I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest." I would hurry awayThe phrase "I would hurry away" reflects a deep desire for escape and relief from overwhelming distress. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here conveys a sense of urgency and swiftness. This urgency is not just physical but emotional and spiritual, indicating a longing for immediate deliverance from the trials faced. Historically, this reflects the human condition of seeking refuge from life's burdens, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms. The psalmist's yearning to flee is a metaphor for seeking God's peace and protection, reminding believers of the importance of turning to God in times of trouble. to a place of shelter
The "place of shelter" signifies a safe haven or refuge. In the Hebrew context, this could refer to a physical location of safety, such as a fortified city or a secluded wilderness. Spiritually, it represents God's presence as the ultimate refuge. Throughout scripture, God is depicted as a fortress and a shield, offering protection and comfort to His people. This imagery encourages believers to seek solace in God's unwavering protection, emphasizing His role as a sanctuary amidst life's storms. far from the tempest and storm
The "tempest and storm" symbolize chaos, danger, and turmoil. In ancient times, storms were often seen as manifestations of divine power and judgment, but also as natural threats to safety and stability. The psalmist's desire to be "far from" these elements underscores a longing for peace and tranquility. This phrase serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced in life, urging believers to trust in God's ability to calm the storms of their lives. It is a call to faith, reminding Christians that God can provide peace that surpasses all understanding, even amidst the fiercest challenges. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep desire to escape from his troubles and find refuge. 2. JerusalemThe city where David often faced political and personal turmoil, possibly the setting for his plea for escape. 3. EnemiesThough not named in this specific verse, the context of the psalm suggests David is surrounded by adversaries, possibly including his own son Absalom or close friends who betrayed him. 4. ShelterSymbolic of a place of safety and peace, representing God's protection. 5. Raging TempestA metaphor for the chaos and danger David is experiencing, possibly reflecting both external threats and internal turmoil. Teaching Points Seeking Refuge in GodJust as David longed for a shelter from his troubles, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God during times of distress. This involves turning to prayer, scripture, and the community of faith for support. Understanding Spiritual StormsRecognize that spiritual and emotional storms are part of the Christian journey. Identifying these "tempests" in our lives helps us to rely more fully on God's protection and guidance. The Power of MetaphorThe imagery of a "raging tempest" can help us articulate our struggles and fears. Using biblical metaphors in prayer can deepen our communication with God. The Importance of Speed in Seeking GodDavid's desire to "hurry" to his shelter suggests urgency in seeking God's presence. In times of trouble, we should not delay in turning to God for help. Community as ShelterWhile God is our ultimate refuge, He often provides shelter through the community of believers. Engaging with others in the faith can provide practical support and encouragement. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some "raging tempests" you have faced in your life, and how did you seek refuge in God during those times? 2. How does the imagery of a shelter resonate with your personal experiences of seeking God's protection? 3. In what ways can the community of believers serve as a shelter for you during difficult times? 4. How can you apply the urgency of David's desire to "hurry" to your own spiritual practices when facing challenges? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace amidst a storm. How can this experience encourage others in their faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 46:1-3This passage also speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, reinforcing the theme of seeking divine shelter. Matthew 8:23-27The calming of the storm by Jesus illustrates His power over chaos, paralleling the desire for peace amidst life's tempests. Isaiah 25:4Describes God as a refuge from the storm, echoing the imagery of seeking shelter from overwhelming circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7Encourages believers to find peace through prayer and supplication, aligning with the theme of seeking refuge in God. Hebrews 6:18-19Speaks of the hope we have as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, which ties into the idea of finding stability amidst life's storms. | The True and the False Way of Encountering the Difficulties of Life | C. Short | Psalm 55:1-8 | | The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in Life | Homilist | Psalm 55:1-23 | | The Outcry of a Soul in Distress | T. W. Chambers, D. D. | Psalm 55:1-23 | | Dissatisfaction the Law of Life | C. Wadsworth, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Dove-Wings | W. M. Statham. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Man's Higher Longings | W. C. Hawkesley, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Mistaken Longings | W. L. Watkinson. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Rest | Charles New. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Seeking Rest by Flight | J. H. Jowett, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | Should Heaven be Sought as a Distant | Homilist | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Cry of Humanity for Rest | D. Jones, B. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Instinct of Repose | W. Forsyth, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Restlessness of Human Ambition | Thomas Chalmers, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Sigh of David | Dean Farrar. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Soul's Desire for Rest | James Jeffery, M. A. | Psalm 55:6-8 | | The Vagueness and Endlessness of Human Aspirations | A. K. H. Boyd, D. D. | Psalm 55:6-8 |
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Cover, Driving, Escape, Haste, Hasten, Hurry, Myself, Quickly, Raging, Refuge, Rushing, Shelter, Storm, Stormy, Tempest, Violent, Whirlwind, Wind, WindyDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:8 4851 storm Psalm 55:4-8 5058 rest, spiritual Psalm 55:4-14 5799 bitterness Psalm 55:6-8 5831 depression Library July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 55:8 NIVPsalm 55:8 NLTPsalm 55:8 ESVPsalm 55:8 NASBPsalm 55:8 KJV
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