Psalm 91
Internal textual evidence establishes that the
apprehension of near sickness and the approach of pestilence awakened this
Psalm. Firm confidence is expressed in God's protecting power. May we find
Him a very present help in all our troubles!
1. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
The Ark behind the veil was regarded as the symbol of
God's presence. Common gaze penetrates not the secret place. In general men
do not strive for acquaintance with God. They do not seek Him in Christ. But
those who thus find Him will ever cling to Him with strengthening grasp.
They will rest in Him as in a calm and cool abode. His shadow will ward off
the fiery darts of Satan, and avert the hot persecution of the ungodly.
2. "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my
fortress; my God; in Him will I trust."
Faith makes bold profession. It casts off fear, and avows
that in God it finds a safe retreat—a sure protection—an almighty friend.
This confidence will never be disappointed.
3-6. "Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of
the fowler, and from the harmful pestilence. He shall cover you with His
feathers, and under His wings shall you trust; His truth shall be your
shield and rampart. You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for
the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday."
Troubles are enumerated such as are common to this mortal
lot. But trust in God exalts above their fatal reach. The fowler may lay
hidden snares, but they shall not entrap. The noxious pestilence shall
inflict no deathful wound. The Almighty shall extend His covering wing. His
faithful promises shall uphold the combatant in the hour of battle. By
night, by day, the dwelling shall be impervious to plague.
There may be a literal reference to the deliverance of
Israel's sons, and their exemption from all contact with harm when plagues
laid low the Egyptian hosts. There may be spiritual reference to the
deliverance of God's children from the destroying attacks of Satan. But one
truth is undeniable. The real happiness and safety of true believers is
emphatically assured, and we are exhorted to pray for sustaining faith, and
in all perils to trust without one fear.
7-10. "A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten
thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your
eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have
made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation;
there no evil shall befall you, neither shall any plague come near your
dwelling."
Other terms are added to strengthen assurance. Those who
by faith repose on God shall surely be upheld. Though troubles be
multiplied, they shall never be cast off. In much apparent peril they shall
be really safe.
11-12. "For He shall give His angels charge over You,
to keep You in all Your ways. They shall bear You up in their hands, lest
You dash Your foot against a stone."
This promise is distinctly addressed to Jesus. As such
the devil quoted it, and Jesus heard without rejection. If we are one with
Jesus, the promises which were poured upon His head will flow down to us,
and will invest us in security.
13-16. "You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the
young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet. Because He has set
His love upon Me, therefore will I 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 will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
The same encouraging strain still sounds. All who have
set their love on God, and all who know His name, may claim fulfillment.
They shall have deliverance in every day of trouble. God will honor them in
time, and honor them with a long life, even forever and ever. Happy indeed
are the people who thus dwell in the secret place of the Most High.