Shelter of the Most High
What is the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1)?
In Psalm 91:1, the psalmist declares that, even in the face of overwhelming danger, the person who places his trust in God will live in safety because God Himself will be his protection: “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’” (Psalm 91:1–2, ESV).
In this passage, the psalmist uses three names for God that attest to His divine character: “Most High” (El Elyon in Hebrew) stresses God’s utmost sovereignty and strength; “Almighty” (El Shaddai) depicts His self-existent, all-sufficient ability to do what He says He will do; and “God” (Elohim) emphasizes His supremacy and invincibility.
The believer who lives, dwells, and constantly abides under the shelter of the Most High God can rest safely in His strong and sure protection: “For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (Psalm 91:3–4, NLT). The Lord promises to protect, deliver, save, and defend those who love and trust Him (Psalm 91:14–16).
God is a “Mighty Warrior who saves” all those who depend on Him (Zephaniah 3:17). As the “Most High,” He unequivocally levels every possible threat. Whatever He promises, He will do (Joshua 21:45; Psalm 145:13; Hebrews 10:23). Because He reigns supreme over all creation, no one can thwart or undermine His plans and purposes for His beloved people (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11; Romans 4:21).
In the original Hebrew, the noun translated as “shelter” in Psalm 91:1 means “a suitable place for hiding; covering; protection.” The same term appears in Psalm 27:5: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (see also Psalm 31:20; 119:114). God alone is the true refuge of believers (Deuteronomy 33:27). His sheltering presence is our “hiding place” (Psalm 32:7), “refuge” (Psalm 16:1; 61:3; 142:5), “fortified tower” (Proverbs 18:10), and “fortress” (Psalm 48:3; 62:6–7). Isaiah pictures Him as “a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4). No matter what life throws at us, God has us covered.
The shelter of the Most High vividly depicts the divine protection afforded those who live in intimate, daily fellowship with God, trusting in Him and depending on Him with their lives. Such a close relationship with God inspired the psalmist to say, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7, ESV). We may face danger or persecution, but we know we are safe under the protective covering of our supremely powerful God.
The apostle Paul expressed a similar sentiment: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT). Believers are never alone, shaken, or defeated if they dwell in the safe retreat of God’s sheltering presence (see Romans 8:31–39).
The shelter of the Most High does not guarantee immunity from trouble, danger, or threat, but it does offer the promise of God’s presence and protection amid hardship and peril. If we return home again and again to abide in His presence (see John 15:4–9), we will experience healing and renewal of strength (Psalm 23:3; 51:10–12; 73:26; 112:7–8; Habakkuk 3:17–19). We will also discover a spiritual stronghold to launch a counter-attack on our enemies (Psalm 9:9; Joel 3:16; Ephesians 6:10–20).
The shelter of the Most High is God’s promise of protection to all who trust in Him. Those who live in continual communion with the Lord are constantly safe. Under His sheltering wings, they find rest and protection now and forever (Matthew 11:29; Psalm 37:28).
