Psalm 91:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 91:1-8

In these verses we have, I. A great truth laid down in general, That all those who live a life of communion with God are constantly safe under his protection, and may therefore preserve a holy serenity and security of mind at all times (Ps. 91:1): He that dwells, that sits down, in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty; he that by faith chooses God for his guardian shall find all that in him which he needs or can desire. Note, 1. It is the character of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers ,.... As birds do their young, who cannot cover themselves: this they do from a tender regard to them, whereby they both keep them warm, and protect them from those that would hurt them: this represents the helpless state of the children of God, who are, like to young birds, weak and unable to defend themselves: the tender regard of God unto them, as the eagle and other birds have to their young; see Deuteronomy 32:11 and the warmth and comforts souls... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers - He shall act towards thee as the hen does to her brood, - take thee under his wings when birds of prey appear, and also shelter thee from chilling blasts. This is a frequent metaphor in the sacred writings; see Psalm 17:8 ; (note), Psalm 57:1 ; (note), Psalm 61:4 ; (note), and the notes on them. The Septuagint has Εν τοις μεταφρενοις αυτου επισκιασει σοι· He will overshadow thee between his shoulders; alluding to the custom of parents carrying... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:4

Verse 4 4He shall protect thee with his wings. This figure, which is employed in other parts of Scripture, is one which beautifully expresses the singularly tender care with which God watches over our safety. When we consider the majesty of God, there is nothing which would suggest a likeness such as is here drawn between him and the hen or other birds, who spread their wings over their young ones to cherish and protect them. But, in accommodation to our infirmity, he does not scruple to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:1-16

The subject is the security of the man who thoroughly trusts in God. This subject is worked out by an "antiphonal arrangement" (Cheyne)—the first speaker delivering Psalms 90:1 , Psalms 90:2 ; the second, Psalms 90:3 , Psalms 90:4 ; then the first responding with Psalms 90:5-8 ; and again the second with Psalms 90:9-13 . In conclusion, a third speaker, making himself the mouthpiece of Jehovah, crowns all by declaring the blessings which God himself will bestow upon his faithful... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:1-16

The man that trusts in God. I. WE HAVE HIS DESCRIPTION . 1 . He dwells in the secret place , etc. 2 . He abides under the shadow of the Almighty . II. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH ( Psalms 91:2 .) The Lord is his Refuge, Fortress, the Joy of his soul, his God, his constant Confidence. III. HIS COMMENDATION OF GOD TO OTHERS . ( Psalms 91:3-13 .) 1 . As a sure Deliverer from the hidden foe and from the devouring pestilence. 2 . As... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers; rather, with his pinions (see the Revised Version; comp. Psalms 91:1 ; and see Exodus 19:4 ; Deuteronomy 32:11 ). And under his wings shalt thou trust; rather, shalt thou take refuge. His truth — i.e. "his faithfulness, his fidelity"—shall be thy shield and buckler ; i.e. "thy protection." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

Just as a hen protects her brood. This is undoubtedly the image here. Not the outspread wings of the cherubim, which overshadowed the ark of the covenant. Nor the mighty pinions of the eagle, whose home was on the lofty crag, and her path through the sunlit sky. But it is the homely image taken from the familiar scenes of the farmyard and the barn. It is in keeping with the gracious condescension of God to employ such an emblem; it is like the Lord himself, "full of grace and truth." We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

The shielding of God's faithfulness. "His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." God's truth here is the certainty that he will keep to his word; the psalmist's conviction of his "truthfulness," "faithfulness." The "shield and buckler" represent the defensive weapons of the older day of hand-to-hand fighting. Both a large shield covering the whole body, and a light, quickly-moved shield, fastened to the left arm, are included; suggesting that the defendings of God are various, and in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers ... - As the parent bird protects its young. See the notes at Psalms 17:8. Compare Deuteronomy 32:11. “His truth.” His unfailing promise; the certainty that what he has promised to do he will perform.Shall be thy shield and buckler - literally, “Shield and buckler is his truth.” The meaning is, that his pledge or promise would be unto them as the shield of the soldier is to him in battle. Compare Psalms 35:2. The word rendered “buckler” is derived from the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 91:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 91:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 91:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:4

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