The Protective Promises of Psalm 91Sample

Day 5: He Shall Cover You

In Psalm 91:4, we find the next protective promise, which says, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Like all the verses before it, verse 4 is also filled with many important words.

First, note the word “cover.” It is a translation of a Hebrew word that means to fence in, hedge in, cover, overshadow, protect, screen, or shut in. In some cases, it can mean to enweave or entwine, and it depicts complete concealment, entwinement, protection, and security. The use of this term here tells us that God will fence us in and establish a supernatural hedge around us. Indeed, He will cover us, overshadow us, and entwine us in His presence to such an extent that we are completely protected and secure.

How will God cover us? Scripture says, “...with his feathers, and under his wings...” (Psalm 91:4). The word “feathers” in Hebrew refers to pinions or feathers, and the word “wings” denotes wings used by birds as well as wings of cherubim or seraphim, which is extremely significant.

Between the words “feathers” and “wings” is the word “under” — a translation of the Hebrew word meaning below or underneath. What’s interesting here is that the original Hebrew text fully states, “You will take refuge and confidently trust underneath his wings.” This implies that we are hiding behind God’s back, His power, or His reputation. This is an impenetrable place of peace and safety.

Returning to the wings, we can see the psalmist painting a picture of birds’ wings — especially of a mother bird that puts her wings around her baby birds to protect them since they cannot protect themselves. We find another possible interpretation in the fact that the word “wings” was also used figuratively to describe wrapping garments around someone. In the context of Psalm 91, this interpretation would depict God wrapping His arms like garments around those who walk closely with Him and live in His shadow. It’s as if He’s putting us under His royal robe to conceal us and protect us.

Another important use of the Hebrew word “wings” relates to the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark had a thick lid made of pure gold with two cherubim on its top. Each cherubim faced the center and had wings that extended toward each other and over the center of the Ark’s cover. It was between those wings that the presence of God rested (see Exodus 25:19-22). Therefore, when this verse says, “...Under his wings shalt thou trust,” it is inferring that we are to remain close to the presence of God. To stay under His wings means abiding in His manifest presence, which hovered under the wings of the two angels.

When you’re dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty, you’re in God’s presence, and in His presence, there is supernatural protection, safety, provision, deliverance, and shelter. When this verse says “shalt thou,” it is indicating our part in the process, which is to make it our endeavor to live in the presence of God — under His wings — and to continually trust Him.

For Your Consideration:

• When you look back over your life, where can you see the divine protection of God covering your life? How about the lives of your family? Don’t rush. Take your time and invite the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory every saving situation through which God has brought you. The more you can count, the stronger your faith will grow that He will do it again!
• Which of the interpretations of “wings” most stands out to you? What makes it significant to you, and how can you apply that image and promise to your life.