Psalm 91 Vs. 4

Psalm 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psm. 91:4

with His feathers... Feathers and wings here are figurative of protection and care (Psm. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; Exo. 19:4; Ruth 2:12; Isa. 40:31; Mal. 4:2; Mat. 23:37; Luke 13:34; Rev. 12:14).

shalt thou trust:... Flee to for refuge (Psm. 16:1).

shield and buckler... The shield and buckler protected the body—the vital parts—from the weapon thrusts and arrows of the enemy.

A mother bird spreads her wings over her fledglings to protect them from storm and predator. She will allow herself to be wounded to protect them. She keeps them warm and sheltered, and the baby birds feel safe in her embrace (17:8). Such is God’s fierce love for humanity.

The mother hen protects her little chicks by spreading out her wings and hiding them under her wings. We are certainly not saying that the Lord is like a fowl, but His love and care for His little ones (all believers), is described as protecting us with His feathers. This just means that His protection shadows over His own. His truth is what we base our belief upon. It is a solid foundation that we can build upon. His truth will be a shield against the false doctrines of this world. This shield and buckler is not just a protection, but is more like a fort that protects. The shield of course, would protect your heart, but the buckler is the fortress. It appears that He gives double protection to His own.

Deliverance by angels (Psm. 91:3-13)

(3) God covers him with His wings (Psm. 91:4), a figure of safety and comfort (cf. Psm. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7). (4) God protects with His faithfulness (Psm. 91:4), explained here by the metaphor of a shield and rampart.