Psalm 91:1
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Psalm 91 is a song of confidence in God's protection amid danger. The opening verse sets the condition -- abiding in God -- for everything that follows.
What Does Psalm 91:1 Mean?
In one sentence: the person who makes God their constant dwelling rests safely in His protection. To "dwell" and "abide" are words of staying, not visiting -- a settled, ongoing nearness to God.
"The shadow of the Almighty" pictures the closeness of shade in a desert land: to be that near to God is to be covered by Him. The promise is intimacy first, and out of intimacy, security.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "sether" (secret place) is a shelter or hiding place. "Tsel" (shadow) pictures the nearness of shade -- God's sheltering presence.
Cross References
Application
Make God your dwelling, not your emergency exit -- cultivate a steady, daily nearness to Him as your true place of safety.