Holy Bible Online 
Psalm 91 brims with promises of blessings and divine protection for those who place their trust in the Lord. It assures us that we need not fear the "terror of the night," illness, or danger. This Psalm speaks to those who wholeheartedly trust God, even amidst times of turmoil and uncertainty.
Psalm 91
- He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
- I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
- Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence.
- He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
- You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
- Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
- A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.
- Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
- Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
- No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
- For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
- In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
- You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
- “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
- He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
- With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
The Message of Psalm 91
Psalm 91 carries profound meaning. While the authorship of Psalm 91 is uncertain, right from the start, the author emphasizes that those who take refuge in God, making Him their dwelling place, are under the protection of the Almighty. Having a personal relationship of trust and closeness with God is the only thing that guarantees this protection.
The meaning in each verse
Verse 1: This verse uses two vivid metaphors: "the secret place of the Most High" and "the shadow of the Almighty." Both phrases symbolize protection and our intimate connection with God. "The secret place of the Most High" describes our hearts when we invite God to dwell within them. "Being under the shadow of the Almighty" signifies being under the protection of the all-powerful Lord our God.
Verse 2: The psalmist declares that God is his protection, his stronghold - his fortress - in whom he trusts.
Verse 3: When it says that God delivers us from "the snare of the fowler," it means God rescues us from the traps set by the Devil. Similarly, God protects us from imminent danger and contagious diseases.
Verse 4: The psalmist compares God's truth to a protective shield. A "buckler" is a large shield that covers a warrior entirely. The Word of God has this power when we clothe ourselves in Truth.
Verse 5: "The terror by night" refers to the fears and anxieties that often plague us during dark and uncertain times. It signifies the unseen dangers and troubles that can disturb our peace and security. However, when we are in a relationship with God, we find solace and calmness. "The arrow that flies by day" in this verse refers to threats that come our way.
Verse 6: This verse assures that God's covering extends to our health, protecting us from both visible and invisible threats.
Verse 7: Surely the most well-known passage of this Psalm: "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you." God especially cares for us; sometimes, we aren’t even aware of the deliverances we receive. Even if we are in the midst of destruction, God will preserve us!
Verse 8: The victory of the wicked is temporary, but the victory of the righteous endures. Those who seek refuge in God's Word will witness His justice with their own eyes.
Verse 9: This verse reaffirms what was stated in verses 1 and 2. Those who seek God make their own hearts the dwelling place of the Most High.
Verse 10: Precisely because we are the dwelling place of the Lord - His tent - no harm or plague will come near us. The tent refers not to our physical house but to our hearts, the temple of the Spirit.
Verse 11: God answers, God cares, and God blesses those who make Him their shield. He even sends His angels to serve us. Out of love, the Lord has not only placed His army but also His own Son in our favor.
Verse 12: Besides protecting us, God - through Jesus - has already saved us from falling, shame, and accusation.
Verse 13: When the psalmist speaks of treading on the lion and the cobra (viper), it means that God not only wants to protect us but also wants to give us victory. Whether in small battles, like stepping on a viper, or in great battles, like defeating a lion,.
Verse 14: This deliverance results from our communion with God. Those who truly love the Lord are loved by Him above all else.
Verse 15: God hears the prayer of the righteous. No matter the tribulation, difficulties are opportunities for the name of the Lord to be glorified.
Verse 16: God is our protection and our Salvation! Longevity is the good consequence of taking refuge in the Most High. Only God can satisfy our spirit and fill us with hope.
Does Psalm 91 guarantee protection?
Having an open Bible on Psalm 91’s page does not bring protection. Reciting this Psalm does not possess any mystical power to change your life. Building a relationship with God is the only thing that can ensure this protection.
What will change your life forever is dwelling in the hiding place of the Lord. You must make your home in God. Believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will dwell in you, and you will be able to dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High. You will dwell in God!
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