Bible Commentaries
Psalms 91

Verses 1-16

Psalms 91

Security In the Lord

Scripture v. 1-16:

This Psalm Is also attributed to Moses, as was the 90th Psalm. Moses speaks as both teacher, when using "thou," and as scholar when using "I," in this Psalm of Divine security.

Verses 1, 2 declare that the one who continually resides in the secret place of the most High (Hob. heljon, the exalted one) shall abide under the shadow, or cover of the Almighty, the all-sufficient God. This alludes to the secure protection of God, Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20; Psalms 32:7; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 17:8. Christ is that security, Isaiah 32:1. Moses vowed that he would witness that the Lord was his refuge, fortress, and my God, "in him will I trust," Psalms 2:12; Psalms 18:2; Proverbs 3:3-5.

Verses 3, 4 assure the trusting of Israel that He will surely deliver them from: 1) The snare of the fowler, and 2) The noisome pestilence, of Satan and her enemies, Psalms 124:7; 2Ti 2;26. Verse 4 adds that He would surely "cover thee," the people of God, Israel then, and true believers now, "with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust (safely)." It is added "His truth shall be (exist as) thy shield and buckler," as set forth Ruth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:8; Psalms 61:4; Matthew 23:37.

Verses 5, 6 declare that God’s people are not to be afraid (over anxious) about "terror by night," nor for "the arrow that flieth by day," nor for the pestilence that walketh (continually) in darkness, nor for the destruction that "wasteth (destroys even) at noon-day." God is able to shield from or protect and sustain thru all four of these calamitous matters, as repeatedly pledged, Job 5:19; Psalms 112:7; Psalms 121:7; Proverbs 3:23-24; Isaiah 43:2; Hebrews 13:6.

Verses 8, 9 pledge that only the godly shall "behold thy judgment," reward, or retribution poured upon the wicked, with their own eyes. This will be because they have made the Lord their refuge and the most High (exalted one) their habitation or companion to abide with them, John 15:5; Psalms 37:34; Malachi 1:5; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 90:1; Psalms 92:11.

Verse 10 asserts that the most High shall not permit any evil judgment to fall upon the godly, nor any kind of plague to come nigh to contaminate their dwellings, as in Egypt, Exodus 12:22-30; Proverbs 12:21; 2 Peter 2:9.

Verses 11-13 tell of Divine help given to the godly by the angels of the Lord, to keep or guard them in the way (wherever they went), Psalms 34:7; Psalms 71; Psalms 3; Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 1:14; Genesis 27:12; John 1:51.
Verse 12 adds that "they (the angels assigned) shall bear thee up in their hands (of care) lest thou dash thy foot against a stone," Job 5:23; Psalms 37:21.
Verse 13 pledges that the godly, obedient, shall "tread upon (down) the lion and the adder," or asp, even the young lion and the dragon, under their feet, as such appeared in the wilderness, before Israel and before David and Daniel who were protected, Deuteronomy 8:15; Judges 14:5; 1 Samuel 17:34-35; Daniel 6:25. Even so, lion-like demons may be conquered today by the godly, Exodus 4:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:7.

Verses 14 recounts God’s pledge that because Israel, His Son, and the godly set their love on Him, recognizing His name of honor, Psalms 9:10, He will set him (each) on high, exalt him, Luke 18:14; Deuteronomy 10:15; Genesis 34:8.

Verse 15 declares that God will answer such as call on Him in trouble, be with him in trouble, deliver him from it, and honor him who calls, Psalms 145:18-19; Luke 18:14; Romans 10:13. See also Psalms 50:15; Isaiah 43:2.

Verse 16 concludes that the Lord will satisfy the godly with long life, and show him his salvation or deliverance, Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Psalms 50:23; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 4:8-9.