READ PSALM 91
Psalm 91:1-16 is a Psalm that will help us further understand the metaphor of refuge. The Psalms use metaphor to convey deep meaning about God in a way that is easily understandable to the audience in order to comfort the audience with God’s presence. Understanding refuge with the image of a mother bird covering her hatchlings under her wings bring an important facet of refuge to the foreground. Not only do hatchling birds feel protected under the wing of their mother, they also know that it is under their mother’s wing that they receive everything they need.
Psalm 91:1-2 introduces the Psalm as one that centers on the metaphor of refuge and gives some hints as to what that looks like. Notice how the image of shadow is introduce here building some tension. After all, what does the shadow of the LORD look like?! The answer comes in verse 4 where a mixed metaphor is used. God will cover us with his pinions (trees), but we are under his wings. Perhaps a forced reading of this verse is that the pinions are like the feathers of a mother bird, a poetic description of the majesty of God and the power of his refuge. This is no ordinary “mother bird”!
One commentary states: “Divine protection and provision are intimately associated: under God’s wings is arranged an abundant feast of food and drink for all the nations. The imagery imparts a sense of spatial breadth and fierce protection to the abundance of divine provision.” The vastness of divine refuge is at the very core of the Psalmists sense of security. Despite the most dire circumstances (Psalm 91:7), because we are under the wings of the LORD, no plague can come near us (Psalm 91:10).
To underscore the benefits of taking refuge under the wings of the LORD, the Psalmist gives voice to the LORD in the form of a spoken promise in Psalm 91:14-16. This final promise that is offered in the Psalm is a way of comforting the audience in the midst of dire circumstances. Even though we are under the wings of the LORD, it often does not feel like we are. This promise is an acknowledgment that although ultimately we are promised that no plague can come near us, our finite knowledge and experience makes that difficult to believe. We can be reassured that the LORD’s perspective is larger than our own, and this promise is meant to bring comfort to all of those who draw near to the Lord.
QUESTIONS
The Psalmist uses the divine names “Most Hight” and “Almighty” in verse 1. What aspect of God’s nature is the Psalmist communicating by using those names?
What does the image of God as mother bird and his people as hatchlings tell us about who God is and who we are?
What are some of the various threats that the Psalmist is addressing in Psalm 91?
How do the descriptions of God as Almighty and Most High compliment the image of God as a mother bird?
How does this Psalm remain true in times of great sickness and death?
How does God protect and provide for you in your everyday life?
PRAY
Pray for each other in the following ways:
Pray that we would feel the tender love and care of God
Pray for specific ways that each of you need help
Pray for specific ways that each of you need comfort