Who is the speaker in Psalm 91?

Psalm 91 is one of the most cherished and quoted Psalms in the Bible, often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection." It is a poetic masterpiece that speaks of God's unwavering protection and care for those who trust in Him. However, one intriguing aspect of this Psalm is identifying the speaker. Unlike some Psalms where the author is explicitly named, Psalm 91 does not provide a clear attribution. This has led to various interpretations and discussions among scholars and theologians.

To understand who the speaker in Psalm 91 might be, it is essential to delve into the structure and content of the Psalm itself. The Psalm can be divided into three distinct sections, each with a different tone and perspective, which further complicates the identification of a single speaker.

Verses 1-2: The Testimony of the Faithful

The Psalm begins with a declaration of trust and confidence in God:

"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.'" (Psalm 91:1-2, ESV)

In these opening verses, the speaker seems to be an individual believer, possibly a psalmist, who is expressing their personal faith and trust in God. The use of the first person singular pronoun "I" suggests a personal testimony. This believer is proclaiming the security and protection found in dwelling in God's presence. The terms "Most High" and "Almighty" emphasize God's supreme power and ability to protect.

Verses 3-13: The Assurance of Protection

The next section of the Psalm shifts to a second person address, where the speaker appears to offer assurances to another individual, likely the faithful believer mentioned in the opening verses:

"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. 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." (Psalm 91:3-6, ESV)

Here, the speaker provides a series of promises and reassurances about God's protection. The shift to the second person ("you") indicates that the speaker is addressing someone else, possibly the reader or listener of the Psalm. This section is filled with vivid imagery of God's protection, such as being covered with His wings and finding refuge under His feathers. The speaker assures the believer that they will be safe from various dangers, both seen and unseen.

Verses 14-16: God's Divine Promise

The final section of the Psalm shifts once again, this time to a divine perspective. God Himself speaks directly, affirming the promises made earlier in the Psalm:

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 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." (Psalm 91:14-16, ESV)

In these verses, God is the speaker, providing a divine seal of assurance. The use of the first person singular pronoun "I" indicates that God is making these promises directly to the faithful believer. God promises deliverance, protection, answered prayers, His presence in times of trouble, honor, long life, and salvation.

Identifying the Speaker

Given the structure of Psalm 91, it becomes clear that there is not a single speaker throughout the entire Psalm. Instead, the Psalm features multiple speakers:

1. The Faithful Believer (Verses 1-2): The Psalm begins with the testimony of a faithful believer who declares their trust in God.

2. The Psalmist or a Wise Teacher (Verses 3-13): The middle section features a speaker who provides assurances and promises of protection to the faithful believer. This could be the Psalmist themselves or a wise teacher addressing the community of believers.

3. God (Verses 14-16): The final section features God speaking directly, affirming the promises made earlier in the Psalm.

This multi-speaker structure is not uncommon in the Psalms and other poetic literature in the Bible. It allows for a rich and dynamic expression of faith, trust, and divine assurance.

Historical and Theological Context

Understanding the historical and theological context of Psalm 91 can also shed light on the identity of the speakers. Psalm 91 is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of songs, prayers, and poems attributed to various authors, including King David, Asaph, the Sons of Korah, and others. While many Psalms are attributed to specific authors, Psalm 91 is one of the Psalms where the author is not explicitly named.

Some scholars suggest that Moses could be the author of Psalm 91, given its thematic and linguistic similarities to Psalm 90, which is attributed to Moses. If this is the case, Moses could be the initial speaker in verses 1-2, sharing his personal testimony of trust in God. The middle section could then be Moses offering assurances to the Israelites, and the final section would feature God Himself speaking to affirm these promises.

From a theological perspective, Psalm 91 emphasizes the theme of divine protection and the importance of trusting in God. The multi-speaker structure reinforces this theme by providing a layered and nuanced expression of faith. The faithful believer's testimony, the assurances from a wise teacher or psalmist, and God's divine promises all work together to create a powerful message of trust and security in God's care.

Application for Believers Today

Psalm 91 continues to be a source of comfort and encouragement for believers today. The multi-speaker structure allows readers to see themselves in the Psalm, both as the faithful believer who trusts in God and as the recipient of God's promises. The assurances of protection, deliverance, and God's presence are timeless truths that resonate with believers facing various challenges and dangers.

In times of fear and uncertainty, believers can find solace in the opening verses, declaring their trust in God as their refuge and fortress. They can take heart in the middle section, knowing that God's protection extends to every aspect of their lives, from physical dangers to spiritual threats. Finally, they can find ultimate assurance in the closing verses, where God Himself promises to be with them, answer their prayers, and grant them salvation.

Psalm 91 invites believers to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty. It calls them to hold fast to God in love, knowing that He will deliver, protect, and honor them. As they meditate on this Psalm, believers are reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to their well-being.

In conclusion, while the identity of the speaker in Psalm 91 is not explicitly stated, the Psalm features multiple speakers: a faithful believer, a wise teacher or psalmist, and God Himself. This multi-speaker structure enriches the Psalm's message of trust and divine protection, offering believers a profound source of comfort and assurance in their walk with God.