Psalm 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Psalm 86:5,15
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…

Psalm 145:7,8
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness…

excellent [heb.

Psalm 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

1 Peter 2:6,7
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded…

2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

put their

Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psalm 57:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

Psalm 63:7
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

that the children of men take refuge
The imagery of taking refuge suggests a place of safety and protection, often used in the Psalms to describe God's role as a protector (Psalm 46:1). This phrase indicates that all humanity, "the children of men," can find shelter in God's presence. It reflects the universal offer of God's protection and care, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The concept of refuge is also seen in the cities of refuge in ancient Israel, where individuals could find safety from avengers (Numbers 35:9-15), symbolizing God's provision of safety and justice.

in the shadow of Your wings!
This metaphor draws on the imagery of a bird sheltering its young under its wings, a common biblical motif for God's protection (Deuteronomy 32:11, Ruth 2:12). It conveys intimacy, care, and security, suggesting that God's protection is both tender and powerful. The "shadow" implies closeness and presence, indicating that those who seek refuge in God are under His immediate care. This imagery is also a type of Christ, who in the New Testament, expresses a similar desire to gather and protect His people (Matthew 23:37), showing continuity in God's protective nature throughout Scripture.

• David begins with an exclamation of value: “How precious …” (Psalm 36:7). Nothing is more treasured than what comes next.

• Similar awe surfaces in Psalm 139:17: “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God.” God’s gifts repeatedly outshine material wealth (Psalm 119:72).

• The Spirit invites us to slow down and weigh God’s goodness the way a jeweler appraises a flawless stone—admire, handle, and rejoice in it.

• “Loving devotion” (steadfast love) describes God’s covenant faithfulness revealed since Exodus 34:6, where He is “abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.”

• This love is:

– Unfailing (Lamentations 3:22–23).

– Compassionate (Psalm 103:17).

– Personal—note the direct address: “O God.” The psalmist speaks to a living Person, not an abstract force.

• Because Scripture is literally true, we can treat God’s love as an unchanging reality rather than wishful thinking.

• The phrase widens the circle: God’s devotion is offered to all humanity, not merely Israel. Compare John 3:16—“God so loved the world.”

• Acts 17:25 affirms that He “gives everyone life and breath,” underscoring universal grace.

• Yet each individual must respond; belonging within the family does not happen by default (John 1:12).

• “Take refuge” speaks of active trust. Psalm 46:1 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength.”

• Refuge includes:

– Protection from judgment (Psalm 2:12).

– Peace amid turmoil (Philippians 4:6-7).

– Confident hope for the future (Proverbs 18:10).

• Literal storms or spiritual battles—either way, God offers a safe haven.

• The imagery recalls a mother bird shielding her young. Ruth 2:12 praises the God “under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

• Psalm 91:4 assures, “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.”

• Jesus embraces the same picture in Matthew 23:37, longing to gather Jerusalem “as a hen gathers her chicks.”

• Under His wings we experience:

– Nearness—protection requires closeness.

– Tenderness—strength expressed through gentleness.

– Safety—no predator penetrates His cover.

Psalm 36:7 celebrates the priceless worth of God’s steadfast love, wide enough for every human yet close enough for personal shelter. All who consciously trust Him find secure refuge under His protective wings, resting in a love that never fails.

Therefore . . .--Better, the simple conjunction, and sons of men, they find shelter, &c

Shadow of thy wings.--See Psalm 17:8, Note.