Psalm 91:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

NIV: I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

NASB: I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'

CSB: I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust:

NLT: This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

KJV: I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

NKJV: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

This continues the theme of God's protection and provision. The psalmist refers to the Lord as both a "refuge" and a "fortress." A "refuge" is a place people can fall back to in times of hardship or danger. A fortress is similar, but the typical "fortress" is a building designed for battle. It provides safety from an attacking enemy and gives those inside the means to withstand an assault.

The ultimate security offered by God is eternal. Jesus promises His followers eternal life, without any possibility of being taken away from God (John 10:28–30). The apostle Paul wrote that nothing can separate the Lord's people from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35–39). He added that we are more than conquerors over all kinds of trouble, including intense persecution and deprivation, "through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

Here, the psalmist declares that the Lord is his God, and he trusts in Him. As our refuge and fortress, the Lord merits our full confidence.

Psalm 91:1–4 declares the writer's trust in the Lord as the Most High and the Almighty. He sees God as his defender and faithful protector. This passage uses a wide variety of terms suggesting security, such as "shelter," "refuge, "fortress," "shield," and "buckler." Attempts to use these words as an absolute guarantee of personal safety were refuted by Jesus. He countered that interpretation when Satan tried to use later verses in this psalm as part of a temptation (Matthew 4:5–7).

The psalmist expresses his trust that God is a source of safety. He uses various dangers as symbols of the terrors which God's people do not need to fear. When God has resolved to protect someone, nothing can overcome that safety. Jesus refuted inappropriate use of this promise when being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:5–7). Those who love God, and honor Him, can count on His provision and protection, and know that nothing happens without His approval.

This psalm includes similar phrases to psalms 90 and 92. The theme of this song is trust in God, a common theme in Scripture. Notable parallels can be found in 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalms 9, 37, 40, 84, and 118, Proverbs 3:5–6, Proverbs 14:26, Isaiah 26:3, Nahum 1:7, John 14:1–6, and Hebrews 11. In Psalm 91 the writer reveals what the Lord does for those who trust in Him. Verses 11 and 12 were cited by Satan when tempting Jesus in Matthew 4:5–6.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:17:24 AM