What is the meaning of Psalm 91?

Psalm 91 is one of the most cherished and quoted Psalms in the Bible, offering profound comfort and assurance to believers. This Psalm is often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection" because it vividly portrays God's promise of safety and refuge for those who trust in Him. To understand the full meaning of Psalm 91, it is essential to delve into its verses and explore the rich imagery and promises contained within.

The Psalm begins with a powerful declaration in verses 1-2:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

These opening lines set the tone for the entire Psalm. The imagery of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty conveys a sense of intimate closeness and protection. The terms "Most High" and "Almighty" emphasize God's supreme power and sovereignty. The Psalmist declares his trust in God, acknowledging Him as his refuge and fortress. This personal declaration of faith is crucial because it establishes the foundation for the promises that follow.

In verses 3-4, the Psalmist continues:

"For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler."

Here, the Psalmist uses vivid metaphors to describe God's protection. The "snare of the fowler" symbolizes traps and dangers that might ensnare us, while "deadly pestilence" represents life-threatening diseases or calamities. The imagery of being covered with God's pinions and finding refuge under His wings evokes the picture of a mother bird sheltering her young. This tender and nurturing image reassures believers of God's care and protection. Furthermore, God's faithfulness is likened to a shield and buckler, emphasizing His reliability and steadfastness in defending His people.

Verses 5-6 provide further assurances:

"You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday."

These verses enumerate various forms of danger, both seen and unseen, that can cause fear. The "terror of the night" refers to the unknown threats that can haunt us, while the "arrow that flies by day" symbolizes visible, direct attacks. The "pestilence that stalks in darkness" and the "destruction that wastes at noonday" encompass hidden dangers and catastrophic events. The Psalmist assures believers that they need not fear these threats because God's protection encompasses all times and circumstances.

Verses 7-8 highlight the extent of God's protection:

"A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked."

These verses emphasize the magnitude of God's safeguarding power. Even when surrounded by widespread calamity and destruction, the faithful will remain unharmed. The phrase "it will not come near you" underscores the personal nature of God's protection. The believer's safety is not just a general promise but a specific assurance. The mention of seeing the recompense of the wicked implies that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and the faithful will witness the consequences of wickedness without being affected by it.

In verses 9-10, the Psalmist reiterates the basis for this divine protection:

"Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent."

These verses reaffirm the importance of making the Lord one's dwelling place. By choosing to live in close relationship with God and seeking refuge in Him, believers are assured of His protection. The promise that no evil or plague will come near their tent reinforces the idea of God's encompassing care, extending even to their homes and loved ones.

Verses 11-12 introduce the role of angels in God's protective plan:

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."

The Psalmist reveals that God's protection is so comprehensive that He commands His angels to guard His people. The angels' role is to ensure that believers are safeguarded in all their ways, preventing even minor harm. This divine assistance underscores the extent of God's care and the lengths to which He goes to protect His children.

Verses 13-14 convey a sense of victory and divine favor:

"You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 'Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.'"

The imagery of treading on dangerous animals like lions and serpents signifies triumph over formidable threats. This victory is not achieved through the believer's strength but through God's deliverance. The verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between the believer and God: because the believer holds fast to God in love and knows His name, God promises deliverance and protection. This relationship is built on trust, love, and a deep personal connection with God.

Verses 15-16 conclude the Psalm with God's direct promises:

"When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

These verses encapsulate the essence of God's commitment to His faithful ones. God promises to answer when they call, to be present with them in times of trouble, to rescue and honor them. The promise of long life and the revelation of God's salvation signify the ultimate blessings of a life lived in close relationship with God.

Psalm 91, therefore, is a profound declaration of God's protection and care for those who trust in Him. It emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God, characterized by trust, love, and reliance on His power and faithfulness. The Psalm reassures believers that no matter what dangers or threats they face, God's protection is all-encompassing and unwavering. This message of divine protection and assurance has resonated with believers throughout the ages, providing comfort and strength in times of fear and uncertainty.

In Christian literature, Psalm 91 has often been referenced as a source of hope and encouragement. For instance, Charles Spurgeon, in his commentary "The Treasury of David," expounds on the Psalm's promises and emphasizes the importance of dwelling in God's presence. He writes, "The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God." Spurgeon's insight underscores the conditional nature of the promises: they are for those who actively seek and maintain a close relationship with God.

Furthermore, in "The Pursuit of God," A.W. Tozer speaks to the necessity of seeking God's presence as the ultimate refuge and source of strength. Tozer's reflections align with the themes of Psalm 91, highlighting the transformative power of dwelling in God's presence and the peace that comes from trusting in His protection.

In conclusion, Psalm 91 offers a timeless message of God's unwavering protection and care for those who trust in Him. It invites believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by trust, love, and reliance on His power and faithfulness. In doing so, they can experience the profound peace and assurance that comes from dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.