Psalm 91 is one of the most cherished and frequently recited psalms in the Bible, known for its powerful message of protection and trust in God. This psalm has provided comfort and assurance to countless believers throughout history. However, the question of its authorship remains a topic of discussion among biblical scholars and theologians.
Traditionally, many of the Psalms are attributed to King David, the shepherd-king of Israel, who is known for his poetic and musical talents. David is credited with writing a significant portion of the Psalms, and his life experiences often resonate within the verses. However, not all Psalms are explicitly attributed to him. Psalm 91 is one such psalm where the author is not directly named in the text.
To understand who might have written Psalm 91, it is helpful to consider the context and content of the psalm itself. Psalm 91 is categorized as a psalm of trust and confidence in God's protection. It speaks of God's deliverance from various dangers, such as deadly pestilence, terror by night, and the arrow that flies by day. The imagery used in the psalm—such as God being a refuge and fortress, and the assurance of His angels guarding the faithful—emphasizes God's sovereignty and care over His people.
One theory suggests that Moses could be the author of Psalm 91. This idea is based on the fact that Psalm 90, which precedes Psalm 91, is explicitly attributed to Moses: "A Prayer of Moses, the man of God" (Psalm 90:1). Since the Psalms were not originally divided into chapters and verses, it is plausible that Psalm 91 could be a continuation of Moses' prayer. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, experienced God's protection and provision firsthand. The themes of refuge and deliverance in Psalm 91 could reflect Moses' own experiences and his deep trust in God's faithfulness.
Another perspective is that Psalm 91 could have been written by an anonymous psalmist during the time of the monarchy or even during the post-exilic period. The themes of divine protection and trust in God are timeless and could have been relevant to the people of Israel in various historical contexts. The psalm's universal message of God's safeguarding presence may have been intended to provide encouragement and hope to the faithful in times of trouble, regardless of the specific author.
Regardless of the human author, it is essential to recognize that the ultimate source of Psalm 91, like all Scripture, is God Himself. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The divine inspiration of the psalm ensures that its message is authoritative and applicable to believers across all ages.
The beauty of Psalm 91 lies not only in its poetic language but also in its profound theological truths. The psalm begins with a declaration of trust in God: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the importance of a close, personal relationship with God. The imagery of dwelling in God's shelter and abiding in His shadow conveys a sense of intimacy and security.
The psalmist continues to describe various forms of danger and adversity, such as deadly disease, attacks from enemies, and natural disasters. Yet, amidst these threats, the psalmist confidently asserts that God's protection is unwavering: "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" (Psalm 91:3-4). The metaphor of God covering His people with His wings evokes the image of a mother bird protecting her young, highlighting God's tender care and protective power.
One of the most striking aspects of Psalm 91 is the promise of angelic protection: "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" (Psalm 91:11-12). This assurance of angelic guardianship reinforces the theme of divine protection and serves as a reminder of the spiritual realities that surround believers.
The psalm concludes with God's own words, affirming His commitment to those who love and trust Him: "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). These verses encapsulate the heart of the psalm's message—God's unwavering presence and faithfulness to His people.
In summary, while the authorship of Psalm 91 remains uncertain, its message is clear and powerful. Whether penned by Moses, David, or an anonymous psalmist, the psalm's divine inspiration and timeless truths continue to resonate with believers today. Psalm 91 invites us to place our trust in God, our refuge and fortress, and to find comfort in His promise of protection and deliverance. As we meditate on this psalm, may we be reminded of God's unfailing love and care for us, and may our faith be strengthened as we dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
