What is the meaning of Psalm 91:13?

Psalm 91 is one of the most comforting and powerful chapters in the Bible, often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection." It speaks of God’s protection, deliverance, and faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Psalm 91:13 says, "You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent" (NIV). This particular verse is brimming with rich symbolism and profound meaning, which can be unpacked to understand its full significance.

Context of Psalm 91

Before delving into the specific verse, it is essential to understand the broader context of Psalm 91. This Psalm is a declaration of God's protection over those who dwell in His shelter and abide in His shadow. It is a testament to the security and peace that come from trusting in God. The Psalmist speaks of deliverance from various dangers, including physical, emotional, and spiritual threats.

Symbolism of the Lion and the Cobra

Psalm 91:13 employs vivid imagery, invoking two fearsome creatures: the lion and the cobra. These animals are not randomly chosen; they represent significant threats and challenges that believers might face.

The Lion

In biblical literature, the lion often symbolizes power, strength, and ferocity. Lions are apex predators, commanding fear and respect. In a spiritual sense, the lion can represent overwhelming challenges or powerful enemies. For instance, 1 Peter 5:8 describes the devil as a "roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Here, the lion symbolizes the devil's attempts to intimidate and destroy believers.

By stating that "you will tread on the lion," the Psalmist conveys that through God's power, believers can overcome even the most formidable adversaries. This is not a call to physical confrontation but a metaphor for spiritual victory. The believer, under God's protection, can face and conquer the most daunting spiritual battles.

The Cobra

The cobra, or serpent, is another potent symbol in the Bible. From the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1) to the dragon in Revelation (Revelation 12:9), serpents often symbolize deceit, sin, and evil. The cobra, specifically, represents hidden dangers and treacherous threats that can strike unexpectedly.

In the ancient Near East, cobras were feared for their venom and stealth. To "trample the great lion and the serpent" signifies triumph over both overt and covert dangers. It speaks to God’s ability to protect believers from seen and unseen threats, from the obvious to the insidious.

Spiritual Authority and Victory

Psalm 91:13 highlights the authority and victory that believers have in Christ. This verse is not suggesting a reckless or arrogant attitude towards danger but rather a confident trust in God's protection and power. Jesus Himself alluded to this kind of authority in Luke 10:19, where He says, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

This authority is not inherent in the believer but is derived from a relationship with God. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that believers can claim this victory. The Apostle Paul also speaks of this in Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Application for Believers

Understanding Psalm 91:13 involves recognizing the spiritual truths it conveys and applying them to our lives. Here are some key takeaways for believers:

Trust in God's Protection

The primary message of Psalm 91 is that God is our refuge and fortress. Believers are called to trust in His protection and care. This trust is not passive but active, involving a daily commitment to dwell in His presence and abide in His word.

Spiritual Vigilance

While Psalm 91 assures us of God's protection, it also calls for spiritual vigilance. The imagery of the lion and the cobra reminds us that we live in a world with real spiritual dangers. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers must be aware of these dangers and rely on God's strength to overcome them.

Authority in Christ

Believers have been given authority in Christ to overcome spiritual adversaries. This authority comes from our identity in Christ and our relationship with Him. It is essential to understand and exercise this authority through prayer, faith, and obedience to God's word.

Assurance of Victory

Psalm 91:13 assures us of ultimate victory over evil. This victory is not always immediate or visible, but it is certain. Revelation 12:11 speaks of believers overcoming "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." Our victory is secured through Christ's sacrifice and our faith in Him.

Conclusion

Psalm 91:13 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the themes of protection, authority, and victory in the Christian life. It uses the imagery of treading on the lion and the cobra to convey God’s promise of deliverance from both overt and covert threats. This verse calls believers to trust in God's protection, exercise spiritual vigilance, and walk in the authority given to them through Christ.

As we meditate on this verse and the entire Psalm, let us be reminded of God's unfailing love and protection. Let us dwell in His presence, abide in His word, and confidently face the challenges of life, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.