Psalm 55:6

Psalm 55:6

The wings of a dove

Just a bit of trivia for you before we probe a bit deeper into this verse. The composer Felix Mendlessohn wrote a piece of music called “Hear my Prayer” and incorporated in it a song entitled “O for the Wings of a Dove.” This was recorded by a young soloist called Ernest Arthur Lough and the record became HMV’s biggest seller for 1927. It was still being played when I was a boy (many years later I might add!).  Ernest Lough built some retirement homes for Christians in Frinton-on-Sea and our next-door neighbours, who were a lovely God-fearing couple, went to live in one of these. We visited them frequently and so Ernest’s name and his song was a significant influence in my early life. I used to wonder what it would be like to be able to fly like a dove. 

This bird is, of course, a symbol of peace. But I think David was thinking of the dove that was sent out of the ark by Noah. The world had gone through a time of total devastation. The flood had swept across the continents leaving death and destruction in its wake. Now the rains had ceased, and Noah released a dove to see if the water had receded and if dry ground had appeared. After two attempts the bird came back to the Ark bearing an olive leaf and Noah knew that the flood waters were slowly easing. 

David felt overwhelmed by the trouble and accusations that were heaped up against him, it seemed like the whole world was about to drown him, like a flood. He longed to fly away and to discover his own olive leaf of peace, a promise of a new beginning and a return to sanity after the destructive waves that were threatening the total ruin of him, his family and his kingdom. Oh, to have wings and to fly above all of this and settle in some far away place where there is peace and solitude. Have you felt like that at times? Then let this verse encourage you that you are not alone, and the Lord your God understands, and you will be brought to His peace. Wait on Him and you will fly! Hallelujah!

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