Psalms 119:114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Original Language Analysis
סִתְרִ֣י
Thou art my hiding place
H5643
סִתְרִ֣י
Thou art my hiding place
Strong's:
H5643
Word #:
1 of 5
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
וּמָגִנִּ֣י
and my shield
H4043
וּמָגִנִּ֣י
and my shield
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
2 of 5
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
Cross References
Psalms 32:7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.Isaiah 32:2And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.Psalms 119:81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.Psalms 119:74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Historical Context
David's fugitive years in caves and wilderness strongholds (1 Sam 22-24) give these metaphors visceral meaning. For later Israel facing exile or persecution, God's word became the only reliable fortress when physical sanctuaries were destroyed. This theology sustained Jews through diaspora and persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you most naturally run to God as your hiding place—and when do you seek other refuges?
- How does hoping in God's word function as a shield against spiritual attacks and doubts?
- What promises in Scripture serve as your primary hiding place during trials?
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou art my hiding place and my shield (סִתְרִי וּמָגִנִּי אָתָּה, sitri umaginni attah)—two military metaphors for divine protection. Seter (hiding place, shelter, secret place) suggests refuge from danger; magen (shield) suggests active defense in battle. David used identical language: The LORD is my rock, and my fortress (2 Sam 22:2-3). These are not abstract theological concepts but testimonies forged in actual persecution.
I hope in thy word (לִדְבָרְךָ יִחָלְתִּי, lidvarкha yichalti)—the verb yachal means to wait expectantly, trust with anticipation. Hope is anchored not in circumstances but in God's revealed promises. This verse links divine protection with word-centered faith. We find refuge in God by trusting His written promises. The Reformers' sola scriptura finds expression here—Scripture alone is our ultimate hiding place and shield against error, doubt, and attack.