Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 91:1

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." — Psalms 91:1 (ASV)

He that dwelleth — Everyone who so dwells. The proposition is universal and is designed to embrace all who are in this condition. It is true of one; it is true of all. The word translated “dwelleth” here is a participle from the verb “to sit,” and here means “sitting”: literally, “sitting in the secret place,” and so on. The idea is that of calm repose, of resting, of sitting down—as one does in his dwelling.

In the secret place — On the meaning of this, see the notes at Psalms 27:5. Compare Psalms 31:20 and Psalms 32:7. Abiding where God abides. The idea is that of having one’s home or residence in the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or the temple, and of sitting with Him in that sacred place.

Of the Most High — Of God, represented as exalted above all, over all the universe.

Shall abide — The margin, as in Hebrew, says “lodge.” That is his home—his resting place—where he lodges, or passes the night. He takes up his lodging there; he makes it his home.

Under the shadow of the Almighty — Under His protection, as if under His wings. Compare the notes at Psalms 17:8. This is a general statement and is designed as an introduction to the whole psalm, or as expressing what the psalm is intended to illustrate: “the blessedness” of the man who thus dwells with God, who makes Him his friend, who makes the home of God his home.