Psalm 55 (54):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If they are absent, let them be bestowed; if they are bound, let them be unshackled; for even one who removes a bird's wings can restore or return them. He did not possess the means to soar. Bound wings are a weighty burden. He asks, who will give me wings like a dove, that I may fly and find rest? Rest, where? I suggest two interpretations: either, as the Apostle indicates, to depart and be with Christ, which is assuredly the best outcome (Philippians 1:23).

Even when transformed, one may not find unity through humanity’s fellowship or even frequently through the Church's communion; he resides within you—what then shall you do? Where can you go to escape such trials? Yet, approach him; converse, encourage, plead, and admonish. I have exhausted all efforts and strengths, yet I see no victory; all my toil is spent, and the grief lingers. How can my heart find solace among such men unless I cry out, who will grant me wings? Unlike the crow, the dove seeks escape from distress while retaining love. The dove symbolizes love, harboring a sincere lament. No creature nurtures sorrow quite like the dove: she moans continually, as though she dwells in her rightful place of sorrow. What, then, does this lover express? The reproaches of humanity are too heavy to bear; they rage with frenzy, consumed by indignation, casting shadows upon me; doing them kindness escapes me. Oh, that I could find rest in a space apart from them, separated by body yet not by affection; lest a chaotic love should dwell within. By my words and discourse, I cannot aid them; through my prayers, perhaps I might.

These sentiments are voiced by men, though they are often so ensnared that they find no escape. They may not be ensnared by birdlime but are instead tethered by obligation. Yet if they are bound by cares and duties and cannot break free, they should declare, I long to depart and be with Christ, for that is indeed the highest good: to remain in the flesh is essential for your sake (Philippians 1:23-24). The dove, burdened by love rather than self-interest, cannot take flight due to a responsibility that must be fulfilled, not due to trivial merit. Nevertheless, a yearning must dwell in the heart; and this desire is felt only by those who have begun to tread the narrow path (Matthew 7:14). They understand that persecution of the Church persists, even in times when peace appears within the Church, particularly concerning the trials our martyrs have endured. Yet persecution remains a reality, for it is true that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will face affliction (2 Timothy 3:12).

Gregory of Nyssa and Theodoret ponder why David sought the wings of the dove specifically, suggesting that his aspiration for spiritual grace is reflected in the dove’s form, emphasizing the necessity of a celestial means to ascend to heaven through a life aimed upwards. Who among us is so disconnected from the mysteries of the Gospel that we do not recognize that the sole vehicle for the human soul's ascent to the heavenly realm is akin to the dove that descended to earth? Additionally, Clement notes that one who has freed himself from all bitterness and worldly concerns can discover true joy and achieve a heightened state of spiritual activity, thus resting in contemplation. Neil the Wise teaches that God grants us spiritual wings to soar above the detrimental passions and demonic forces that oppose us in our pilgrimage. The wings of the dove represent the contemplation of divine beings, through which the elevated mind finds peace in the knowledge of the Holy Trinity. Isychius remarks that the Apostles are referred to as wings because through them, Christ's message spread throughout the world and found a resting place in the churches, akin to nests. Thus, David yearns for such wings, symbolizing those endowed with the Spirit’s gifts, and his desire is marked by a deeper yearning rather than confusion.

Let us not overlook, if it pleases us, to describe the very nature of the struggle faced by these valiant soldiers. They elevate the shield of faith toward God and their guide, deflecting every thought of doubt and temptation to turn aside. In addition, they consistently wield the spiritual sword, vanquishing every inclination of self-will that approaches. Clad in the robust armor of humility and patience, they counter every insult, injury, and attack. They don the helmet of salvation—the prayerful protection bestowed by their teacher; their feet are not aligned but rather depict readiness and devotion—one poised for action and the other steadfast in prayer.

Thus, the first quality of the spiritual dweller in the desert is the yearning for solitude, a passion for a devout, ascetic, and isolated way of life. “Who will give me wings like a dove; and I will fly away and be at rest!” This longing acts as the seed of every noble endeavor at its inception, fueling it as it unfolds. Just as the vitality, strength, and honor of the body rely on the soul, so too does every act derive its life, vigor, and dignity from pure desire. When desire is tainted, the action becomes unworthy; when desire is feeble, the effort lacks the strength to achieve its intended purpose; without spiritual longing, there is no vitality in the pursuit.

Deeds performed without genuine desire fail to bring us solace and do not resonate with others positively. If humans—who judge solely based on actions and can only speculate about underlying motives—might assess in this way, how much more precise will God’s judgment be, who perceives all and examines the innermost being? “The Lord will grant you according to your heart,” not merely based on external works (Psalm 19:5). Therefore, anyone who seeks to dwell in the desert or engage in monastic life for their own comfort and the grace of God must embark on this journey with genuine, spiritual, and divine longing, sustaining it with unwavering diligence.

It is essential that, even while still in the world, one reflects, “Who will give me wings like a dove; and I will fly away and be at rest?” Once a pure and fervent desire has truly lifted him to the wilderness or to the residence of hermits, he must continuously rekindle, broaden, and activate this yearning, ensuring it possesses the grace and vigor needed to carry him from the desert to the heights of Heaven.

Thus, we see the depths of despair to which David descends: he becomes so consumed by fear of his enemies that he contemplates fleeing and leaving his homeland behind, wishing instead to conceal himself away from mankind in a remote wilderness. Through this, he realizes that escaping the assaults of his foes would require divine intervention. “Behold I will flee away, and I will dwell in the wilderness.” David, overwhelmed by the fury of his foes, neither hesitates nor seeks a ceasefire. Unlike those who cling to hope, he urgently strives to reach a place of safety. This shows the extent of his torment, as he was willing to surrender everything just to preserve his life. It is understandable that in such perilous moments, his heart quaked with dread and was seized by profound fear. In our translation, the phrase, “I will watch for God who saves me,” indicates that while he was concealed in the wilderness, David committed himself solely to reflecting on the Lord, invoking the omnipotent power of God, who had previously delivered him and who, in His compassion, could likewise rescue him during this period of turmoil.