SELAH!
This word, Selah, is found 74 times in the Book of Psalms, and three times in the Book of Habukkuk. It is a Hebrew word, the meaning concerning of which few can agree. The Translators of the Bible were somewhat puzzled with it, so they passed it on as it was, only putting it in English dress. What a lesson for those who have puzzling and bewildering providences which sorely try their faith and patience. What must we do with them? Why, just what the Translators have done…don’t worry about them, but leave that to the Lord who, someday, will explain. At the present He says, “What I do now you do not understand, but you shall understand hereafter (John 13:7). In the meantime just trust Him.
Is it a musical rest note?
That is the opinion of many. And this suggestion fits in with many Psalms, such a
Psalm 7, Psalm 5, and others. There is a need in our lives for frequent rest
pauses. The daily quiet time and the Lord’s Day are two such times. While there
is no music in a rest, the making of music is in them, and without them there could
not be much harmony. Could that be why there seems to be discord in so many lives?
Is it a note of exclamation?
The late Pastor Archibald G. Brown, who succeeded Thomas Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle strongly held to this view, and several Hebrew experts assured him that he was right in his declaration. He held to the view that it could be rendered, “Think of that!” and he preached an interesting sermon in exposition. Read, for example, Psalm 3, and when you come to Selah, instead of repeating the word, say “Think of that!” and you will fall in love with this helpful interpretation and explanation.
Was it a musical sign to indicate to the musician that we should get on to a higher key?
This is also a helpful suggestion and works well when adapted in the reading of some of the Psalms where “Selah” appears. For example, look at Psalm 4; how doleful the Psalmist begins, and everything seems to be in the minor key, until we reach the sign, Selah. Then how differently things become, when everything begins to move on a much higher level.
This was taken out of Handfuls on Purpose by Smith and Lee.
Selah, the name of my youngest granddaughter.
Selah, a time of refreshment, drawing close to God, bringing harmony into the equation, thinking of how God may see the situation from His perspective, and therefore, in trusting Him, gaining a steadfast peace.
~Annie~
