Dwelling in the Shadow: An Expository Journey Through Psalm 91

Introduction

Greetings, beloved. Today we embark on an expository journey through Psalm 91, a passage that offers profound insights into God's protection and faithfulness. As we walk through each verse, we aim to uncover the depth of its meaning and how it applies to our lives, especially in times of trouble.

Understanding the Psalmist's Assurance (Verses 1-2)

Exposition of Verses 1-2

The opening of Psalm 91 presents a profound declaration of trust in God. Psalm 91:1 Verse 1, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty," speaks of a deep, intimate relationship with God. To 'dwell' suggests not just a temporary stay but a deliberate choice to reside continually within God's care. The Hebrew concept of dwelling—'yashab'—speaks to settling in, inhabiting, and being established in a place of permanence. It is an active, ongoing state of choosing God's presence as our abiding sanctuary.

Psalm 91:1 NKJV

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The 'secret place' suggests a hidden, personal, and close communion with the Most High, a place accessible only through a heartfelt pursuit of God. To 'dwell' here means to live continually in this sacred space, establishing an ongoing, intimate relationship with God.

Abiding 'under the shadow of the Almighty' further enhances this imagery. This shadow represents divine protection and comfort. Like a great tree providing shade in a parched land, God's presence offers refuge and relief in life's deserts.

Psalm 91:2 “2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”” Verse 2, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I will trust," is a personal affirmation of trust and reliance on God. This verse shifts from a general statement about those who dwell in God’s presence to a personal declaration. It underlines the individual choice to recognize and proclaim God as one’s personal refuge and fortress. The terms 'refuge' and 'fortress' depict God as a protector against dangers and a strong, impenetrable shelter in times of trouble.

Psalm 91:2 NKJV

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Historical Context

The imagery used by the Psalmist resonates with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the divine as a source of protection and sustenance. In a world where the harsh elements of nature could mean life or death, the metaphors of 'shelter' and 'shadow' would be readily understood as divine provision and safety. This imagery is steeped in the experiences of the Israelites, particularly their wandering in the desert where they were vulnerable to the elements and reliant on God for protection and guidance.

Application

In applying these verses to our lives, we consider what it means to 'dwell' and 'rest' in God's presence today. The 'shelter of the Most High' is not a physical refuge but rather a spiritual reality that we can enter into through faith. It involves a commitment to seek God in all circumstances and to live under His lordship.

To find 'rest in the shadow of the Almighty' today might look like cultivating a life of prayer, meditating on God's Word, and participating in communal worship. It also entails trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when our circumstances are difficult. This rest is not an escape from reality but an anchoring in the midst of it. It is a peace that comes not from our surroundings but from our relationship with God.

In practical terms, we 'dwell' and 'rest' by committing to spiritual disciplines, by choosing faith over fear, and by leaning on the promises of God's Word. We learn to see the challenges we face not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to experience God's protection and peace more deeply.

In essence, to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and to rest in His shadow is to live with an awareness of God's constant presence and care, to rely on His strength and wisdom, and to find our peace and security in Him, no matter what storms may come.

The Promises of Protection (Verses 3-8)

Exposition of Verses 3-8

This section of Psalm 91 articulates God's promises of protection in vivid and metaphorical language. Psalm 91:3 , "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence," speaks of God's deliverance from hidden dangers (like traps set by a fowler) and widespread calamities (represented by pestilence). These metaphors signify the various unseen and seen threats that one might encounter in life.

Psalm 91:3 NKJV

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.

Verse 4 continues with a tender imagery of protection, Psalm 91:4 "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." The portrayal of God as a bird protecting its young underlines His nurturing and safeguarding nature. The mention of God's truth as a shield and buckler emphasizes the protective power of faith and reliance on God’s word.

Psalm 91:4 NKJV

4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Psalm 91:5-6 “5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” Verses 5-6 assure the faithful that they need not fear common dangers, whether they be terrors of the night, arrows in the day, pestilence in darkness, or destruction at noon. This comprehensive list encompasses fears at all times, indicating God's constant and all-encompassing protection.

Psalm 91:5–6 NKJV

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.

Psalm 91:7-8 offer a dramatic picture of divine protection: "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." This passage suggests that even amidst widespread catastrophe, the one who trusts in God will remain unharmed, a witness to God’s justice and power.

Psalm 91:7–8 NKJV

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.

Literary Analysis

In examining the metaphors of the fowler's snare and deadly pestilence, we see the Psalmist drawing from everyday dangers familiar to the audience of the time—dangers that could signify broader spiritual threats. These images would have been understood viscerally by an agrarian society where the presence of traps and the outbreak of disease were real and pressing concerns.

The metaphor of God as a bird protecting its young communicates not just safety, but the attentive, caring nature of God's guardianship. It is a protective care that is proactive, not merely reactive. The 'shield and rampart' mentioned further in the passage underscore the military aspect of God’s protection, suggesting a defense that is both encompassing and impenetrable.

Application

For us today, these metaphors translate into a message of God's protection over the various threats we encounter in life. The 'fowler's snare' can represent the unseen dangers we face—temptations, deceptions, and the pitfalls of life that we may unwittingly walk into. 'Deadly pestilence' could symbolize not only literal illness but also pervasive societal ills that can infect our lives and communities.

Finding refuge under God's wings may involve seeking His presence in prayer during times of personal crisis, or it could mean adhering to His guidance to avoid the snares that life sets before us. The 'shield and rampart' suggest that we can stand behind God's truth and righteousness to protect us from the onslaughts that we might face, whether they be attacks on our character, challenges to our faith, or the cultural currents that threaten to sweep us away.

In our contemporary context, these verses encourage us to look to God as our protector in every area of life. They remind us that while we may not be able to control or even predict the dangers around us, we can always control our response—choosing to trust in God's promises and provision for our protection.

The Conditions of God’s Promises (Verses 9-13)

Exposition of Verses 9-13

In these verses, the Psalmist continues to unfold the conditions and assurances of God’s protection. Verse 9 begins, Psalm 91:9 "Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place," emphasizing the deliberate choice to dwell in God’s presence. This dwelling goes beyond a mere acknowledgment of God; it involves a deep, abiding relationship.

Psalm 91:9 NKJV

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

Psalm 91:10 Verse 10 promises, "No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;" This assurance extends to protection from both physical and spiritual harm. The verse encapsulates a broad spectrum of safeguarding that encompasses all aspects of a believer’s life.

Psalm 91:10 NKJV

10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

Psalm 91:11-12 Verses 11 and 12 offer the comforting image of angelic guardianship: "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." This vivid description speaks of a divine watchfulness and intervention that guides and preserves believers through various life challenges.

Psalm 91:11–12 NKJV

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91:13 In verse 13, "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot," the imagery of the lion and the dragon carries significant spiritual symbolism in the Christian tradition. The lion, often representing strength and ferocity, can be seen as a metaphor for powerful earthly challenges or threats. The dragon, commonly equated with the serpent, symbolizes Satan or the embodiment of evil. Thus, this verse conveys a powerful message of spiritual victory over both earthly and demonic forces.

Psalm 91:13 NKJV

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

Christian Perspective on Lion and Dragon Symbolism

In Christianity, the lion and the dragon (or serpent) are frequently interpreted as symbols of the spiritual battles believers face. The lion can represent bold and overt challenges, including persecution or significant adversity. The dragon, linked to the serpent in the Garden of Eden and to Satan in Revelation, symbolizes deceit, temptation, and spiritual opposition.

Application

In a contemporary Christian context, this promise of trampling the lion and the dragon speaks to the believer's empowered stance against both visible and invisible adversaries. It reassures Christians of the victory they have in Christ over various forms of evil and struggle. This includes overcoming personal sins, resisting temptations, standing firm against societal evils, and enduring trials with faith.

To tread upon these spiritual adversaries implies living a life of vigilant faith, grounded in God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It means engaging actively in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Scripture study, to fortify oneself against the assaults of evil.

Thus, these verses not only promise divine protection but also call believers to a proactive, empowered stance in their spiritual journey. They assure us that in our relationship with God and through the power of Christ, we have the authority to overcome both the tangible and intangible challenges that confront us.

God’s Assurance to the Faithful (Verses 14-16)

Exposition of Verses 14-16

These closing verses of Psalm 91 shift to God's direct voice, providing powerful assurances to those who faithfully seek Him. Psalm 91:14 14 begins with a cause-and-effect declaration: "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name." This verse emphasizes that the believer's love and knowledge of God lead to divine intervention and protection. Knowing God's name implies an intimate understanding of His character and attributes, signifying a deep, personal relationship.

Psalm 91:14 NKJV

14 “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.

In Psalm 91:15 15, the promise continues: "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." The assurance of God's response to prayer here is unequivocal. It's not just about answering prayers, but also about God's presence in times of trouble. This verse underscores that God's deliverance is accompanied by His personal accompaniment and the honoring of those who trust in Him.

Psalm 91:15 NKJV

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.

Finally, Psalm 91:16 provides a summary of these divine promises: "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." This verse speaks of both a quantity and quality of life marked by God's satisfaction and the ultimate revelation of His salvation. In the biblical context, 'long life' is often associated with blessing and fulfillment, and 'salvation' carries the weight of eternal significance, encompassing deliverance from sin and death.

Psalm 91:16 NKJV

16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

Christian Interpretation and Application

1. Divine Deliverance and Exaltation: The Christian understanding of these verses sees God's deliverance not just in terms of physical safety but also spiritual salvation. Being 'set on high' can be viewed as being lifted up in Christ, elevated above life's circumstances through a relationship with Him.

2. Responsive Relationship: The reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and the believer is highlighted. The act of calling upon God and being answered reinforces the Christian teaching of a personal, communicative relationship with God through prayer.

3. God’s Accompanying Presence: The promise of God's presence in times of trouble is particularly comforting. It speaks to the Christian belief in God's omnipresence and the Holy Spirit's role as Comforter and Guide.

4. Honor and Long Life: In Christianity, the honor God bestows can be seen in terms of spiritual blessings and the dignity that comes from being children of God. The promise of 'long life' and the showing of 'salvation' points towards eternal life, a central tenet of Christian faith.

In essence, these verses call Christians to a deeper love and understanding of God, assuring them of His unfailing response, presence, and deliverance in both temporal and eternal realms. It's an invitation to experience the fullness of life in a relationship with God, anchored in the hope and promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Living Under God’s Shadow

Synthesis

As we reach the conclusion of our exploration of Psalm 91, we can see a recurring theme of divine assurance that weaves through the passage. The Psalm itself serves as a spiritual tapestry, depicting a God who is both powerful and personal. From the opening declaration of trust to the final promises of salvation, we are presented with a comprehensive picture of God’s care for those who abide in Him.

The imagery of living under God's shadow encompasses the full range of His protective care. It reminds us that, irrespective of the intensity of the trials we face, there is a place of refuge and peace close to the heart of God. This Psalm reassures us that our safety is not dependent on our circumstances or our strength but on our position relative to the Divine.

Call to Action

In response to the profound truths unearthed in this Psalm, we are called to action. This is not a passive assurance but an active one, inviting us to make a conscious and deliberate decision to position ourselves under the sovereignty and care of God. To live under God’s shadow is to align our lives with His Word and to trust in His promises actively.

This may involve reevaluating priorities to ensure that God is at the center of our lives, or it might mean stepping out in faith where fear has previously held us back. It could be committing to a regular practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture to cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence.