Selah. I wonder if you’ve heard this word before. Selah is a Hebrew word that appears 71 times in the Psalms and it is left untranslated in most modern translations of the Bible. Sometimes it appears multiple times throughout a single Psalm in between verses that are often grouped as stanzas. For instance, in Psalm 46, Selah appears at the end of each of three movements (at the end of verses 3, 7, and 11). Other times it is the closing of a Psalm. So, what does this word mean? Selah.
I hope by now you’ve taken a moment to say the word aloud. Repeat it a few times. Listen to the sound your voice makes when you say it. If you’re with someone else, encourage them to say the word as well so you can hear it in another voice. Selah.
Biblical scholars have various opinions about the meaning of this special word. Some say it means “pause for benediction or blessing” while others think it is a musical mark to indicate an increase in volume. The Amplified Bible translates selah as “pause, and think of that.”
As I look at the world around us, and especially as I look at the news of the day, and even as I reflect on the upcoming holiday season of family gatherings, busy calendars, and over-full lives, I find myself needing more and more moments for “pause for benediction or blessing” and the more I need to turn to God. I need more selah.
Isn’t it interesting that an untranslated word from scripture can be a way that we can center ourselves on God even when the world around us seems to pull us away from God. Today, and in the coming days and weeks may we pause, reflect, redirect, and turn ourselves toward God, placing our trust in God, and relying on God’s steadfast love. Selah.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
(Ps. 46:10-11)
As you head toward holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, may you find some moments of selah. Look for opportunities to mark your day with that indescribable pause/reflection/turning toward God. Perhaps it is between tasks at the office or errands to the grocery store. Or maybe in the car after dropping the kids off at school or another activity (or, even better, inviting your kids to practice selah with you). The more we engage in spiritual practices, the greater the chance that they will become our second nature. You can use a Psalm like Psalm 46 to guide your practice or simply take moments where you focus your attention on God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in your life.
