Psalms 91:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 91:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 91

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, etc.] Or the Supreme; a title of God, who is superior to all beings, the Creator and Preserver of them, God over all, higher than the highest of angels or men; (see <011422>Genesis 14:22), “his secret place” is his heart, his bosom, where his only begotten Son lies; and into which he takes his people, where they are set as a seal, and who enjoy intimate communion with him; which is no other than his gracious presence, called “the secret of his presence”, (<193120>Psalm 31:20), which none but saints are admitted to, when his everlasting love, which was a secret in his heart, is made known unto them, and in which they also dwell,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A Psalm-song--(see on Psa 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day. (Psa 92:1-15) sing . . . name--celebrate Thy perfections.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He that dwelleth - Everyone that so dwells. The proposition is universal, and is designed to embrace all who are in this condition. It is true of one; it is true of all. The word rendered “dwelleth” here is a participle from the verb to “sit,” and here means “sitting:” literally, “sitting in the secret place,” etc. The idea is that of calm repose; of resting; of sitting down - as one does in his dwelling. In the secret place - On the meaning of this see the notes at Psalms 27:5. Compare Psalms 31:20; Psalms 32:7. Abiding where God abides. The idea is that of having one’s home or residence in the most holy place in the tabernacle or the temple, and of sitting with him in that sacred place. Of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He - He that makes God his habitation and refuge. Psalms 91:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 91 This wisdom psalm expresses confidence in the Almighty God, who provides a shelter for those who take refuge in him. They receive redemption, life, and glory from the Lord, who loves and cares for those who seek him. 91:1-2 The Lord is an ancient shelter (see 90:1), open to those who seek refuge in him. 91:1 The Most High is an ancient title that expresses the Lord’s exalted status as the ruler and protector of the godly (see Gen 14:19).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“(Title), This Psalm is supposed by some to have been composed by Moses on the same occasion as the preceding; but others think it was written by David, after his advice to his son Solomon. 1Chr. 28:1-21 dwelleth: Psa 27:5, Psa 31:20, Psa 32:7, Psa 52:8, Psa 61:3, Psa 61:4, Psa 90:1; Isa 8:14; Eze 11:16; Hos 14:5, Hos 14:6; Jo1 4:15, Jo1 4:16 abide: Heb. lodge, Psa 25:13 \*marg. under: Psa 17:8, Psa 36:7, Psa 57:1; Jdg 9:15; Sol 2:3; Isa 4:5, Isa 4:6; Lam 4:20 Psalms 91:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“As the concealing One, God is called עליון, the inaccessibly high One; and as the shadowing One שׁדּי, the invincibly almighty One. Faith, however, calls Him by His covenant name (Heilsname) יהוה and, with the suffix of appropriation, אלהי (my God). In connection with Psa 91:1 we are reminded of the expressions of the Book of Job, Job 39:28, concerning the eagle's building its nest in its eyrie. According to the accentuation, Psa 91:2 ought to be rendered with Geier, "Dicit: in Domino meo (or Domini) latibulum, etc." But the combination אמר לה is more natural, since the language of address follows in both halves of the verse. Psalms 91:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification