Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. God's protective care using imagery of hiddenness and security—secret place of God's presence provides refuge from human pride and verbal assault. This comforts believers facing opposition by emphasizing God's sheltering power.
Thou shalt hide them (Hebrew sathar—conceal, protect by covering, hide safely) is not hiding in fear but being hidden by protector—like parent shielding child. God actively conceals His people from harm. Verb's future tense provides confident assurance: God will do this; His protection is certain.
In the secret of thy presence (Hebrew sether panim—covering/hiding place of Your face) combines hiddenness with presence paradoxically. God's people are simultaneously hidden from enemies and manifest to God. Concealed within God's presence itself—safest location imaginable. No enemy can reach those sheltered in God's own presence.
From the pride of man identifies threat. Pride (rekec) means schemes, conspiracies, arrogant plots. Human pride, regardless of power, cannot penetrate God's hiding place. Echoes Psalm 2—nations' conspiracies are futile before God's sovereignty.
Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion (sukkah—shelter, booth, covering) introduces second imagery. Keep (tsaphan) is same word from verse 19 (laid up). From the strife of tongues identifies another threat—verbal assault. Slander, lies, accusations cannot harm those sheltered in God's pavilion. Where lying lips (v. 18) attacked, God's presence defends.
Historical Context
Imagery of God as refuge pervades Psalms. David repeatedly experienced literal hiding—in caves (1 Samuel 22:1, 24:3), wilderness strongholds (1 Samuel 23:14), Philistine territory (1 Samuel 27:1). Physical refuges illustrated spiritual reality: God Himself is ultimate hiding place.
Sukkah recalled Israel's wilderness wanderings in temporary shelters, depending on God's presence (pillar of cloud/fire). Feast of Booths (Sukkot) commemorated this dependence. Jesus embodied protective presence. He prayed, Father, keep them in Your name (John 17:11). Reformed theology emphasizes perseverance of saints—those hidden in Christ remain secure despite all assaults.
Questions for Reflection
How does image of being hidden in God's presence provide security without promoting escapism?
What is difference between hiding from threats in fear and being hidden by God in faith?
How does knowing God keeps you secretly affect response to slander?
In what ways does human pride manifest in schemes against God's people today?
How does union with Christ serve as New Testament fulfillment of being hidden in God's presence?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. God's protective care using imagery of hiddenness and security—secret place of God's presence provides refuge from human pride and verbal assault. This comforts believers facing opposition by emphasizing God's sheltering power.
Thou shalt hide them (Hebrew sathar—conceal, protect by covering, hide safely) is not hiding in fear but being hidden by protector—like parent shielding child. God actively conceals His people from harm. Verb's future tense provides confident assurance: God will do this; His protection is certain.
In the secret of thy presence (Hebrew sether panim—covering/hiding place of Your face) combines hiddenness with presence paradoxically. God's people are simultaneously hidden from enemies and manifest to God. Concealed within God's presence itself—safest location imaginable. No enemy can reach those sheltered in God's own presence.
From the pride of man identifies threat. Pride (rekec) means schemes, conspiracies, arrogant plots. Human pride, regardless of power, cannot penetrate God's hiding place. Echoes Psalm 2—nations' conspiracies are futile before God's sovereignty.
Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion (sukkah—shelter, booth, covering) introduces second imagery. Keep (tsaphan) is same word from verse 19 (laid up). From the strife of tongues identifies another threat—verbal assault. Slander, lies, accusations cannot harm those sheltered in God's pavilion. Where lying lips (v. 18) attacked, God's presence defends.