Psalms 27:5

KJV

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in the time {H3117} of trouble {H7451} he shall hide {H6845} me in his pavilion {H5520}: in the secret {H5643} of his tabernacle {H168} shall he hide {H5641} me; he shall set me up {H7311} upon a rock {H6697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he will conceal me in his shelter on the day of trouble, he will hide me in the folds of his tent, he will set me high on a rock.

Berean Standard Bible

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

American Standard Version

For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:5 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God's personal and intimate protection during times of intense adversity. It vividly portrays God as a secure refuge, likening His presence to a hidden pavilion and the innermost sanctuary of His tabernacle, where He shelters His faithful. Furthermore, it asserts God's power to establish the psalmist on an unshakeable foundation, symbolizing ultimate stability and deliverance from all threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 is a psalm of trust, traditionally attributed to King David, marked by a striking shift in tone. The first half (vv. 1-6), where verse 5 resides, is a bold and triumphant affirmation of faith, expressing an unshakeable confidence in God's light, salvation, and protective presence. This section stands in stark contrast to the second half (vv. 7-14), which is a fervent prayer for deliverance and a plea for God's continued presence amidst present distress. Verse 5 serves as the theological bedrock for the psalmist's initial declaration of fearlessness, explaining *why* he is so confident: God Himself is his personal sanctuary and stronghold. The imagery of the "pavilion" and "tabernacle" reinforces the psalmist's desire to dwell in God's house and behold His beauty, as expressed in [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - David's Desire to Dwell in God's House").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The traditional attribution to King David places this psalm within a context of frequent warfare, political intrigue, and personal persecution. David's life was often characterized by flight from enemies (e.g., Saul, Absalom), making the concept of a "hiding place" or "refuge" deeply personal and resonant. In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) was the central place of worship and the symbolic dwelling of God's presence. Seeking refuge "in the secret of his tabernacle" would have evoked powerful images of divine sanctuary, a place where even the most vulnerable could find inviolable safety under God's direct protection. The "rock" imagery is also deeply rooted in the rugged Judean landscape, where natural rock formations provided literal strongholds against invaders, further emphasizing the stability and impregnability of God's defense, as seen in [1 Samuel 23:25](/1_samuel/23-25 "1 Samuel 23:25 - Saul Pursues David in the Wilderness").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Psalm 27 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Protection and Refuge**, portraying God as an active, personal shield against adversity. This protection is not merely external but deeply spiritual, found in the **Intimacy of God's Presence**, symbolized by the "secret of his tabernacle." The verse also highlights **God's Steadfastness and Stability**, with the "rock" signifying His unchanging character and ability to provide an unshakeable foundation for His people, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God as the Perfect Rock"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Deliverance and Exaltation**, as God not only hides but also "sets up" the psalmist, elevating him above his troubles. These themes collectively affirm that true security is found exclusively in God, regardless of external circumstances, as the psalmist declares in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pavilion (Hebrew, סֻכָּה, _sukkah_):** This word typically refers to a temporary shelter, a booth, or a tent, often used for agricultural purposes (e.g., a hut in a vineyard) or during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). In this context, it carries the connotation of an immediate, personal, and enveloping covering. It suggests God's intimate and active presence providing a direct, protective canopy over the psalmist, much like a shepherd shelters his flock. It emphasizes the immediacy and accessibility of God's refuge.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, אֹהֶל, _ohel_):** This refers to the "tent of meeting," the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness wanderings and before the construction of the Temple. The phrase "in the secret (סֵתֶר, _sether_) of his tabernacle" points to the innermost, most secluded, and sacred part of God's dwelling, perhaps alluding to the Holy of Holies. This signifies a profound, sacred intimacy and an impenetrable, hidden security found within the very core of God's presence, beyond the reach of any external threat.
* **Rock (Hebrew, צוּר, _tsur_):** This term is frequently used in Scripture as a powerful metaphor for God Himself, symbolizing His strength, immutability, and reliability. To be "set me up upon a rock" means to be placed in a position of ultimate stability, security, and elevation, lifted above the dangers and attacks of enemies. It implies not just temporary escape but a firm, permanent establishment on an unshakeable foundation that cannot be moved or overcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in the time of trouble":** This opening clause grounds the promise in the stark reality of human experience. It acknowledges that life inevitably brings periods of distress, adversity, and danger. The psalmist is not speaking from a place of naive optimism but from a deep understanding of suffering and conflict.
* **"he shall hide me in his pavilion":** Here, God is presented as the active agent of protection. The imagery of "hiding" in a "pavilion" speaks to God's personal, immediate, and comprehensive sheltering of His servant. It conveys a sense of being completely covered and concealed from the sight and reach of adversaries, experiencing God's presence as a literal refuge.
* **"in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me":** This clause deepens the previous one through synonymous parallelism, intensifying the imagery of divine refuge. The "secret of his tabernacle" points to the most sacred and intimate part of God's dwelling, signifying a profound, spiritual intimacy where God's protection is experienced in the very core of His being. It implies a hidden, inviolable sanctuary accessible only through divine invitation.
* **"he shall set me up upon a rock":** This final clause shifts from passive hiding to active elevation and establishment. God not only conceals but also elevates the psalmist to a position of secure stability. The "rock" symbolizes God's unchangeable nature and His power to provide an unshakeable foundation, lifting the psalmist above the reach of danger and establishing him firmly in a place of ultimate security and triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 27:5 is rich with **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of shelter and security. The "pavilion" evokes a sense of immediate, personal covering, while the "tabernacle" conjures images of the sacred, intimate dwelling place of God. The "rock" provides an image of an unshakeable, elevated foundation. The verse also employs **Metaphor**, where the pavilion, tabernacle, and rock are not literal physical structures for the psalmist's hiding but rather symbolic representations of God's protective presence, His character, and the security He provides. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism**, in the repetition of the idea of God hiding the psalmist in two distinct but related images ("in his pavilion" and "in the secret of his tabernacle"), reinforcing and intensifying the concept of divine refuge. The structure builds from general trouble to specific, intimate hiding, culminating in a powerful declaration of stable elevation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's character as the ultimate Protector and Refuge for His people. It underscores the theological truth that true security is not found in human strength, fortifications, or circumstances, but solely in the active, intimate presence of God. The imagery of the "pavilion" and "tabernacle" points to the spiritual reality of dwelling in God's presence, where His holiness and power become an impenetrable shield. To be "set upon a rock" signifies God's unwavering faithfulness and His ability to establish His people on an eternal, unshakeable foundation, ensuring their ultimate stability and triumph over adversity. This divine protection is not merely a temporary escape but a profound, enduring security rooted in an intimate relationship with the Almighty.

* [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God as the Perfect Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 27:5 offers a powerful anchor in a world filled with uncertainty and trouble. It calls us to shift our focus from the storms around us to the steadfast presence of God within us and for us. When faced with personal anxieties, societal turmoil, or spiritual attacks, this verse reminds us that our ultimate refuge is not found in escaping reality but in actively seeking and dwelling in God's presence. This "hiding" is not about passivity but about intentional engagement with God through prayer, worship, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with His people. It's in these moments of spiritual intimacy, in the "secret of His tabernacle," that we experience His peace that transcends understanding, His strength that overcomes weakness, and His protective embrace that shields our hearts and minds. Furthermore, the promise of being "set me up upon a rock" instills confidence that God will not merely preserve us *through* trouble but will ultimately establish us on an unshakeable foundation, enabling us to stand firm and even thrive amidst adversity, knowing that our security is in His unchanging character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "time of trouble" are you currently facing, and how does this verse speak to your specific situation?**
* **How can you more intentionally seek to "hide" in God's "pavilion" or "secret of His tabernacle" in your daily life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "setting you up upon a rock" in past difficulties, and how does that encourage your faith now?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God, where His protective presence becomes your ultimate refuge?**

### FAQ
**Is the "pavilion" or "tabernacle" a literal place where God hides us today?**

Answer: While rooted in the physical sanctuary of ancient Israel, the "pavilion" and "tabernacle" in Psalms 27:5 are primarily symbolic metaphors for God's personal presence and protective power. For believers today, God "hides" us not in a physical structure but in the spiritual reality of His intimate presence. This means finding peace, safety, and spiritual refuge in our relationship with Him, through prayer, worship, and abiding in His Word. It's a state of spiritual security and inner peace that transcends external circumstances, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God").

**How does God "hide" us in the midst of suffering or persecution?**

Answer: God's "hiding" is multifaceted. It doesn't always mean the absence of suffering, but rather His presence *within* suffering. He can hide us by providing inner peace and strength amidst chaos, by supernaturally protecting us from certain harms, by guiding us to safe places, or by simply being our spiritual refuge where our souls find rest and security even when our bodies or circumstances are under attack. It's about His sovereign control and His promise to never leave or forsake us, as affirmed in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"). He is our hiding place, offering solace and resilience, as seen in [Psalm 32:7](/psalms/32-7 "Psalm 32:7 - God as My Hiding Place").

**What does it mean to be "set up upon a rock" in a practical sense?**

Answer: To be "set up upon a rock" signifies being established on an unshakeable, immutable foundation. Practically, this means our lives, our faith, and our hope are anchored in God's unchanging character, His eternal promises, and His sovereign power. It implies stability, security, and steadfastness in the face of life's storms. It's about God elevating us above our troubles, not necessarily by removing them, but by giving us a firm standing point that allows us to weather them and even gain victory. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the wise builder in [Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-25 - Building on the Rock").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The imagery of God's "pavilion" and "tabernacle" as a place of hidden refuge points directly to Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's dwelling among humanity. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") tells us that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally meaning "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus is the ultimate sanctuary, the very presence of God made accessible to us. He is the one who offers true and lasting refuge from the "time of trouble," providing peace that the world cannot give, as He promised in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace"). Furthermore, the "rock" upon which the psalmist is set finds its reality in Christ, who is repeatedly identified as the spiritual Rock for His people throughout Scripture ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has opened the way into the "secret of His tabernacle," the very presence of God, making us secure and establishing us on an eternal, unshakeable foundation of grace and truth ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, in Christ, we are not merely hidden from trouble but are eternally secured and elevated in union with the very Son of God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 119:114

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Psalms 40:2

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.