Psalms 91 - Printer Friendly

We cannot be sure who wrote this psalm, but its author was well acquainted with the importance and benefits of trusting in the Lord. The writer testifies that God is his refuge and fortress, using words that imply places of safety and security (Psalm 91:1–2).

Various dangers are used to symbolize the ways in which God can protect His people. These vary from natural disasters, to animals, diseases, and enemies, whether those come at night or during the day. A key symbol here is that of entrapment, a common tool used by Satan (Psalm 91:3–8).

While absolute safety is not guaranteed in this life (Psalm 3:1–2), those who honor God by obeying His wisdom are not subject to unnecessary dangers. To "dwell" with the Lord implies consistency and faithfulness (Psalm 91:9–10).

Satan attempted to use part of this psalm against Jesus during a temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:5–7). Angels are part of God's way to influence the world. He has the power to protect His people, though we are not given the right to demand invincibility. God can, and will, keep a believer from all forms of harm if it's part of His plan (Luke 10:19; Acts 28:1–6). He will not allow a believer to "force" God to overcome their own arrogance or ignorance (Psalm 91:11–13).

The psalm ends with a shift from the psalmist's voice to the perspective of God. This again echoes the ideas of safety, in the context of someone who "holds fast" to the Lord (Psalm 91:14–16).

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).

Psalm 91:5–13 points out that those who trust in the Lord have nothing to fear because the Lord watches over them. This continues the theme introduced in the prior passage. This segment is notable in that it was cited by the Devil when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:5–6). Jesus responded to Satan's attempt at twisting Scripture with additional Scripture and a better perspective (Matthew 4:7). Trust in God's sovereignty and goodness does not mean an absolute expectation of safety.

Psalm 91:14–16 speaks of promises and blessings from God, bestowed on the believer who trusts in Him. This marks a shift in voice, as the prior verses came from the perspective of the psalmist. These verses form a suitable closing to the psalm. They follow the psalmist's declaration of trust in the Lord and his list of the Lord's responses to that trust. Psalm 37:3–6 closely echoes this emphasis on trust in the Lord and its benefits.

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.