The word ‘Selah’ is mentioned in the Bible seventy-four times and is found only in the book of Psalms. But what does it mean? The Hebrew word ‘Selah’ is used in the Bible as an imperative or exhortation to ponder, to pause and reflect on the words of the Hebrew Psalms. It is not used as a word in other Hebrew writings or in other books of the Bible.
The word ‘Selah’ is thought to be derived from the Hebrew verb ‘salah’, which means ‘to lift up’ or to elevate, possibly indicating an act of praise. It has also been suggested that it denotes a musical break during a musical performance, or to terminate a prayer or hymn. Though its exact meaning is unknown, scholars have come up with many possible interpretations of the word depending on the context it is used in.
In biblical Hebrew ‘Selah’ is written in the scripts of Psalms and Habakkuk, and it appears to signal a pause while the singers take a breath to ready themselves for the next part of the song. This reflects an idea that one should take an inward breath when paused to reflect, meditate, and seek a response from God. As such, ‘Selah’ functions as an invitation to pray and meditate on the words and teachings of the Bible.
Though its exact meaning is unclear, some believe ‘Selah’ was used to induce a time of contemplation and reflection upon the words of the Psalms. It was also used to encourage people to consider their own call to holiness revolving around a theme that ran through the entire psalm being sung. Additionally, it could also function as a signal for the congregation to join in during group worship.
Christian scholars have used ‘Selah’ to signify a physical or mental pause for contemplation and prayer right before a verse in the Bible. Another interpretation suggests that it means ‘forever’, and emphasizes the impermanence of life and reinforces the respect the psalmist has towards God. Another interpretation, based on rabbinic commentaries, suggests it is a musical notation that scholars believe denoted an interlude to add instrumental music. Thus, ‘Selah’ was likely used as an urging to ponder, to pause and reflect on the words of the Psalms.
The importance of ‘Selah’ in the Bible lies in how it allows the reader to take a much-needed break in a time of spiritual contemplation. It offers the time to pause, reflect and recognize spiritual truths of the scripture that have been read or sung. It gives us time to process the words, reflect on their meaning and allow the scripture to truly sink in.
God’s Size
The meaning of ‘Selah’ as it appears in the bible is very often linked to the greatness and size of God accenting the context of Psalms. The use of the word allows readers to visualize and appreciate the immensity of God’s power and strength and consider how small humanity is in comparison. It gives us time to stop and consider the great mysteries of the universe, how little knowledge humans actually have, and how we can never unlock the secrets of all of God’s divine power.
The conscious pause presented by Selah encourages people to gain reverence for the greatness and power of God, to meditate on His mightiness, and to humble themselves as a result. It helps to remind us of our own frailties and frailties compared to what He has accomplished and what He can and will do. Appreciating the power of ‘Selah’ helps pave the way for readers to build a stronger relationship with their personal relationship with God.
Recognize and considering the power of God often leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of the relationship between the mighty Creator and the created. Consequently, readers may find themselves immersed in a deeper level of meditation and understanding, leading to more profound and rewarding contemplation.
The Sanctity of Truth
Utilizing the time that ‘Selah’ provides helps emphasize the level of respect and sanctity of the true spiritual words that are presented in the Bible. It allows us to connect with what was said and appreciate true spiritual messages and the poignancy of the words. It gives us invaluable moments of reflection in which to put ourselves in the shoes of the original authors and gain an understanding of not just the translations, but the true messages, desires, and intentions hidden within them.
In addition, ‘Selah’ can also remind readers that there is power is even in the spoken word. It encourages people to listen intently and actively to what is being said and learn that the full understanding and power of the words cannot be experienced without proper analysis, contemplation, and focus. Thus, ‘Selah’ serves as a reminder to always give due respect and attention to all the words that you encounter.
Moreover, ‘Selah’ also serves as a reminder of the timelessness and power of the spiritual words contained within the Bible. It is a reminder that spiritual words will never be fleeting and will never lose their power. As a result, readers of the Bible are able to have greater appreciation of these timeless words and values.
The Power of Intention
By taking the time to pause and reflect via ‘Selah’, readers of the Bible gain the opportunity to align their intentions with the context of the Bible verses. This ultimately leads us to develop further understanding of the words and their implications, allowing us to appreciate their power and the importance of their message even more.
Studying the verses and taking time to reflect on ‘Selah’ can open up a reader’s heart and help align their intentions with the verses’ message. This may result in gaining further appreciation for the Scripture, and an elevation in faith and belief in the principles and guidance it presents. Such moments of contemplation remind us of the potential truth that lies within the Bible’s scripture, teaching us that the Bible is much more than a mere human production.
Moreover, taking the time that ‘Selah’ provides helps to give insight into how the writers of the Bible felt while they were writing. By getting insight into such nuanced emotions and contexts, readers gain access to layers of the text that they would have otherwise been unable to access. Therefore, ‘Selah’ provides the reader with the opportunity to unpack the layers of spiritual truth that the authors wished to impart to them.
Spiritual Discernment
The pause that ‘Selah’ provides can likewise help readers of the Bible develop their abilities of spiritual discernment. It is an opportunity to consider appropriate responses to the context of the Bible verses. Connecting to the authors’ messages through mindful contemplation can serve as the spark for spiritual discernment.
Appreciation for ‘Selah’ galvanizes readers to develop the deep understanding of their own spiritual journey, as well as the messages of the Bible. It gives readers the time to properly connect and internalize these messages, while recognizing their own call to holiness. Furthermore, the moments of reflection give readers the opportunity to align their intellect and senses, allowing them to develop their spiritual discernment.
The invitation presented by ‘Selah’ allows readers to move to a higher plane and in doing so, develop the ability to interpret spiritual truth. By taking the time to reflect and reapply the wisdom, spiritual discernment is promoted, allowing us to achieve a greater level of spiritual growth and closer relationship with God.
Living in the Present
The time to pause and reflect offered by ‘Selah’ encourages readers to understand the present and to consider their circumstances as unique moments of grace. Taking hold of the moment allows us to know our true purpose and to act accordingly. The benefit of connecting to the spiritual source similarly allows for adjustment and refinement of personal goals and intentions as necessary.
The invitation of ‘Selah’ ultimately allows us to align our intentions with greater purpose, allowing us to live in the present with greater appreciation of our surroundings. Thus, readers of the Bible can be more attentive to not just the spiritual aspects of life but those around them as well. By taking the time to consider our spiritual path, we are further acknowledging the power of the Bible and its ability to guide and bring us closer to God.
The time to pause and contemplate provided by ‘Selah’ is an invaluable opportunity for readers to develop an understanding of biblical scripture that can only be gained from taking a step back and reflecting. It is an invitation to gain a greater appreciation of spiritual words and to develop a closer bond with God. By taking the time to truly appreciate the power of ‘Selah’, readers can gain invaluable insight and discover a deeper understanding of their own spiritual journey.
