Psalm 91:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

NIV: they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

NASB: On their hands they will lift you up, So that you do not strike your foot against a stone.

CSB: They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

NLT: They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

KJV: They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

NKJV: In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

The prior verse indicated God would use His angels to protect those who believe in Him (Psalm 91:11). The terminology of this psalm is beautiful, and dramatic. However, it is not intended to be used as an obligation for God to keep anyone safe from harm, all the time, and in all circumstances. Satan tempted Jesus with these words, and that error (Matthew 4:5–6). Christ refuted that twisting of God's Word (Matthew 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16).

Those who stay near to God (Psalm 91:1–2) and His wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) are far less likely to suffer the consequences of sin and evil (Proverbs 9:11–12). As other psalms indicate, hardship and struggle are still part of life (Psalm 3:1–2; 73:2–3). Difficulty in this life is to be expected (John 16:33). However, nothing can happen outside of God's will and His plan (Romans 8:28).

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.

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 5/6/2024 10:33:53 AM