Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that it was because of the vivid mental picture that it would evoke in those reading the psalm through the use of a familiar metaphor of a bird sheltering her young (who are both small and defenseless) against danger by covering them with her wings, which the psalmist likened to the protection that God provides to His followers based on the relative helplessness of humans in comparison to God. (Jesus used the same imagery in weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34.)

July 02 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

The psalmist compares God to a bird, particularly in Psalm 91:4 ("He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge") and Psalm 124:8 ("Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth"), to illustrate God's protective care, refuge, and deliverance.

1. Protection and Refuge (Psalm 91:4)

The image of God covering His people with His wings is drawn from birds, particularly mother birds sheltering their young under their wings. This evokes safety, warmth, and intimacy—a place of security where no predator can harm them.

In biblical times, birds like hens or eagles were known for fiercely protecting their chicks, sometimes even at the cost of their own lives. This reflects God's sacrificial love and willingness to shield His people.

This imagery is also echoed by Jesus in Matthew 23:37, pp Luke 13:34 where He longs to gather Jerusalem like a hen gathers her chicks, emphasizing God’s desire to protect and care for His people.

2. Deliverance from Traps (Psalm 124:8)

While Psalm 124:8 doesn’t directly use bird imagery, Psalm 124:7 (the verse before) does: "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped."

This portrays God as the one who frees His people from danger, much like a bird escaping from a trap.

The "fowler’s snare" represents hidden dangers, temptations, or enemy plots—things that can entangle and destroy. But God intervenes, breaking the trap and granting freedom.

3. A Personal, Close Relationship

Unlike metaphors like "rock" or "fortress," the bird imagery conveys a gentler, more intimate aspect of God's care.

It emphasizes closeness, warmth, and tenderness, showing that God’s protection is not just about power but also about personal, loving care.

Conclusion

The psalmist uses the bird imagery to highlight both God’s protective refuge (Psalm 91:4) and His deliverance from danger (Psalm 124:7-8). It’s a powerful way of showing that God is both strong and tender—our ultimate shelter and Savior.

8 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report