Psalm 91:1, 4
He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge: His truth will be your shield and buckler. The One New Man Version
I love the entire chapter of Psalm 91 and I pray it over my family each morning.
Where is the secret place that we are to dwell? How do we find the secret place?
Is it intimate communion with the Father? Is it quality time spent alone with Him? I believe the answer is yes AND it is where that quiet time takes us.
Psalm 91 is a promise for those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High.
That makes me want to run through the garden with my Beloved and find that secret place.
Song of Songs 2:3-4
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
He has taken me to the banquet hall,
and his banner over me is love.
Yes, I desire to be in that secret place with my Lord! There is safety within His shadow.
Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit inspired the writer of the Book of Psalms to say that God would cover us with His feathers and hide us under His Wings? Well, I have heard different explanations for those words.
1. It is a symbol of intimacy and care. Remember, the writers of the Old Testament were Jewish and it was a Jewish practice for the groom to cover his bride with a garment. It was a symbol of being united as one.
2. I heard a teaching once about the Jewish prayer shawl (a Tallit). Every tallit is tied with four sets of knotted fringes (tzizit), which symbolize the commandments. The corners of the prayer shawl are often called wings.
Either way you interpret the scripture, it represents God’s loving care for those who enter His secret place. Doesn’t that stir a desire in your heart to meet with Him there? Sid Roth is always talking about someone provoking him to jealousy (meaning that he wants to have the same experiences someone else has with the Lord). I want to have that type of intimate place with the God of all creation too!
Safety is there — a place of refuge!
His truth (some versions state His faithfulness) will be your shield and buckler.
The One New Man Bible has a footnote concerning the word that was translated into buckler. It meant, “That which goes around” most likely meaning a large shield that protected on three sides. That provides a visual doesn’t it?
When we dwell in that secret place with the Almighty, we are covered and then a shield surrounds us. Yes, that is a safe and sweet place indeed!
My husband and I have commented before how completely safe our daughter feels when she is with us. She knows that we will do everything in our power to protect her. I don’t know about you, but I NEED to feel that covering from my Father. I need to know in my heart that He is covering me.
He will be your shield and buckler …
I am linking with Jane at Girl Meets Paper for Monday Morning Meditation and Ruth at Grace Laced for Graced Laced Mondays. Please click on their buttons below to visit these ladies:
Have a blessed Monday everyone!
Dear Beth
I like to think of that place as the secret place in the Holy Spirit where two kindred spirits meet, yours and the Lover of your soul, in a beautiful dance of being and love!!! There is just no place more wonderful than that withdrawing from this world into our Jesus, enjoying Him forever! You know, that cleft in the rock!
Much love to you, sweet friend
Mia
Beth,
Your post was so well-written and full of teaching! I love your take on these verses and the wealth of insight you bring on the Jewish imagery. It highlights the reason I love Mondays — we get the opportunity to learn from one another and deepen our own understanding of Scripture. Thank you for being a valuable voice in our conversation! I’m so glad you linked up!
Blessings – Jane
Wow Beth, this is amazing. I’ve never heard the explanation of the Jewish culture before, and I love how you spoke about the buckler “surrounding” us. It reminds me of the scripture that talks about how God “hems me in on every side”. Have a blessed Monday my friend.
This is so lovely, Beth! I’ve been reading over the last couple of weeks about Jewish culture and the tzizit and tallit, so when you tied all up together, it really hit home for me!
And yes, I have that kind of jealousy, too!
I really appreciate you taking us back to the encouragement and sufficiency of God’s word! I love Psalm 91. Thank you for linking up! I’m sharing this post on my FB page!