Rashi on the Prophets and Writings

He who dwells in the covert of the Most High He who takes shelter in the covert of the wings of the Shechinah. he will lodge in His shadow, for the Holy One, blessed be He, protects him. Moses, our teacher, hereby persuades people to take shelter in the wings of the Shechinah. the Almighty Heb. שדי, an expression of strength. “He who dwells in the covert of the Most High” is like (Song 2:3): “in His shadow I desired and sat.”

I shall say of the Lord [that He is] my shelter and my fortress and all will learn from me. Now why do I say this?

For He will save you from the snare that traps, etc. To everyone he says, “He who dwells in the covert of the Most High.”

With His wing He will cover...you will take refuge You will be covered. an encompassing shield Heb. צנה וסחרה. This is a shield that encompasses a man closely on his four sides. וסֹחֵרָה is an expression of סְחוֹר סְחוֹר, around.

You will not fear if you trust in Him. the arrow that flies by day the demon that flies like an arrow.

Pestilence, etc., destruction These are names of demons; one destroys at night, and one destroys at noon. ravages Heb. יָשוּד, [equivalent to] יְשוֹדֵד.

A thousand will be stationed at your side Heb. יפל, an expression of encamping, as (Gen. 25: 18): “before the face of all his brothers did he settle (נפל).” at your side At your left a thousand demons will be stationed, and they will not approach you to harm [you].

and...the annihilation Heb. ושלמת, complete destruction. And why?

For you You said, “The Lord is my refuge.” This is an elliptical verse. the Most High you made your dwelling You made the Holy One, blessed be He, the seat of your trust.

No...will befall Heb. לא תאנה, will not happen. Similarly, (Exod. 21:13): “and God allowed it to happen (אנה) to his hand.”

lest...stumble Heb. תגף, lest it [your foot] stumble, and so every expression of נְגִפָה, acupir, azoper, to hit, strike against.