Bible Commentaries
Psalms 91

Verse 1

Without a Title, as are all the Psalms in Book IV, except 90, 101, 103. See notes on p. 809. If by Moses, then the "I" of the members (Psalms 91:2 ), and (Psalms 91:9 -), may be Joshua, a type of Messiah. Compare Deuteronomy 1:38 ; Deuteronomy 3:28 ; Deuteronomy 31:7 , Deuteronomy 31:23 . If Moses were the author (this Psalm following his), then all the Scriptures quoted in Matthew 4:0 were from his writings. Note the references to Deuteronomy 32:1-14 . It is not David's, for we have no more right to insert the name of "David" where it is not written, than to take it out where it is.

the MOST HIGH. Hebrew. 'Elyon. App-4 .

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 2

I will say. Messiah speaks. See 2, above.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

trust = confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .

Verse 4

feathers. wings. Note the Figure of speech Anthropopatheia ( App-6 ) throughout the Psalm.

trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69 . Not the same word as in Psalms 91:2 .

His truth. See note on "shield" (Psalms 84:9 ).

buckler = coat of mail. Occurs only here.

Verse 8

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 .

Verse 9

Because Thou, &c. Hebrew reads "For thou, O LORD, [art] my refuge. "The change of person marks the Structure, and is not due to "textual corruption".

Which is. Omit these italics.

Even, &c. Hebrew reads "The MOST HIGH [thou hast made] thy habitation", supplying the Ellipsis from the preceding line.

Verse 10

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

dwelling = tent. Some codices, with one early printed edition and Aramaean, read "tents" (plural) See notes on p. 809.

Verse 11

He shall give. See Matthew 4:6 . Luke 4:10 .

in all thy ways. These words were omitted by Satan, the Scripture being misquoted and misapplied. The words "at any time" are added in Matthew 4:6 . Verse 13 is also omitted, because it refers to Satan's own head being crushed (Genesis 3:15 ).

Verse 12

bear thee up. Compare Psalms 94:18 .

in = on,

Verse 13

adder: or asp.

Verse 14

hath set His love. Hebrew. hashak. Indicates the deepest affection. Compare Deuteronomy 7:7 ; Deuteronomy 10:15 ; Isaiah 38:17 . Only here in the Psalms.

My name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Verse 15

honour = glorify.

Verse 16

long life = length of days.