THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

The psalm opens with a rich range of divine titles: “most High”, “Almighty”, “Lord”, “God”, vv. 1, 2. The title “most High” first appears in Genesis 14. 19, 22, where it is twice recorded that God is “possessor of heaven and earth”. The title therefore denotes universal supremacy. “Almighty” appears first in Genesis 17. 1, where the context shows that it denotes God’s all-sufficiency. Though Abraham was 99 years old, God would fulfil His pledge to him concerning a son. God said to him, “walk before me”. Abraham had just walked according to Sarah’s carnal policy to obtain seed of Hagar, and this had bitter consequences. The title “Jehovah”, usually translated “Lord”, occurs more frequently than the others; it conveys eternal changelessness. “Elohim”, translated “God”, denotes divine power.

The psalm closes with a bunch of divine “I will’s”, vv. 14-16. These precious promises apply to those who set their love upon Him and know His Name, v. 14. To know His Name means to know Him personally. Knowing about Him is not the same as knowing Him intimately. In order to know Him thus, we must dwell in His presence. This is the “secret place”, where there is security from every kind of danger, and an all-sufficiency for every need, vv. 3-13.

The divine Names are a manifestation of God’s Person and character. The fullest revelation of Himself, of course, was made in the Son, John 1. 18; Heb. 1. 1-3. In His prayer to the Father, the Lord said, “I have manifested thy name”, John 17. 6. He was referring to the revelation of God as Father—an aspect of Him not known by the psalmist. God as revealed in the N.T. is our God and Father, John 20. 17. Our unique relationship gives us an even greater sense of security. No difficulties can befall us apart from the Father’s will.

“Precious thought—my Father knoweth! in His Love I rest; For whate’re my Father doeth must be always best.”

To “abide (pass the night) under the shadow of the Almighty” gives comfort, not only to those who fear the night, but also to us all who look for the Morning Star to end our sojourn in this scene of moral and spiritual night.

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand”, Rom. 13. 12.