This psalm was perhaps penned on the occasion of the pestilence, inflicted for numbering the people, 2 Sam. 24. In it, while the psalmist, by faith, takes God for his own refuge and keeper (ver. 2-9) he, for the encouragement of others to do the same, represents, (1.) The dignity, extent, and continuance, of their happiness and safety, who have God for their residence, ver. 1-4. (2.) Their preservation from all malice and baleful influence of the powers of darkness, while multitudes are ruined thereby, ver. 3-9. (3.) Their enjoyment of angels for their guard; and their triumph over devils and other opposers, ver. 10-12. (4.) Their possession of special favour from, and delightful intimacy with God, here and hereafter, ver. 13-16.
In singing these lines, let mine eyes be fixed on Jesus, the Man of God's right hand, in whom all these promises were fulfilled to the highest; and, in his name, let me depend on them to be accomplished in myself. And let all the begun experience I have had thereof, encourage me to rejoice in hope of the more abundant mercies and glory of God.
1 He that doth in the secret place
of the most High reside,
Under the shade of him that is
th' Almighty shall abide.
2 I of the Lord my God will say,
He is my refuge still,
He is my fortress, and my God,
and in him trust I will.
3 Assuredly he shall thee save,
and give deliverance
From subtile fowler's snare, and from
the noisome pestilence.
4 His feathers shall thee hide; thy trust
under his wings shall be:
His faithfulness shall be a shield
and buckler unto thee.
5 Thou shalt not need to be afraid
for terrors of the night;
Nor for the arrow that doth fly
by day, while it is light;
6 Nor for the pestilence, that walks
in darkness secretly;
Nor for destruction, that doth waste
at noon-day openly.
7 A thousand at thy side shall fall,
on thy right hand shall lie
Ten thousand dead; yet unto thee
it shall not once come nigh.
8 Only thou with thine eyes shalt look,
and a beholder be;
And thou therein the just reward
of wicked men shalt see.
9 Because the Lord, who constantly
my refuge is alone,
Ev'n the most High, is made by thee
thy habitation;
10 No plague shall near thy dwelling come;
no ill shall thee befall:
11 For thee to keep in all thy ways
his angels charge he shall.
12 They in their hands shall bear thee up,
still waiting thee upon;
Lest thou at any time should'st dash
thy foot against a stone.
13 Upon the adder thou shalt tread,
and on the lion strong;
Thy feet on dragons trample shall,
and on the lions young.
14 Because on me he set his love,
I'll save and set him free;
Because my great name he hath known,
I will him set on high.
15 He'll call on me, I'll answer him;
I will be with him still
In trouble, to deliver him,
and honour him I will.
16 With length of days unto his mind
I will him satisfy;
I also my salvation
will cause his eyes to see.
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