Psalms 61:4 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever - This expresses the confident assurance that he would be restored to his home, and to the privileges of public worship. The word forever here means perpetually; that is, his permanent home would be there, or he would dwell with God who dwelt in the tabernacle. The word “tabernacle” refers to the sacred tent which was erected for the worship of God, within which were the ark, the tables of the law, the table of showbread, etc. In the innermost part of that tent - the holy of holies - the symbol of the divine presence rested on the mercy-seat or cover of the ark of the covenant. David regarded it as a great privilege to abide near that sacred tent; near to the place of; public worship; near to the place where God was supposed to dwell. See Psalms 23:6, note; Psalms 26:8, note; Psalms 27:4, note. It is possible that his mind looked beyond the tabernacle on earth to an eternal residence in the very presence of God; to his being admitted into his own sacred abode in heaven.

I will trust in the covert of thy wings - Margin, Make my refuge. See the notes at Psalms 17:8. Compare Psalms 36:7; Psalms 57:1. The idea is, that he would seek and find protection in God - as young birds do under the outstretched wings of the parent bird.

Psalms 61:4

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trusta in the covert of thy wings. Selah.