This week’s Birds of the Bible will divert from the introduction of a specific bird to a part of the bird. We had the privilege several weeks ago to visit a “rookery,” (a place where many birds have nests and raise their young. The Wood Storks had their wings spread out to keep the sun off of their young, which is a common behavior of birds. Birds also use their wings to protect them when danger is nearby and for warmth. It reminded me of the many Scripture references and songs about the protection or shadow of the wings.
Psalms 61:3-4 (KJV), says, “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. “
Covert as defined by the Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
concealed; secret; disguised; covered; sheltered.
cover; a shelter or hiding place; concealment or disguise
Also called tectrix one of the small feathers that cover the bases of the large feathers of the wings and tail.
Just a few of the Scriptures are:
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me. (Psalms 17:8-9 NKJV)
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. (Psalms 36:7 NKJV)
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” a Michtam of David When He Fled from Saul into the Cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. (Psalms 57:1 NKJV)
Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. (Psalms 63:7 NKJV)
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.(Psalms 91:3 NKJV)
The wing has been mentioned in many hymns such as:
God Will Take Care of You – ( by Civilla D. Martin, 1869-1948 )
God Will Take Care of You
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Thro’ ev’ry day, O’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you
Under His Wings (by William O. Cushing, 1823-1902)
Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Tho’ the night deepens and tempests are wild.
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blest.
Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
Two other hymns that mention the wings are:
Praise Ye the Lord!
Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
God Be with You Till We Meet Again
God be with you till we meet again;
‘Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we we meet again.
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