Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a psalm of confidence, often referred to as "The Soldier's Psalm," emphasizing divine protection during times of crisis12. The psalm has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. While some view it primarily as a promise of personal protection and defense against demonic forces, others see it in the context of royal and military themes3. The psalm uses multiple names for God, possibly to emphasize different aspects of His nature1. It describes the security and refuge found in God's presence, likening it to a bird taking shelter under its parent's wings2. The psalm also mentions God commissioning angels to watch over and protect the faithful2. Interestingly, Jesus referenced Psalm 91:13 when speaking to his disciples about their authority over demons, connecting the psalm to themes of power and divine authority3. Early Christian theologians often interpreted the psalm as a prophecy of Christ's victory over spiritual enemies3. The imagery of trampling on serpents and lions (Psalm 91:13) has been linked to ancient Near Eastern motifs of royal power and has appeared in various forms of Christian iconography3. In its original context, the psalm may have served as a cultic blessing for a king going into battle, but it has since been applied more broadly to strengthen the faith and endurance of believers facing various trials34.1John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 91:1–16.2Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 554.3Brennan Breed, “Reception of the Psalms: The Example of Psalm 91,” in The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, ed. William P. Brown, Oxford Handbooks (New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014), 304.4C. John Collins, “The Psalms,” in Psalms–Song of Solomon, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. V of ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2022), 467.This synopsis is generated by AI from the results below. Check it for accuracy.Was this helpful?CopyPsalm 91 and the Domination of RivalsEarly Christian theologians tended to read the Psalms in typological terms as Davidic prophesies of Christ; many of them understood Psalm 91 as a prophesy of Christ routing his spiritual enemies in light of the resurrection. Eusebius (4th century ce) offers a representative gloss: v. 13 refers to Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (cf. Matt…The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, p 303Context: Verbal and Thematic Links with Surrounding PsalmsPsalm 91 described and spoke to the future king from David’s line, the one who will tread on lion and serpent (91:13), and Ps 92 celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness and truth, lovingkindness and loyalty…Psalms, Volumes 1 & 2, Ps 92; V 2, p 169Psalm 91Three voices speak in succession. The psalm opens with an individual proclaiming his trust in Yahweh (vv. 1–8). An audience then speaks to that individual, and describes Yahweh’s protection and care (vv. 9–13). The psalm concludes with Yahweh speaking about…Faithlife Study Bible, Ps 91:1–16IV. (91:14–16) Because He Loves Me, I Will Deliver Himthe faithful. In particular, Psalm 91 is especially fitted for a time in which members of the worshiping congregation are under duress, such as persecution or the suffering that comes from divine judgment on an unfaithful community.…Psalms–Song of Solomon, Ps 91:14–16, p 467Psalm 91With him, there is abiding protection (91:1). Just like a bird takes refuge under the wings of its parent, the believer who lives under the cover of God’s covenant finds safety (91:4). 91:5–8 God covers his own with his faithfulness 24/7, thus providing them with a shield of protection…The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Ps 91, p 554ThemeThe theme for the psalm is stated clearly in v. 1—the Lord protects the person who trusts in him—and then that theme is developed by the successive statements of the psalmist (v. 2), the teacher (vv. 3–13), and the prophet speaking for the Lord (vv. 14–16)…Psalms 73–150, Ps 91, p 188Psalm 91. Under His WingsPsalm 91. Under his wings Context The psalmist, presumably a priest, assures the congregation that God is with them and will protect them from trouble. The…Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary, Ps 91, p 329Context: Verbal and Thematic Links with Surrounding PsalmsMoses interceded in the opening of Book 4 (Ps 90), however, and the individual described and addressed in Ps 91 looks like everything Israel hopes for from the future king from David’s…Psalms, Volumes 1 & 2, Ps 91; V 2, p 163Psalm 91 and the Domination of RivalsPsalm 91 and the Domination of Rivals As seen above, Psalm 91 has quite often been understood in terms of personal protection and antidemonic apotropaism…The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, p 303Psalm 91: God’s Promise of ProtectionPsalm 91 can be read as three promises given in three parts of the psalm: vv. 1–8, 9–13 and 14–16. In the first part, after a confession of faith (vv. 1–3), the verses switch dramatically to address the reader in the second person and…Psalms through the Centuries: A Reception History Commentary on Psalms 73–151, Volume Three, Ps 91, p 87Psalm 91 and Apotropaic ProtectionAlong with its presumed apotropaic powers, which individuals would need during the demon-plagued night or when sleeping, the references to God’s protection (vv. 1–13) and promises of salvation (vv. 14–16) have long offered worshippers comfort and security…The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, p 298Psalm 91Something similar is true of the divine answer that comes in vv. 14–16*, as the Cairo hymn to Amon, probably the oldest surviving witness to personal piety, shows; there Amon–Re is praised as follows: “Hail, Re, Lord of Maat…Psalms 2: A Commentary on Psalms 51-100, Ps 91, p 426Psalm 91In the sequence of Psalms 90–91, Psalm 91 is the answer to the laments and petitions in Psalm 90; that is, the sequence of these two psalms corresponds exactly to the promise given by Yhwh himself in Psalm 91: “He will call me, and I will answer him” (91:15*)…Psalms 2: A Commentary on Psalms 51-100, Ps 91, p 42691:9–13. No Harm Will Overtake YouJacobson and Jacobson rightly explain this psalm thus: ‘Rather than offering naïve promises that force a person to deny life’s threats, they are expression of trust as the psalmists face life’s dangers crucially and at the same time rely on the presence of the divine’ (Jacobson and Jacobson…Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary, Ps 91:9–13, p 331Psalm 91Songs of trust could have originated as confessions of trust within a lament psalm, or they could have been composed as freestanding affirmations of confidence in the Lord.23…Psalms 73–150, Ps 91, p 183Psalm 91They receive redemption, life, and glory from the Lord, who loves and cares for those who seek him. 91:1–2 The Lord is an ancient shelter (see 90:1), open to those who seek refuge in him. 91:1 The Most High is an ancient title that expresses the Lord’s exalted status (Gen 14:19) as the ruler and protector of the godly. 91:3–4 The psalmist invites…New Living Translation Study Bible, Ps 91Psalm 91Psalm 91 Because the psalmist was convinced that there is security in trusting in the Most High God, he encouraged himself that he would be delivered from the various frightening attacks of the wicked…The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Ps 91; V 1, p 860Psalm 91This tender psalm describes the confidence that the believer may have through all types of dangers and challenges. 91:1–2 The Lord is a secure defense (shelter, shadow, refuge, fortress) for those who take refuge in him. 91:3–8 These verses list the benefits that come to those who trust in the Lord…ESV Global Study Bible, Ps 91, p 801Psalm 91: The Defence of the Most HighPsalm 91 The Defence of the Most High This psalm has an unusual distinction: it is the only passage of Scripture which (at least in the sacred record) is quoted by the devil…Favourite Psalms: Growing Closer to God, Ps 91, p 72Psalm 91. Sure Protection749 Psalm 91 | Sure Protection Psalm 91 contains perhaps the greatest promises of protection in the bible. After thinking of the insecurity and brevity of life (Ps 90), what might we be needing next…The Branch Exposition of the Bible: A Preacher’s Commentary of the Old Testament, Ps 91, p 807Text Files: The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1–13) (Mike Wilson)The title of Psalm 91 is “Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD.” Those who properly use it can say, with the psalmist, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”…Christianity Magazine: September–October 1998, Volume 15, Number 9/10, p 30Chapter 91Ps 91 A glowing testimony to the security of those who trust in God—set beside Ps 90 as a counterpoint to the dismal depiction of the human condition found there (see introduction to that psalm). It was probably written by one of the temple personnel (a priest or Levite) as a word of assurance to godly worshipers…NIV Study Bible: Notes (Fully Revised Edition), Ps 91, p 993Psalm 91—The ‘Air Raid Psalm’Psalms are like that: you may read one in a completely different context from the one in which it was written or for which it was primarily intended, but God still uses that psalm now to bless those who read it and trust Him many years later…A Devotional Experience of the Psalms: Enjoying the Riches of God’s Treasure Chest, Ps 91, p 287Psalm 91The body of the psalm, 91:3–13, consists of the psalmist speaking to someone in the second-person singular (“you”; the only exception to this is the first-person singular “my” in 91:9a).71 Not only does 91:9…Psalms, Volumes 1 & 2, Ps 91; V 2, p 160Psalm 91quoted as the word of Sacred Scripture (“as it is written”) in the so–called temptation story, Matt 4:1–11*//Luke 4:1–13*—by Satan, of course, who thus attempts to bring Jesus to tempt God (for Matthew this is the second temptation, for Luke the third): “Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple…Psalms 2: A Commentary on Psalms 51-100, Ps 91, p 426Psalm 91Psalm 91 This psalm has long been a favourite of the people of God. Its opening verses are some of the best known and most quoted. It is not hard to see why this psalm is so loved…Opening Up Psalms, Ps 91, p 38Psalm 91Psalm 91 This exquisite Psalm may no doubt simply describe the security of the godly man under Jehovah’s protection amid the perils of his journey through life…The Book of Psalms, Ps 91, p 553Psalm 91Snare ISBE Psalm 91:3 IVPBBCOT the plague of destruction The Hebrew text here seems to refer to disease (possibly the bubonic plague) and can be associated with siege warfare situations…Faithlife Study Bible, Ps 91:1–163. What Moses SaidIt is the correspondence between the psalm and the exodus storyline. Whether or not all five books from Genesis to Deuteronomy are the words of Moses, he was certainly a prophet who spoke to his contemporaries…The Message of Psalms: Songs for the People of God, Ps 91; V 2, p 80Psalm 91Psalm 91 is, in (nearly) all traditions/rites, the liturgical evening prayer par excellence in the Liturgy of the Hours. In…Psalms 2: A Commentary on Psalms 51-100, Ps 91, p 426CommentThe purpose of this psalm is to instill greater faith in God’s people; the first section, by rehearsing this doctrine, helps the singers to feel that God is trustworthy. II…Psalms–Song of Solomon, Ps 91, p 466Psalm 91PSALM 91, 4 str. 73 Ps. 91 is didactic in character: (1) assures Israel of the safety from peril of those who make the temple of God their habitual resort (v. 1–3, 4c); (2) then, in a direct address, exhorts not to fear the pestilence which is destroying multitudes on every side (v. 5–7); asserts that God will keep them safely in the hands of…A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Psalms, Volume 2, Ps 91, p 278Psalm 91PSALM 91 Ps 91:1–16. David is the most probable author; and the pestilence, mentioned in 2 Sa 24:13–15, the most probable of any special occasion to which the Psalm may refer. The changes of person allowable in poetry are here frequently made.…Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Ps 91; V 1, p 374CommentaryThe development of the psalm is in four main sections: (1) a confession of confidence in the Lord (vv. 1, 2); (2) assurance that those who trust in the Lord need not fear evil (vv. 3–8); (3) promises of God’s protection to the coming One (vv. 9–13); (4) a description of the Lord’s protection of the coming One (vv. 14–16). 91:1, 2 in the secret…Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary, Ps 91, p 709Chapter Ninety-One—Dwelling in the Secret PlaceChapter Ninety-One—Dwelling in the Secret Place Psalm 91:1–16 Scripture Outline Confession: God’s Protection (91:1–2) Confidence for Deliverance (91:3–13) God’s Word of Salvation (91:14–16) This is both a triumphant and a troubling psalm…The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 14: Psalms 73–150, Ps 91:1–16, p 156Psalm 91Dahood and others take it to be a royal psalm, understanding the participle in verse 1a to mean “he who sits enthroned,” that is, the king. Verses 1–13 are an extended commentary on how God protects those who trust him; here the…A Handbook on the Book of Psalms, Ps 91, p 801Psalm 91psalm 91 1 He that sits in the secret place of the Most High, In the shadow of the Almighty shall he lodge. 2 I will say to Jehovah, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I will trust.” 3 For He, He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler From the pestilence that destroys. 4 With His pinions shall He cover thee, And under His…The Expositor’s Bible, Volume 3: Psalms to Isaiah, Ps 91, p 235Psalm 91We have this distribution of parts: v. 1, the broad statement of the blessedness of dwelling with God; v. 2, a solo, the voice of a heart encouraged thereby to exercise personal trust; vv. 3–8, answers, setting forth the security of such a refuge; v. 9a, solo, reiterating with sweet monotony the word of trust; vv. 9b–13, the first voice or chorus…Psalms, Ps 91God’s Wings91) God’s ‘kindness’ (ḥesed) is mentioned either in the verse which refers to God’s wings (Ps. 36:7 [Heb. 8]) or in its immediate context (Pss 17:7; 36:5, 10 [Heb. 6, 11]; 57:3 [Heb. 4]; 61:7 [Heb. 8]…Unceasing Kindness: A Biblical Theology of Ruth, p 61Psalm 91: God’s Promise of ProtectionChuck Norris, for example, cited this psalm in the context of Islamic Fascism: ‘God of 911, Psalm 91:1’.43 Ps. 91:5 is one of the verses found on the telescopic sights of Accupin rifles…Psalms through the Centuries: A Reception History Commentary on Psalms 73–151, Volume Three, Ps 91, p 87Section OverviewAfter an initial declaration of trust (vv. 1–2), the psalm comprises three sections introduced by the Hebrew word ki (“for” or “because,” according to context). Section Outline…Psalms–Song of Solomon, Ps 91, p 465Psalm 91Psalm 91 Talismanic Song in Time of War and Pestilence First Voice: 1 HE who sitteth in the protection of the Most High, Who abideth in the shadow of the Almighty— Second Voice: 2 I say to Jahve: My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust.…Commentary on the Old Testament, Ps 91; V 5, p 601Psalm 91This section, which explicitly cites the great divine discourse of Psalm 50 (cf. 50:15*, 25*), is a summary of biblical theology. Context, Reception, and Significance Psalm 91 in the Subcomposition of…Psalms 2: A Commentary on Psalms 51-100, Ps 91, p 426Psalm 91Psalm 91 A Davidic Psalm1 God is My Refuge 1 The one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, who rests in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my fortress, and my God in whom I trust!” 3…International Standard Version, Ps 91Chapter 91Hebrew poetic convention called for 10,000 following 1,000 in parallel construction (see notes on 90:10; 1Sa 18:7; Am 1:3). 91:9 dwelling. See 90:1 and note. 91:11–12 Quoted but misapplied by Satan in Mt 4:6; Lk 4:10–11. 91:11 his angels.…NIV Study Bible: Notes (Fully Revised Edition), Ps 91, p 993Psalm 91His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.8 91:5 You need not fear the terrors of the night,9 the arrow that flies by day, 91:6 the plague that comes in the darkness, or the disease that comes at noon.10 91:7 Though a thousand may fall beside you, and a multitude on your right side, it11 will not reach you. 91:8 Certainly you will see it…The NET Bible, Ps 917-4-2039: Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeIndex of Readings From Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Genesis 28:10–22a Response Psalm 91:2b Psalm Psalm 91:1–4, 14–15b Gospel Acclamation 2 Timothy 1:10 Gospel Matthew 9:18–26 or From the Proper of Saints First Reading 1 John 3:14–18 Response Option A Psalm 112:1 or Option B Text Psalm Psalm 112:1–9 Gospel Acclamation John…Catholic Daily Readings, OT 14 Mon 17-4-2033: Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeIndex of Readings From Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading Genesis 28:10–22a Response Psalm 91:2b Psalm Psalm 91:1–4, 14–15b Gospel Acclamation 2 Timothy 1:10 Gospel Matthew 9:18–26 or From the Proper of Saints First Reading 1 John 3:14–18 Response Option A Psalm 112:1 or Option B Text Psalm Psalm 112:1–9 Gospel Acclamation John…Catholic Daily Readings, OT 14 Mon 1PsalmsI Frgs. 1 Col. i, 2–3, Psalm 91:5b–8a 11Q11 Apocryphal Psalms: Col. VI, Psalm 91 Psalm 91:6 4Q84 Psalms b: Col. I Frgs. 1 Col. i, 2–3, Psalm 91:5b–8a 11Q11 Apocryphal Psalms: Col. VI, Psalm 91 Psalm 91:7 4Q84 Psalms b: Col. I Frgs. 1 Col. i, 2–3, Psalm 91:5b–8a 11Q11 Apocryphal Psalms: Col. VI, Psalm 91 Psalm 91:8 4Q84 Psalms b: Col…Biblical Dead Sea Scrolls: Bible Reference Index, PsChapter 91Psalm 91:11 11 3706 4534 6943.321, 3937 3937, 8490.141 904, 3725, 1932 Psalm 91:12 12 6142, 3834 5558.126 6678, 5238.123 904, 63 7559 Psalm 91:13 13 6142, 8256 6874 1931.123 7717.123 3841 8906 Psalm 91:14 14 3706 904 2945.111 6647.325 7891.325 3706, 3156.111 8428 Psalm 91:15 15 7410.121 6257.125 6196, 609 904, 7150 2603.325 3632.325 Psalm 91:16 16…Complete Biblical Library Interlinear Bible: Old Testament, Ps 

NIV Study Bible: Notes (Fully Revised Edition) Chapter 91

Ps 91