Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers ] He shall act towards thee as the hen does to her brood, - take thee under his wings when birds of prey appear, and also shelter thee from chilling blasts. This is a frequent metaphor in the sacred writings; see the parallel texts in the margin, and the notes on them. The Septuagint has en toiv metafrenoiv autou episkiasei soi He will overshadow thee between his shoulders; alluding to the custom of parents carrying their weak or sick children on their backs, and having them covered even there with a mantle. Thus the Lord is represented carrying the Israelites in the wilderness. See Deut. xxxii. 11, 12, where the metaphor is taken from the eagle.
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler ] His revelation; his Bible. That truth contains promises for all times and circumstances; and these will be invariably fulfilled to him that trusts in the Lord. The fulfillment of a promise relative to defense and support is to the soul what the best shield is to the body.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in his that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being undul afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promise fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lor upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage other to trust in him also.
Original Hebrew באברתו84 יסך5526 לך ותחת8478 כנפיו3671 תחסה2620 צנה6793 וסחרה5507 אמתו׃571
