# Overview #Psalm 91 is a powerful declaration of #God's protection and faithfulness to those who trust in Him. It opens with an assurance for those who dwell in the "secret place of the Most High" and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. This chapter emphasizes the security and refuge found in God, where the believer can confidently say, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." The imagery of God covering His people with His feathers like a bird protecting its young highlights His tender care and sheltering presence. The Psalm promises deliverance from the "snare of the fowler" and deadly pestilence, assuring the faithful that they will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day. Furthermore, #Psalm 91 underscores the divine protection over the righteous, assuring them that a thousand may fall at their side, but it will not come near them. It speaks of angelic guardianship, stating that God will command His angels to guard the faithful in all their ways, lifting them up lest they dash their foot against a stone. The chapter concludes with God's own words, assuring His people of His salvation, protection, and long life for those who love and know His name. This Psalm is often viewed as an affirmation of God’s unwavering commitment to His people, providing comfort and strength amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. ## Theological Insights Psalm 91 is a profound declaration of #God's protection and faithfulness, emphasizing the theme of divine refuge and security for those who trust in Him. The chapter opens with the powerful imagery of dwelling in the "secret place of the Most High" and abiding under the "shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1), which suggests an intimate and protective relationship with #God. This echoes the #covenantal promise of God's presence with His people, seen throughout the #OldTestament, such as in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 33]], where God's presence is a source of rest and assurance. The chapter continues by detailing the comprehensive protection God offers against various dangers, including snares, pestilence, and destruction (Psalm 91:3-6). This protection is not merely physical but extends to spiritual security, symbolized by the imagery of being covered with His feathers and finding refuge under His wings (Psalm 91:4). This language is reminiscent of the care and protection described in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 32]], where God is depicted as an eagle caring for its young. Psalm 91 also highlights the theme of #angelic protection, as God commands His angels to guard and uphold the faithful (Psalm 91:11-12). This divine intervention is echoed in the #NewTestament, particularly in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4]], where #Satan quotes this psalm during the temptation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], illustrating the ongoing relevance of God's protective promises. The assurance of deliverance and honor for those who love and know God's name (Psalm 91:14-16) speaks to the deep relationship between God and His people. This promise of salvation and satisfaction with a long life is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness, as seen in the lives of figures like [[Abraham/Genesis Chapter 15]] and [[David/2 Samuel Chapter 22]], who experienced God's deliverance and covenantal faithfulness. In summary, Psalm 91 offers a rich tapestry of theological insights into God's protection, faithfulness, and the intimate relationship He desires with those who trust in Him. It invites believers to live in the assurance of His presence, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to His people. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Protection and Refuge Psalm 91 vividly portrays God as a place of refuge and protection for those who trust in Him. This theme is echoed in numerous other #Psalms, such as [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 46]], where God is described as a "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The image of God as a shelter, covering with His wings, connects with the imagery found in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 2]], where Ruth seeks refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. The protection theme also resonates with the #Exodus narrative, where God shields the #Israelites from plagues and danger. ### Assurance of Deliverance The assurance of deliverance from perilous situations in Psalm 91 aligns with God's promises throughout the #OldTestament to deliver His people. Similar assurances are found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 43]], where God promises to be with His people through waters and fire. The #NewTestament reflects this theme in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 8]], where believers are assured that nothing can separate them from the love of God. ### Angelic Protection The mention of angels in Psalm 91, tasked with guarding the faithful, links to other biblical instances of angelic intervention. In [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 6]], angels shut the mouths of lions to protect #Daniel. In the #NewTestament, [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4]] recounts how [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is ministered to by angels after His temptation. This theme emphasizes that God uses His heavenly hosts to watch over His people. ### Trust and Faith Psalm 91 emphasizes trust in God's faithfulness, a theme that runs throughout #Scripture. Abraham's faith in God's promises, as detailed in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]], and the faith of the #Israelites in crossing the Red Sea in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]], are foundational examples. The call to trust God wholly is reiterated by [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] in [[John/John Chapter 14]], encouraging believers to not let their hearts be troubled. ### God's Sovereignty Over Creation The depiction of God’s control over deadly pestilence and peril in Psalm 91 underscores His sovereignty over creation. This theme is prevalent in the #Creation narrative of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]], where God speaks the world into existence and commands nature. The same sovereignty is depicted in [[Mark/Mark Chapter 4]], where Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His authority over the natural world. ### Reward for the Righteous The promises of life and salvation for those who love God in Psalm 91 connect with the broader biblical theme of God rewarding the righteous. In [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 11]], it is stated that the righteous will be delivered from trouble. The #NewTestament echoes this in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11]], where faith is commended, and the faithful are promised an eternal reward. These thematic connections reveal the consistency of God's character and promises throughout the biblical narrative, offering assurance and hope to believers. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Divine Protection and Deliverance Psalm 91 speaks extensively about divine protection and deliverance, themes that resonate with the promises and prophecies of God's safeguarding presence throughout scripture. The assurances provided in this chapter echo the covenantal promises found elsewhere in the Bible, such as God's commitment to be the refuge and fortress for His people. This is seen in promises like those in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31|Deuteronomy 31:6]], where God assures His presence and protection to the Israelites. ### The Defeat of Evil The imagery of God delivering from the "snare of the fowler" and "deadly pestilence" (Psalm 91:3) aligns with prophetic themes of God’s ultimate triumph over evil and deliverance from calamity. This victory over evil is a foreshadowing of the ultimate defeat of sin and death through Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. In [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians 15:54-57]], Paul speaks of the final victory over death, a fulfillment of God’s promise to protect and deliver His people from the ultimate enemy. ### Assurance of Angelic Protection The mention of angels bearing up the faithful "lest you strike your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11-12) is directly referenced during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, as recorded in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4|Matthew 4:6]] and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 4|Luke 4:10-11]]. This highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise of angelic protection over His chosen one, Jesus, and by extension, those who are in Christ. ### Messianic Hope The language of Psalm 91, with its promises of protection, deliverance, and salvation, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The assurance of God’s protection and salvation for those who love Him is ultimately realized in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies God’s promise of redemption and eternal security for believers, as seen in [[John/John Chapter 10|John 10:28]], where Jesus speaks of giving eternal life and that no one will snatch them out of His hand. ### The Assurance of God's Presence This Psalm emphasizes God's presence and faithfulness, assuring believers that God will be with them in trouble and deliver them. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is called Emmanuel, meaning "God with us" as prophesied in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah 7:14]] and fulfilled in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew 1:23]]. Through Jesus, God’s presence is made manifest among His people, offering continual protection and deliverance. ## Verses - **Psalm 91:1** - "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty." - Note: The terms "Most High" and "Almighty" are references to God, emphasizing His supreme power and protection. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 14]] for references to God as "Most High." - **Psalm 91:2** - "This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him." - Note: The concept of God as a refuge is a recurring theme in the Psalms. See [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 46]]. - **Psalm 91:3** - "For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease." - Note: God’s protection from physical dangers is a theme in the book of [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 15]] and throughout the Psalms. - **Psalm 91:4** - "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." - Note: The imagery of God as a protective bird is also seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 32]]. - **Psalm 91:5** - "Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day." - Note: God’s protection against fear is emphasized in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 41]]. - **Psalm 91:6** - "Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday." - Note: Assurance of protection against widespread calamities can also be found in [[Job/Job Chapter 5]]. - **Psalm 91:7** - "Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you." - Note: This conveys the idea of divine protection amidst widespread destruction, similar to stories in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Psalm 91:8** - "Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished." - Note: The notion of divine justice and the punishment of the wicked is a prevalent theme in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 37]]. - **Psalm 91:9** - "If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter," - Note: Emphasizes a conditional promise based on trust in God, similar to instructions in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 3]]. - **Psalm 91:10** - "no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home." - Note: The protection of one’s dwelling is also seen in the promises of [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]]. - **Psalm 91:11** - "For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." - Note: Divine protection through angels is seen in instances such as [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 6]]. - **Psalm 91:12** - "They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone." - Note: This verse is referenced in the temptation of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4]]. - **Psalm 91:13** - "You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!" - Note: This imagery of triumph over dangerous animals reflects themes of dominion found in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]]. - **Psalm 91:14** - "The LORD says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.'" - Note: The promise of rescue for those who love God is echoed in [[John/John Chapter 14]]. - **Psalm 91:15** - "When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them." - Note: Assurance of God’s presence in trouble is found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 43]]. - **Psalm 91:16** - "I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." - Note: The promise of salvation and long life is a theme throughout the Old Testament, including in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 3]].