Psalm 55 8

Psalm 55:8 kjv

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

Psalm 55:8 nkjv

I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest."

Psalm 55:8 niv

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."

Psalm 55:8 esv

I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest."

Psalm 55:8 nlt

How quickly I would escape ?
far from this wild storm of hatred.

Psalm 55 verses

Psalm 55 8 Meaning

Psalm 55:8 expresses the psalmist's intense desire for swift and complete escape from overwhelming distress and destructive forces. He yearns for a secure refuge, a safe haven from the violent turmoil and chaos that surround him, wishing to fly away and find peace far from the oppression and betrayal he is experiencing. This verse encapsulates a profound longing for relief from suffering.

Psalm 55 8 Context

Psalm 55 is a passionate lament attributed to David, filled with expressions of deep anguish, fear, and desperation. The context points to a time of severe personal crisis, most notably the betrayal by a trusted friend and the rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, as described in 2 Samuel chapters 15-17. David's city, Jerusalem, was filled with violence and strife. His plea to fly away (as stated in verse 6, and reiterated in his desire to "hasten my escape" in verse 8) stems from a sense of being overwhelmed by external threats and the profound internal pain of a confidant turning against him. The "storm and tempest" are metaphors for this spiritual, emotional, and physical assault he faces from his enemies. He yearns for a peaceful retreat from this tumultuous situation.

Psalm 55 8 Word analysis

• I would hasten (אֶחִישָׁה - 'echishah): This verb means "to hurry," "to make haste," "to be quick." It conveys a strong sense of urgency and longing for immediate action. It reveals the psalmist's intense distress and his desire for an instant release from his agony.

• my escape (מִפְלָט - miplat): This noun translates as "refuge," "a place of escape," or "deliverance." It indicates not just fleeing from danger, but seeking a safe, secure place where one can find protection and relief. It implies finding shelter, a haven from the threatening forces.

• from the windy storm (מֵרוּחַ סֹעָה - meruach so'ah):

  • מֵרוּחַ (meruach): "from wind" or "from spirit." Here, "wind" is the primary meaning, suggesting a powerful, moving force.
  • סֹעָה (so'ah): "tempest," "tumult," "devastation," "hurricane." It denotes a violent, destructive, and noisy natural phenomenon. In this context, it vividly symbolizes the violent opposition, oppression, and treacherous acts directed against the psalmist.

• and tempest (וּמִסָּעָר - umissa'ar):

  • וּמִ (u + mi): "and from."
  • סָּעָר (sa'ar): "gale," "storm," "whirlwind," "commotion," "rage." This word strongly reinforces the previous phrase, often describing a turbulent and destructive storm, conveying chaotic violence.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "I would hasten my escape": This phrase captures the immediate, overwhelming impulse to flee from intolerable suffering. It is a primal cry for self-preservation, but not a hopeless flight. It implies an intention to find refuge, not just to disappear.
  • "from the windy storm and tempest": This double imagery functions as a hendiadys, two nouns joined by "and" expressing a single idea with amplified intensity. It vividly describes the psalmist's predicament as an overwhelming, chaotic, violent, and destructive force, similar to a life-threatening natural disaster. It encompasses the betrayal, deceit, and threats of violence from his enemies, depicting them as an irresistible force. The "wind" aspect often signifies swift, unseen, and destructive power.

Psalm 55 8 Bonus section

The longing for an escape from turmoil, though powerfully expressed here, must be understood within the broader biblical teaching that while God can indeed provide refuge, He also equips His followers to face trials. The flight described in Psalm 55:8 represents an initial, overwhelming human reaction to crisis. Yet, true biblical refuge is often found in the midst of the storm by trusting in God's sovereign care, rather than by physically fleeing it. The "windy storm and tempest" also serve as a poignant metaphor for spiritual warfare and the schemes of the adversary, from which believers consistently seek refuge in God's might and grace.

Psalm 55 8 Commentary

Psalm 55:8 reveals the profound human longing for respite from severe trials, specifically when one is overwhelmed by betrayal and hostility. David's wish is not mere escapism; it is a desperate yearning for a "place of refuge" (miplat). The imagery of "windy storm and tempest" portrays the intensity and destructive nature of the circumstances. These are not merely difficult times but overwhelming, chaotic, and life-threatening upheavals orchestrated by deceitful and violent individuals. The psalmist expresses an almost instinctive desire to fly away to a secure place of rest and quietness, emphasizing the extreme psychological and emotional pressure he feels. Ultimately, for David, this refuge is found not in a physical location but in God Himself, the ultimate protector from the tempests of life, providing a solace that the world cannot offer.