Keraia
Psalm 55

Psalm 55:6

Cast Your Burden upon the LORD · Psalm 55:1–23
Read Psalm 55

Translations

Modern
I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
Traditional
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Literal
And I said, “Who shall give to me a wing like a dove, that I might fly away and be at rest—
Latin
Et dixi: Quis dabit mihi pennas sicut columbæ, et volabo, et requiescam?

Original

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

Notes

Psalms 55:4–8

In the experience of deep anguish, the psalmist confesses that his adversity has become unbearable and he seeks an escape.

Psalms 55:1–23

The psalmist faces enemies led by a former friend (Psalm 55:12–14). This causes him great distress. He prays to the Lord and trusts him for justice (Psalm 55:22–23).

Jesus went through similar pain when Judas, his friend, betrayed him. He also experienced the psalmist’s prayer being answered:

  1. by taking the place of the wicked and receiving their punishment (Isaiah 53:7–9), and

  2. by trusting the Father, who saved (Luke 23:46) and rewarded him (Isaiah 53:10–12).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Parallels

2 Samuel 17:15–29

Glossary

David Imprecatory Psalms Music Neginah, Neginoth Pigeon Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End