Psalms 61:4 - Exposition

I will abide in thy tabernacle forever. As the psalmist is in exile, at "the end of the earth" ( Psalms 61:2 ), the literal "tabernacle" cannot be intended. A spiritual abiding in the heavenly dwelling, whereof the tabernacle was a type, must be meant (comp. Psalms 18:11 ). I will trust in the covert of thy wings (comp. Psalms 17:8 ; Psalms 36:7 ; Psalms 57:1 ; Psalms 63:7 ; Psalms 91:4 ). The origin of the metaphor is hardly to be sought in the outspread wings of the cherubim on the mercy seat; rather in the brooding wings of birds protecting and defending their young ( Deuteronomy 32:11 ; Matthew 23:37 ).