"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High..." Psalm 91:1-2

Psalm 91 is a beautiful Psalm (song) of David which is quite remarkable.  It is a perfect example of the Davidic form of worship. 

The first two verses describe numerous names (natures) of God which have different attributes, keep in mind that there is always balance in God’s name (nature) in how He interacts with people.

Our God is a God of righteousness and Justice (Yahweh), and He is also a God of kindness and mercy (El Elyon).  God is also a nurturer who provides for us and meets our needs (El Shaddai), He is also a creator which creates out His imaginative mind. (Elohim)

The Hebrew language is very descriptive as to the meanings of words and their genders in how they are used in a sentence.  Yahweh is described as masculine, while the El Elyon name genre is androgynous.  El Shaddai is described as feminine, while Elohim name genre is also androgynous.  This may sound confusing, but remember there is a balance in how God is described in Psalm 91.

We are told that “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High (El Elyon), will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (El Shaddai).  I will say to the Lord (Yahweh), “My refuge and my fortress my God” (Elohim), in whom I trust.

To put these two verses in descriptive language it would sound something like this:

“He who dwells in the shelter of God’s mercy and grace, will be under His nurture and will be provided for all the days of his life.  I will say to the God of my strength and righteousness “You are my refuge, You who created all things”.

What is amazing in these two verses are both the masculine and feminine genres of God’s nature are on display, El Shaddai is the feminine while Yahweh is a masculine genre.  Remember I said there was a balance in how God interacts with people, this is how he is presented here in complete balance.

It is when these name natures of God are out of balance that divisions are created amongst brothers and sisters in Christ.  Too much righteousness and not enough nurturing (law vs. grace) or visa-versa can bring disorder and disunity.  Keeping Jesus at the forefront as our mediator and example shows us the perfect representation of staying in balance with God and how He interacts with us.  

My purpose in sharing this is to show the completeness of God and His character which is always in balance.

I am hoping that this is not confusing to you, “God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace. As is true in all the churches of God’s people”. 1 Corinthians 14:33

May you know the blessing of His nurture and outpouring of His love to you;

May you know His righteousness and divine justice as it reaches out and speaks to you;

And may you praise Him for all of the creative ways He has formed you and shaped you into the child of God you have become.

Be Blessed;

Stephen Barnett