Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah Let me dwellThe phrase "Let me dwell" expresses a deep yearning for a permanent residence or abiding place. In Hebrew, the word for "dwell" is "yashab," which conveys the idea of sitting, remaining, or inhabiting. This reflects a desire for stability and continuity in the presence of God. Historically, the Israelites understood dwelling with God as a privilege, often associated with the tabernacle or temple, where God's presence was most tangibly felt. For the believer, this phrase signifies a longing for an intimate, ongoing relationship with God, where one finds peace and security. in Your tent
The "tent" here refers to the tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites before the construction of the temple. The Hebrew word "ohel" is used, which denotes a temporary dwelling. This imagery evokes the idea of God's presence being accessible and near. In a broader scriptural context, the tent symbolizes God's willingness to meet His people where they are, offering protection and fellowship. For Christians, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the incarnation of Christ, where God "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). forever
The term "forever" translates from the Hebrew word "olam," which can mean eternal or perpetual. This reflects the psalmist's desire for an everlasting communion with God, transcending the temporal limitations of earthly life. In the conservative Christian perspective, this eternal dwelling is fulfilled through the promise of eternal life in Christ, where believers will dwell in the presence of God for all eternity. and take refuge
"Take refuge" is derived from the Hebrew word "chasah," meaning to seek shelter or protection. This conveys a sense of trust and reliance on God's strength and safety. Throughout the Psalms, God is frequently depicted as a refuge, a place of safety amidst life's storms. This imagery reassures believers of God's unwavering protection and faithfulness, encouraging them to seek Him in times of trouble. in the shelter
The "shelter" refers to a place of hiding or protection, often used metaphorically in the Psalms to describe God's protective care. The Hebrew word "seter" implies a secret or hidden place, emphasizing the intimacy and security found in God's presence. This concept is echoed in Psalm 91:1, where those who dwell in the "secret place" of the Most High find rest. For Christians, this shelter is a reminder of the peace and security found in a relationship with God through Christ. of Your wings
The imagery of "wings" is a powerful metaphor for God's protection and care, reminiscent of a bird sheltering its young under its wings. The Hebrew word "kanaph" is used, which can mean wing, edge, or extremity. This evokes a sense of closeness and nurturing, as well as the encompassing nature of God's protection. In the broader biblical narrative, this imagery is used to describe God's deliverance and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 19:4. For believers, it is a comforting assurance of God's loving and protective presence in their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 61, David is expressing his deep desire for God's protection and presence. 2. God's TentSymbolic of God's dwelling place, often associated with the Tabernacle or Temple, representing God's presence among His people. 3. Shelter of Your WingsA metaphor for God's protection, evoking the image of a bird sheltering its young under its wings, signifying safety and care. Teaching Points Desire for God's PresenceAs believers, we should cultivate a longing to dwell in God's presence continually, seeking Him in prayer, worship, and daily life. Understanding God's ProtectionRecognize that God's protection is both spiritual and physical, offering peace and security in times of trouble. Symbolism of the Tent and WingsThe tent represents God's abiding presence, while the wings symbolize His nurturing care. Reflect on how these images can encourage us in our faith journey. Selah - Pause and ReflectThe term "Selah" invites us to pause and meditate on the truth of God's protection and presence, encouraging deeper reflection and understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of dwelling in God's tent and taking refuge under His wings enhance your understanding of His protection? 2. In what ways can you actively seek to dwell in God's presence in your daily life? 3. How does the concept of God's wings as a place of refuge connect with other biblical promises of His protection? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him? 5. How can the practice of pausing and reflecting (Selah) be incorporated into your spiritual disciplines to deepen your relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 91:4This verse also uses the imagery of God's wings as a place of refuge, emphasizing His faithfulness as a shield and protection. Exodus 25:8-9Describes the construction of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among the Israelites, which is echoed in the desire to dwell in God's tent. Matthew 23:37Jesus uses similar imagery of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings, highlighting God's desire to protect and care for His people. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abide, Ages, Cover, Covert, Dwell, Forever, Myself, Oh, Refuge, Resting-place, Safe, Secret, Selah, Shelter, Sojourn, Tabernacle, Tent, Trust, WingsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 61:4 4690 wings
8666 praise, manner and methods Library December 15. "When My Heart is Overwhelmed Lead Me to the Rock that is Higher than I" (Ps. Lxi. 2).
"When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the Rock that is higher than I" (Ps. lxi. 2). The end of self is the beginning of God. "When the tale of bricks is doubled then comes Moses." That is the old Hebrew way of putting it. "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." That is the proverbial expression of it. "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." That is David's way of expressing it. "We have no might against this company, neither know we what to do." No might, no …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth A Living, Loving, Lasting Word,
"I will trust in the covert of Thy wings." -- Psalm 61:4. L. M. Under Thy wings, my God, I rest Under Thy shadow safely lie; By Thy own strength in peace possessed, While dreaded evils pass me by. With strong desire I here can stay To see Thy love its work complete; Here I can wait a long delay, Reposing at my Savior's feet. My place of lowly service, too, Beneath Thy sheltering wings I see; For all the work I have to do Is done through strengthening rest in Thee. I would not rise this rest above; …
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations The Far and Near
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. lxi. 4 In Him we live, in Him we move; seek not thy God afar; He is not prisoned in a height above sun, moon, and star. But thou through strange dark lands hast strayed, and wandered far from Him; And therfore He, O Soul, to thee, is distant and is dim. Lord, I was in the far-off land, I loved from Thee to stray, And when unto myself I came, a swine-herd far away, One moment--then the welcome sweet, the kiss, the Father's Home; Far distant was the distance; to Thy bosom I …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others Thy Neck is Like the Tower of David, Builded with Bulwarks; a Thousand Shields Hang Upon It, all the Armor of Mighty Men.
The neck is the strength of the soul; it is well likened to the tower of David, because all the strength of the soul is in God, who is the house of Jesus Christ and of David. For this great King insists in many places in the Psalms, that God alone is his support, his refuge, his defence, and, above all, his strong tower (Psalm 61), The bulwarks that surround it are the total abandonment the soul has made of itself to God. Trust, faith and hope have fortified it in its abandonment; the weaker it is …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885 Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
"In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the advocate of the prophets! He destroyed them as their rival, by converting their disciples; he took up their cause as their friend, by stigmatizing [3984] their persecutors. But, [3985] in as far as the defence of the prophets could not be consistent in the Christ of Marcion, who came to destroy them; in so far is it becoming to the Creator's Christ that …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion Letter vi (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He protests against the reputation for holiness which is attributed to him, and promises to communicate the treatises which he has written. I. Even if I should give myself to you entirely that would be too little a thing still in my eyes, to have recompensed towards you even the half of the kindly feeling which you express towards my humility. I congratulate myself, indeed, on the honour which you have done me; but my joy, I confess, is tempered by the thought that it is not anything …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 61:4 NIVPsalm 61:4 NLTPsalm 61:4 ESVPsalm 61:4 NASBPsalm 61:4 KJV
Psalm 61:4 Commentaries
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