Psalms 55:7

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

See, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

American King James Version (AKJV)

See, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

American Standard Version (ASV)

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

Basic English Translation (BBE)

I would go wandering far away, living in the waste land. (Selah.)

Webster's Revision

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

World English Bible

Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness." Selah.

English Revised Version (ERV)

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

Clarke's Psalms 55:7 Bible Commentary

Would I wander far off - He did escape; and yet his enemies were so near, as to throw stones at him: but he escaped beyond Jordan. 2 Samuel 17:22, 2 Samuel 17:23.

A passage in the Octavia of Seneca has been referred to as being parallel to this of David. It is in the answer of Octavia to the Chorus, Acts v., ver. 914-923.

Quis mea digne deflere potest Mala?

Quae lacrymis nostris quaestus

Reddet Aedon? cujus pennas

Utinam miserae mihi fata darent!

Fugerem luctus ablata meos

Penna volucri, procul et coetus

Hominum tristes sedemque feram.

Sola in vacuo nemore, et tenui

Ramo pendens, querulo possem

Gutture moestum fundere murmur.

My woes who enough can bewail?

O what notes can my sorrows express?

continued...

Barnes's Psalms 55:7 Bible Commentary

Lo, then would I wander far off - literally, "Lo, I would make the distance far by wandering;" I would separate myself far from these troubles.

And remain in the wilderness - literally, I would sojourn; or, I would pass the night; or, I would put up for the night. The idea is taken from a traveler who puts up for the night, or who rests for a night in his weary travels, and seeks repose. Compare Genesis 19:2; Genesis 32:21; 2 Samuel 12:16; Judges 19:13. The word "wilderness" means, in the Scripture, a place not inhabited by man; a place where wild beasts resort; a place uncultivated. It does not denote, as with us, an extensive forest. It might be a place of rocks and sands, but the essential idea is, that it was not inhabited. See the notes at Matthew 4:1. In such a place, remote from the habitations of people, he felt that he might be at rest.