What does Psalm 91:1 mean?
A "shelter" provides safety from a storm or enemy. The term "Most High" comes for the Hebrew el'yon' and specifically implies something "upper," "above," or "highest." The implication is that God is superior to all other powers and supreme above any other deity. There is no safer shelter than what the Most High provides!The reference to God as "Most High" is seen elsewhere in Scripture. Genesis 14:21–24 famously records Abram's response to the king of Sodom when he offered Abram a reward for rescuing hostages. Abram said he had sworn to the Lord, God Most High, promising not to accept anything from the ruler of that infamously depraved kingdom.
The psalmist refers to the "shadow" of God. In literal terms, a shadow provides little protection, itself. The imagery, however, is of someone who is close enough, and protected enough, that the shadow of their protector is on them. Further, the psalmist will "abide" there, implying a committed, consistent closeness with the Lord.
