Psalm 91
Psalm 91 is a powerful chapter that expresses trust in God’s protection and deliverance. It emphasizes God's care for those who dwell under His shadow, promising safety from various dangers. This psalm provides comfort to believers, assuring them that God will be with them through trials and hardships, guarding them from harm and giving peace even in distress.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Those who remain close to God find safety and rest in His presence. The "secret place" suggests a personal, intimate relationship with the Almighty, and His "shadow" symbolizes His constant protection. By declaring God as a refuge and fortress, the psalmist expresses complete confidence in God’s strength and faithfulness.
Psalm 91:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
God promises to rescue His people from hidden traps and deadly diseases. The imagery of feathers and wings reflects the tender care of a mother bird protecting her young, conveying how God’s protection is both gentle and powerful. His truth, or faithfulness, serves as both a shield and armor, providing complete defense.
Psalm 91:5-6 (NKJV)
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
God’s presence removes fear from the believer's heart, whether threats come at night or in the daylight. The psalmist lists dangers like war (the arrow), disease, and sudden destruction to emphasize that no harm, whether visible or hidden, will cause fear for those who trust in the Lord.
Psalm 91:7-8 (NKJV)
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
God’s protection is so great that even in the midst of disaster, the believer remains untouched. The psalmist describes a vivid scene where many fall, but the faithful are spared. They will witness the downfall of the wicked, showing how divine justice ultimately prevails.
Psalm 91:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
The psalmist reinforces that safety comes from abiding in God. Those who make God their home and source of security will not encounter evil or destructive plagues. This highlights the importance of staying spiritually connected with the Lord to experience His full protection.
Psalm 91:11-13 (NKJV)
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
God sends His angels to guard and protect believers in every step of life. They prevent harm, symbolized by not even stumbling over a stone. The imagery of overcoming dangerous animals and serpents suggests that believers will triumph over any threat, including spiritual enemies.
Psalm 91:14-16 (NKJV)
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
The Lord declares His personal commitment to those who love and trust Him. He promises deliverance, exaltation, and a response to their prayers. God’s presence in times of trouble brings comfort, and His final blessings include a fulfilling life and the ultimate gift of salvation. This conclusion emphasizes that God’s care is not only for the present but extends into eternity.