What did David mean when he said, "I RUN to you to hide me" in Psalm 143:9, NLT?
The full context of what is meant is probably:
Psalm 143:7-11 (NLT) -
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
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Asked October 25 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
If I am reading or understanding the original literal Hebrew text of this verse (as found on the http://biblehub.com website) correctly, there is no explicit mention or suggestion of haste or fleeing, but rather only a desire on David's part that God cover him or conceal him from his enemies. (The Hebrew wording literally reads, "To Thee I hide myself.") Perhaps the inclusion of running is derived from the sense that David was, in fact, trying to remove himself from his enemies' presence, and might therefore reasonably have been thought to be exercising haste in doing so, but, as far as I can determine, that interpretation is not firmly established or expressed by the actual words used in this verse.
Grant Abbott
Supporter
In this Psalm David is using vividly descriptive and poetic language to describe his feelings to God in prayer. He is in a desperate state. His enemies have been persecuting him constantly. He comes running to God for refuge and needs God to get him out of this trouble by vanquishing his enemies. He isn't just asking God for a bailout, he wants God to teach him how to live a life that is pleasing to God, so David can have a peaceful and enjoyable life. I think "The Message" translation does a good job of showing us what David is feeling by using our modern descriptive language. Below is the entire Psalm in this version: "Listen to this prayer of mine, God; pay attention to what I’m asking. Answer me—you’re famous for your answers! Do what’s right for me. But don’t, please don’t, haul me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there. The enemy hunted me down; he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life. He put me in a black hole, buried me like a corpse in that dungeon. I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead. I remembered the old days, went over all you’ve done, pondered the ways you’ve worked, Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain. Hurry with your answer, God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, God— you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. Keep up your reputation, God—give me life! In your justice, get me out of this trouble! In your great love, vanquish my enemies; make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I’m your servant" (Psalm 143:1-12).
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Probably we should read, with the change of a single letter (חסחי for כסחי), unto thee have I fled for refuge. "Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord! I run to you for protection". -- “to you I cover,”is the literal translation but that would make no sense. The translation assumes an emendation to נַסְתִּי (“I flee,” from נוּס, nos). Confusion of kaf (כ) and nun (נ) is attested elsewhere. The word in question is כִסִּֽתִי׃ ḵis-si-ṯî. (Hebrew is read from right to left, the opposite of English). The same idea, though a different Hebrew word, may be found in Proverbs 18:10--NRSV -- "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and [they] are safe." That's a song we sing at our church. Psalm 143:9 in the LXX, the Septuagint, vouches for my choice: NASB"I take refuge in You" NKJV"In You I take shelter" NJB"since in you I find protection" JPSOA"to You I look for cover" REB"with you I seek refuge" LXX, Vulgate"to You I flee" See also the thrilling Christian song, "I Run to You." https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=sing+through+the+bible+I+run+to+you&view=detail&mid=C5F9ADA301424A5DBC45C5F9ADA301424A5DBC45&FORM=VIRE
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