My Strength Has Failed

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom i trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinons and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. (Psalm 91:1-4)

When i came across these few verses in Psalms they just seemed to jump off the page. I was first struck by the many names for God used, "Most High", "Almighty", "LORD", "My God", This is purposeful and deliberate. The writer is seeking to show the many facets of God's character that are the reasons for his psalm of trust. The writer goes on to describe God as a "refuge", "Fortress", "deliverer", "Shield" and a "Bulwark". He also uses the imagery of a mother bird protecting her young under her wings.

The beginning of this passage says that it will be the one who dwells in the "shelter of the Most High" who receives the benefits of the Lord's protection and provision. Adam Clark in his commentary points out that the "shelter of the Most High" probably refers to the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. He who enters legitimately there shall be covered with the cloud of God's glory-the protection of the all-sufficient God. This was the privilege of the high priest only, under the law: but under the new covenant all believers in Christ have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; and those who thus enter are safe from every evil. John Gill says that it is in this place that believers also are shown His everlasting love, it is made known to them and they dwell in it.

Its fascinating how this provision and protection that we as God's Children receive is at once seen as a mighty defensive structure (shield, refuge and bulwark) and at the same time also a tender caregiver (A mother hen protecting her young), both something that we as fragile humans desperately need. This metaphor of a mother bird sheltering her chicks is common in sacred writings, it refers to God taking us under his wings when birds of prey appear, and also sheltering us from chilling blasts. Furthermore, it is interesting that the The Septuagint reads: εντοις μετα φρενοις αυτου επισκιασεισοι “He will overshadow thee between his shoulders” This alludes to the custom of parents carrying their weak or sick children on their backs, and having them covered even there with a mantle.

This Psalm of faith written most likely by David reminds me that my God is worthy to be trusted in all circumstances, those in which he is my fortress and shield and even those that in which he is my father, cradling me upon his massive, capable shoulders when my strength has failed. and many times he is both these things--and more--at the same time.