David expresses an almost fantastical wish for wings like a dove, so he might fly away and find a place of tranquil rest and safety from the raging storm of his troubles ([Psalm 55:6-7](/psalms/55-6-7 "Psalm 55:6-7 - Longing for Flight and Rest")). Verse 8 intensifies this longing, emphasizing the sheer urgency and the destructive, uncontrollable nature of the "storm" from which he seeks to flee, setting the emotional stage for the devastating revelation of betrayal by a trusted companion later in the psalm ([Psalm 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12-14 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Pain of Betrayal by a Friend")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 55 is not explicitly stated in the text, many biblical scholars widely attribute it to David's harrowing experience during Absalom's rebellion, particularly the profound and devastating betrayal by his trusted counselor, Ahithophel ([2 Samuel 15-17](/2_samuel/15-17 "2 Samuel 15-17 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Treachery")). This period was characterized by intense political turmoil, imminent personal danger, and the deep emotional wound of treachery from within David's own inner circle. The vivid imagery of a "windy storm and tempest" would have resonated deeply within an ancient Near Eastern agrarian society, where violent weather phenomena were not merely inconveniences but could bring widespread destruction, symbolizing the uncontrollable and devastating nature of the psalmist's personal and political crisis. The desire for immediate escape reflects the ancient understanding of refuge, often sought in fortified cities, remote wildernesses, or, ultimately, in the protective power of a divine entity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 55 and the Psalter as a whole. Firstly, it highlights the **Desire for Escape and Peace**, a universal human longing to flee from overwhelming suffering and chaos, underscoring the severity of the psalmist's emotional and physical distress. This longing for respite is a recurring motif in the laments of the Psalms. Secondly, the powerful imagery of the "windy storm and tempest" vividly portrays **Overwhelming Adversity**, emphasizing the uncontrollable, violent, and destructive nature of the trials David faces—these are not minor inconveniences but life-threatening or soul-crushing difficulties that threaten to consume him, echoing the cries for deliverance found in other laments such as [Psalm 69](/psalms/69 "Psalm 69 - A Cry for Deliverance in Deep Waters"). Thirdly, while expressing a desire for physical escape, the broader theological context of the Psalms consistently points to **Seeking Refuge** ultimately in God. Though David expresses a wish to fly away, his ultimate hope and trust remain in the Lord, who is frequently depicted as an impregnable fortress and a powerful deliverer, as seen in passages like [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and [Psalm 61:2](/psalms/61-2 "Psalm 61:2 - Seeking Refuge in God's Rock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hasten (Hebrew, _chûwsh'_):** (H2363) A primitive root meaning "to hurry." Figuratively, it conveys an eagerness with excitement or enjoyment, but in this context, it signifies an intense, desperate urgency to "make haste" or be "ready" for immediate action. The psalmist is not merely desiring escape but demanding it with a profound sense of immediacy, indicating the unbearable nature of his current plight.
* **Escape (Hebrew, _miphlâṭ'_):** (H4655) Derived from the root "palaṭ," meaning "to escape." This noun refers to an act of escape or a place of escape. Here, it emphasizes the psalmist's yearning for a definitive deliverance from his perilous situation, a complete removal from the source of his distress. It speaks to the desperate need for a way out, a haven from the relentless pressure.
* **Tempest (Hebrew, _çaʻar'_):** (H5591) This word, also found in its feminine form "səʿārâ," refers to a "hurricane," "storm," or "whirlwind." It denotes a violent, turbulent, and destructive natural phenomenon. In Psalm 55:8, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming, chaotic, and life-threatening forces assailing the psalmist, implying a situation that is utterly beyond his control and threatens to sweep him away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I would hasten my escape":** This clause reveals the psalmist's intense and urgent desire for immediate flight and deliverance. The verb "hasten" (H2363, _chûwsh'_) underscores a profound sense of desperation and an overwhelming need for instant relief from his suffering. It is not a casual wish but an impassioned plea for rapid, decisive removal from danger, highlighting the unbearable nature of his current circumstances and his longing for instantaneous liberation. It reflects a primal human instinct to flee from pain, threat, and overwhelming chaos.
* **"from the windy storm [and] tempest":** This phrase functions as a potent metaphor for the source of the psalmist's profound distress. The "windy storm" (combining H7307 _rûwach_ for "wind" and H5584 _çâʻâh_ for "storm" or "rush") and "tempest" (H5591 _çaʻar_) collectively represent the violent, chaotic, and destructive forces assailing him. These are not minor inconveniences but overwhelming, uncontrollable adversities—likely encompassing the treachery of his trusted friend, the relentless threats of his enemies, and the profound emotional turmoil of fear, anguish, and betrayal. The imagery conveys the idea of being caught in a terrifying maelstrom of suffering from which there seems to be no natural or humanly possible way out.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 55:8 is rich in **Imagery**, vividly portraying the psalmist's distress through the powerful and destructive forces of the natural world. The central device employed is **Metaphor**, where the "windy storm and tempest" stand in for the overwhelming, violent, and destructive troubles David faces. This metaphor effectively communicates the chaotic, uncontrollable, and life-threatening nature of his circumstances, suggesting he is caught in a maelstrom of suffering. The desire to "hasten my escape" also employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme urgency and desperation of his longing for relief; it suggests that any means of escape, no matter how fantastical (as implied by the preceding verse's wish for wings), would be infinitely preferable to enduring the present suffering. Furthermore, the **Personification** of the "storm" as something from which one actively needs to escape implies an active, hostile, and pursuing force, further intensifying the sense of threat and the psalmist's vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's desperate longing for escape in Psalm 55:8 resonates deeply with the universal human condition, acknowledging the natural inclination to flee from pain and overwhelming adversity. However, within the broader theological framework of the Psalms, this cry for escape often serves as a prelude to seeking ultimate refuge in God. While the psalmist expresses a desire for physical flight, the true and lasting sanctuary is found not in geographical distance or physical removal, but in the divine presence. God is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as the ultimate shelter from life's most violent storms, the one who provides unwavering peace and stability amidst chaos. This verse, therefore, implicitly invites the afflicted to turn their desperate cries for relief towards the Lord, trusting Him to be their ultimate haven and deliverer, even when the tempest rages with its full fury.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Psalm 61:2](/psalms/61-2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.")
* [Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 55:8 offers a poignant and deeply relatable reflection on the universal human experience of feeling utterly overwhelmed by life's "storms"—whether they manifest as personal crises, relational betrayals, societal turmoil, or spiritual battles. It validates the natural, often intense, desire to escape from pain, chaos, and find safety. While our initial instinct might be to physically remove ourselves from difficult circumstances, this verse challenges us to consider where true and lasting refuge is found. It encourages us to acknowledge our feelings of fear, desperation, and even the desire to flee, without shame, recognizing that even the most devout figures like David experienced such profound distress. The ultimate application lies in bringing our desperate cries for relief and our longing for escape to the Lord, trusting that He is our unfailing shelter, capable of providing peace not just *after* the storm has passed, but *in the midst* of it. Our "escape" is not always a physical removal from the situation, but often a spiritual anchoring in God's unwavering presence and power, allowing Him to be our calm in the chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "windy storms and tempests" are you currently facing in your life, and how do they make you feel emotionally and spiritually?**
* **In what ways do you typically try to "hasten your escape" from difficult situations, and are these methods truly effective in providing lasting peace?**
* **How can you shift your focus from merely escaping a storm to finding refuge and peace in God's presence, even while the storm continues to rage around you?**
* **What does it mean practically to make God your "shelter from the storm" when you feel overwhelmed and desperate for relief?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong for a believer to want to escape from difficult situations?**

Answer: No, it is not inherently wrong. Psalm 55:8 demonstrates that even a man after God's own heart, like David, experienced an intense, desperate longing to flee from overwhelming pain and chaos. This desire is a natural and understandable human response to suffering and threat. The Bible is replete with examples of God's people expressing their distress and yearning for relief. The key lies not in suppressing this natural desire, but in where we ultimately seek our escape and refuge. While the initial impulse may be to physically remove ourselves, the spiritual journey often leads us to find our true and lasting "escape" in the steadfast presence and power of God, who alone can provide peace and strength in the midst of the storm, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1-2 "Psalm 91:1-2 - He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate longing for escape from the "windy storm and tempest" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While David yearned for a physical flight from his tormentors and the chaos of his circumstances, Christ, in His perfect humanity, fully entered into the storms of human suffering, betrayal, and ultimately, the tempest of God's righteous wrath against sin. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Himself cried out in profound anguish, desiring for the "cup" of suffering to pass from Him ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), a raw and authentic expression of His human desire to escape the impending agony. Yet, in perfect obedience, He submitted to the Father's will, enduring the full force of the storm on the cross, becoming sin for us. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate refuge and shelter, not just from earthly troubles, but from the eternal consequences of sin and death. He is the one who demonstrated His power over literal storms, calming the raging sea with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and more importantly, He offers a profound peace that transcends all understanding in the midst of life's spiritual and emotional tempests ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). For those who are in Christ, the desire for escape is met not by fleeing the world, but by finding an unshakeable haven in Him, who has overcome the world and its storms ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). He is our ultimate and eternal escape into the safety of God's eternal presence.

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

Isaiah 4:6

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Matthew 7:25

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Psalms 18:4

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

Isaiah 17:12

¶ Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.