Psalms 36:7

KJV

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

KJV (with Strong's)

How excellent {H3368} is thy lovingkindness {H2617}, O God {H430}! therefore the children {H1121} of men {H120} put their trust {H2620} under the shadow {H6738} of thy wings {H3671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How precious, God, is your grace! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings,

Berean Standard Bible

How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!

American Standard Version

How precious is thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 36:7 beautifully extols the unparalleled quality of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, termed "lovingkindness," which is so profoundly excellent that it naturally draws humanity to seek refuge and security in His divine protection. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's character as the ultimate source of safety and trust, inviting all people to find their shelter under His benevolent care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 36 opens with a stark and sobering portrayal of human wickedness, detailing the transgressions of the ungodly who have no fear of God before their eyes (vv. 1-4). This vivid description of pervasive sin sets a dark backdrop against which the psalmist then pivots dramatically to extol the glorious character of God (vv. 5-9). Verse 7, the focus of this commentary, stands as a central declaration within this divine exposition, specifically highlighting God's "lovingkindness" and its effect on humanity. It serves as a bridge, contrasting the depravity of man with the transcendent goodness of God, and laying the foundation for the psalmist's subsequent prayer for deliverance and continued righteousness (vv. 10-12), which is rooted in the very attributes of God described in verses 5-9.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalms 36 is traditionally attributed to David, its exact historical occasion is not specified. However, the themes resonate with David's experiences of both human treachery and divine deliverance. The imagery of seeking "trust under the shadow of thy wings" is deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought. It draws from the tender and protective instinct of a mother bird shielding her young from danger (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:11](/deuteronomy/32-11 "Deuteronomy 32:11 - God's Care Like an Eagle")). Furthermore, it subtly alludes to the protective wings of the cherubim that overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle and Temple (e.g., [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim Over the Ark")), symbolizing God's immediate, holy, and protective presence among His people. This concept of divine shelter and refuge was a comforting and familiar idea to the ancient Israelites, providing a powerful metaphor for God's comprehensive care and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **transcendence and excellence of God's character**, particularly His "lovingkindness" (Hebrew: *chesed*), which is presented as boundless and superior to all human understanding or experience. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine protection and refuge**, portraying God as a secure sanctuary where humanity can find ultimate safety from the world's dangers and sin. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalms 91:4 - Under His Wings You Will Find Refuge") and [Psalms 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalms 17:8 - Hide Me Under the Shadow of Your Wings"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **appropriate human response of trust and dependence** upon God's unfailing nature. Because God's *chesed* is so profound, the natural and wise course for "the children of men" is to place their complete reliance and confidence in Him, acknowledging Him as their sole source of security and hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Excellent (יָקָר, _yaqar_):** This Hebrew word carries the meanings of precious, valuable, weighty, rare, and glorious. When applied to God's lovingkindness, it emphasizes not merely a good quality, but one that is supremely valuable, beyond measure, and deserving of the highest esteem. It suggests a love that is not cheap or common, but magnificent and weighty in its significance and impact.
* **Lovingkindness (חֶסֶד, _chesed_):** This is one of the most profound and central theological terms in the Old Testament. *Chesed* is far more than simple kindness; it denotes a deep, loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love. It encompasses mercy, faithfulness, and an unwavering commitment, particularly God's commitment to His covenant people despite their failings. It is an active love, demonstrated through acts of deliverance, preservation, and grace, signifying God's enduring loyalty and compassionate care that never ceases.
* **Shadow of thy wings (צֵל כְּנָפֶיךָ, _tsel k'napheykha_):** This vivid metaphor combines "shadow" (implying protection from heat, danger, or exposure) with "wings" (evoking the imagery of a protective bird or the cherubim's wings). It powerfully conveys a sense of intimate, secure, and comprehensive divine protection, a safe haven where one is completely shielded, comforted, and cared for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God!":** This opening exclamation expresses awe and wonder at the superlative quality of God's *chesed*. It's a declaration that God's steadfast, covenantal love is not merely good, but supremely precious, glorious, and unparalleled in its nature and scope. The psalmist is overwhelmed by the boundless and magnificent character of God's loyal love.
* **"therefore":** This conjunction establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Because God's lovingkindness is so excellent and reliable, it logically and appropriately elicits a specific response from humanity. It is the foundation for human trust.
* **"the children of men put their trust":** This refers to humanity in general, emphasizing that the proper and wise response to God's excellent *chesed* is to place one's complete confidence, reliance, and faith in Him. It signifies a deliberate act of entrusting oneself fully to God's character and care, acknowledging His trustworthiness and sufficiency.
* **"under the shadow of thy wings":** This powerful metaphor illustrates the nature of the trust placed in God. It depicts God as a secure sanctuary, a protective haven where humanity can find ultimate safety, comfort, and peace. It speaks of intimate care, where believers are shielded from harm, find refuge from life's storms, and experience profound security in God's ever-present and tender care.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 36:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse opens with an **Exclamation**, "How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God!", immediately signaling a tone of awe, wonder, and profound admiration for God's character. This sets the emotional and theological stage for the rest of the verse. The most prominent device is the **Metaphor** of "under the shadow of thy wings." This rich imagery evokes both the tender, protective care of a mother bird sheltering her young and the majestic, holy presence of God symbolized by the cherubim's wings over the Ark of the Covenant. This metaphor powerfully communicates divine protection, security, and intimate refuge. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Juxtaposition** when read in its broader context within Psalms 36. It contrasts the excellence of God's lovingkindness with the pervasive wickedness described in the psalm's opening verses, highlighting God as the ultimate antidote and refuge in a world marred by sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 36:7 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that God's "lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד, *chesed*) is not merely an attribute but the very essence of His being, so magnificent that it compels humanity to seek refuge in Him. This concept of *chesed* is foundational to the biblical understanding of God's covenant relationship with His people, signifying His unwavering loyalty, mercy, and faithfulness. It is the divine characteristic that undergirds all of God's redemptive acts throughout salvation history, from His promises to Abraham to the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant. The "shadow of His wings" imagery connects directly to the theme of divine omnipresence and protection, assuring believers of a secure sanctuary in the face of all dangers. This verse thus speaks to the very nature of God as utterly trustworthy and supremely good, inviting a response of complete reliance from all who recognize His glory.

* [Psalms 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalms 17:8 - Hide me under the shadow of thy wings")
* [Psalms 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalms 91:4 - He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust")
* [Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth 2:12 - May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and instability, Psalms 36:7 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It reminds us that our ultimate security and peace are not found in human institutions, personal achievements, or material possessions, but solely in the "excellent lovingkindness" of God. This verse is an invitation to actively and consciously place our trust in His unfailing character. When we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, vulnerable to external threats, or burdened by internal anxieties, the imagery of finding shelter "under the shadow of His wings" provides a spiritual haven. It encourages us to draw near to God, to lean into His protective care, and to experience the profound peace that comes from knowing we are shielded by His boundless love and faithfulness. This trust is not passive but an active reliance, a daily decision to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who is supremely trustworthy and eternally good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "excellent lovingkindness" (His *chesed*) deepen your trust in Him during times of uncertainty?**
* **What specific areas of your life do you need to intentionally place "under the shadow of His wings" for protection and peace?**
* **In what ways can you actively demonstrate your trust in God's lovingkindness in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "excellent" mean in the context of God's lovingkindness?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "excellent" is *yaqar* (יָקָר), which means precious, valuable, weighty, rare, or glorious. When applied to God's lovingkindness, it signifies that His steadfast love and mercy are not merely good, but supremely valuable, beyond measure, and deserving of the highest esteem. It implies a quality that is unique, magnificent, and profoundly significant, emphasizing the unparalleled worth and profound impact of God's loyal love on humanity. It is a love that is not cheap or common, but glorious and weighty in its divine essence.

**Why does the verse use the imagery of "under the shadow of thy wings" for trust?**

Answer: This powerful imagery draws from two primary sources, both deeply comforting and significant in ancient Israelite culture. Firstly, it evokes the tender and fierce protection of a mother bird gathering her young under her wings to shield them from predators or harsh weather, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:11](/deuteronomy/32-11 "Deuteronomy 32:11 - God's Care Like an Eagle"). This conveys intimate, nurturing, and comprehensive care. Secondly, it alludes to the wings of the cherubim that overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle and Temple (e.g., [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim Over the Ark")), symbolizing God's holy, protective presence. Thus, "under the shadow of thy wings" represents a place of ultimate security, intimate refuge, and divine presence, where one is completely shielded from danger and finds profound peace and comfort in God's care.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalm 36?**

Answer: Psalms 36:7 serves as a crucial pivot and theological anchor within the psalm. The opening verses (vv. 1-4) vividly describe the pervasive wickedness and lack of fear of God among the ungodly. In stark contrast, verses 5-9 then extol the boundless and transcendent attributes of God, with verse 7 specifically highlighting His "excellent lovingkindness" as the foundation for human trust and refuge. This juxtaposition underscores that while human sin is deep, God's character is infinitely greater and provides the only true hope and security. The psalm concludes with a prayer (vv. 10-12) rooted in the very attributes of God described in verse 7, asking for continued lovingkindness and righteousness, demonstrating that God's character is the basis for both human hope and divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 36:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "excellent lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד, *chesed*) of God, so wonderfully praised by the psalmist, is nowhere more fully revealed and demonstrated than in the person and work of Jesus. He is the very embodiment of God's steadfast, covenantal love, actively displayed in His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. The cross, in particular, stands as the supreme testament to God's *chesed*, where He, in His boundless love, provided the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sin, as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). When Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), He Himself became the living manifestation of the "shadow of thy wings," offering divine protection and refuge to all who would come to Him. Through faith in Christ, "the children of men" truly "put their trust" in God, finding not merely temporary shelter but eternal salvation and security in Him. He is our ultimate sanctuary, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the one in whom all the promises of God's excellent lovingkindness are "Yea, and in him Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Psalms 139:17

¶ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!