The Only Safe Place

Psalm 32:1-11 (New Revised Standard Version)


[1] Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
[2] Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

[3] While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
[4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
*Selah

[5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD",
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah

[6] Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
[7] You are a hiding-place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah

*What does Selah mean?
Two early translations, the Targum and the Vulgate, understand 'Selah' as a cry of praise and translate it as 'for-ever'. Other translations remember the Arabic root 'sl' which means, 'this is the time to prostrate yourself.' Other translators consider it a musical notation or a place to lift up your hands in praise. From The Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Tyndale) Modern Bible study groups understand that 'Selah' is intended to emphasise, and so translate it in their groups as 'Think about this.'

The Jew standing, the Muslim prostrate, the Christian raising his hands. We all worship One God. We all share the same experiences of guilt and forgiveness. How I long for a time when we all worship and praise together. None of us threatening or compelling complete agreement, but all of us focusing on the majesty and magnificence and mercy of the Living God.