If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If he takes the wings of the dawn or settles on the far side of the sea,
This verse imagines the farthest reach of distance and speed.
1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 2You know when I sit and when I rise; 3You search out my path and my lying down; 4Even before a word is on my tongue, 5You hem me in behind and before; 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, 7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? 8If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; 9If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 10even there Your hand will guide me; 11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, 12even the darkness is not dark to You, 13For You formed my inmost being; 14I praise You, 15My frame was not hidden from You 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; 17How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, 18If I were to count them, 19O God, that You would slay the wicked— 20who speak of You deceitfully; 21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, 22I hate them with perfect hatred; 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; 24See if there is any offensive way in me;