Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 55:7

"Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah" — Psalms 55:7 (ASV)

Look, then I would wander far off - literally, “Look, I would make the distance far by wandering;” I would separate myself far from these troubles.

And remain in the wilderness - literally, I would sojourn; or, I would pass the night; or, I would put up for the night. The idea is taken from a traveler who puts up for the night, or who rests for a night in his weary travels, and seeks repose. (Genesis 32:21; 2 Samuel 12:16; Judges 19:13).

The word “wilderness” means, in the Scripture, a place not inhabited by people, a place where wild beasts resort, and a place uncultivated. It does not denote, as it does for us, an extensive forest.

It might be a place of rocks and sands, but the essential idea is that it was not inhabited. (See the notes at Matthew 4:1). In such a place, remote from the habitations of people, he felt that he might be at rest.