The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:6 and Psalm 91:1–4

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Shelter, shadow, refuge, fortress, shield, and wings are all metaphors for defense and protection. We can relate to none better, perhaps, than wings. The chick finding security under its mother’s wing easily translates into our own memories of running to our mothers for care and comfort. The psalmist, however, applies this to God. Do pinions and wings here refer to the outstretched wings of the cherubim on the ark? Since the psalm specifically mentions the Most High, the Almighty, Lord, and God, a cherub or two will not do. Moreover, the psalmist states that these wings are God’s, and that they are protective and defensive, so we must take them to be his and their good meant for us. What is it that God can protect us from that mothers, fortresses, shields, or even hiding places cannot? 

These things cannot hide us from our sin, for it will surely find us out (Numbers 32:23). These earthly refuges will not hide us from the devil, nor from death. We need the wings of the Almighty for a hiding place and sure defense when these mortal threats assail us. Then, as Luther said, “Because the shadow of Christ’s wing covers me I have no fear that God will cover all my sins and take my imperfections for perfect righteousness.”

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