Selah
The word selah is used approximately seventy-five times in scripture, but nowhere more predominately than in the Psalms.
Strong’s number 05542 celah from 05541
1) to lift up, exalt
1a) Selah
1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Strong’s number 05541 calah
1) to make light of, toss aside
1a) (Qal) to make light of
1b) (Piel) to flout, reject
2) to weigh, balance
2a) (Pual) to be weighed
Selah may have been a musical direction, as Psalms were sung, giving the performance a dramatic pause, as if to let the moment sink into the congregation. Was it’s inclusion into our translated bibles an error? If it was in deed a musical direction, like A Cappella: "In the manner of the chapel". Sung music without instrumental accompaniment, or Adagio: Slow, leisurely; a slow movement or Crecendo: A gradual increase in volume, then why would it have been included in scriptures?
Perhaps, because more than a musical direction, it is a Godly hind to pay attention to something important. Something you should take to heart. It is used three times in just eight lines of scripture in Psalms 3.
Psalm 3
1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
In Psalm 4 it is used twice, again in just eight short verses.
Psalm 4
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
These two examples alone give cause for hours upon hours of reflective meditation.
So, what’s my point in all this?
There are many things written in the bible that are mysterious and amazing. There are many things that lead to contentions among the brethren because of interpretations, translations and personal preference. Nowhere in the bible does God say, "Hey, pay attention to these verses, they are very important!" as clearly as he does when the word Selah appears.
Selah is an invitation from God, to take these words into your heart, ponder them and allow the Word of God to do a miraculous work on your inner man. I would invite you to not only read and meditate on the verses I’ve quoted but all 75 occurrences. It will be well worth the time spent. It will be life changing.