Psalms 91
Psalm 91 contains a confession of faith that trusts in God’s protection and safety amid fear and danger. This psalm can be divided into three main parts. First (verses 1–2), the psalmist confesses God as a refuge and fortress, declaring that each individual can find rest in God. Second (verses 3–13), the psalmist describes in detail how God keeps them safe from calamities and dangers, including the well-known promise about angelic protection (verses 11–12). Third (verses 14–16), a direct promise is proclaimed by God’s own voice, containing what God pledges to those who love Him—deliverance, life, and satisfaction.
1verseHe who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2verseI will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
3verseFor he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.
4verseHe will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
5verseYou shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6versenor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7verseA thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.
8verseYou will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
9verseBecause you have made the LORD your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,
10verseno evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11verseFor he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
12verseThey will bear you up in their hands, so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone.
13verseYou will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
14verse“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
15verseHe will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.
16verseI will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”
The Main Symbols and Themes of Psalm 91
- Refuge and fortress: God is depicted as a shelter where He hides and grants rest in dangerous circumstances.
- Shadow of the wings: Just as a bird protects its young, it shows that God Himself protects.
- Calamity and danger: It specifically mentions various dangerous situations such as epidemics, war, and misfortune, and promises safety within them.
- Protection of the angels: It speaks of God sending His angels to protect.
- Words of promise: The emphasis is on deliverance, answers, and God’s presence for those who love and trust Him.
Meditation Points
- What life situations do I fear, and even in those situations, can I trust in God’s protection?
- Let us reflect on whether we are remembering God’s promises amid real threats or uncertainty and enjoying peace.
- Let us meditate on what an intimate relationship with God (love, trust) means in life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When crises or fear come in everyday life, let us rely on the words of Psalm 91, remember God’s protection, and pray.
- Let us also examine what parts I can trust God with and what areas I still cannot let go of, and practice entrusting them one by one.
