Unwavering Confidence in God's Protection in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 begins with a declaration of confidence in God's presence and protection: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV). The psalmist uses different names for God to express his intimate relationship with him: the Most High, the Almighty, the Lord, my God.
These names reveal God's sovereignty, power, covenant faithfulness, and personal care for his people. To dwell in God's shelter means to abide in his presence, to enjoy his fellowship, and to rely on his promises. To rest in God's shadow means to be under his protection, to be hidden from harm, and to be refreshed by his grace.
Imagery of Safety Amidst Danger in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 then describes some of the dangers that God's people may face in this world: "Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:3-6 NIV).
The psalmist uses vivid images to portray the threats of evil and violence that may come from human or natural sources: the fowler’s snare, the deadly pestilence, the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, the plague that destroys at midday. These images represent any kind of danger or trouble that may afflict God's people at any time or place.
The psalmist also uses tender metaphors to describe God's care and protection for his people: ‘He will cover you with his feathers’, ‘under his wings you will find refuge’, ‘his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart’. These metaphors evoke the image of a mother bird who shelters her young from predators and storms. They also affirm God's reliability, loyalty, and steadfast love for his people.
The Assurance of Divine Safety in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 then assures God's people of their safety and security in God: "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked." (Psalm 91:7-8 NIV). The psalmist uses hyperbole to emphasize the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked will fall victim to their own evil schemes, while the righteous will be spared from harm. The psalmist does not deny the reality of suffering or persecution for God's people, but he affirms that God will ultimately deliver them from all evil and vindicate them before their enemies.
The Foundation of God's Blessings in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 then explains the reason for God's favor and blessing on his people: "If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent." (Psalm 91:9-13 NIV).
The psalmist states that the condition for enjoying God's protection is to acknowledge him as one's refuge and dwelling place. This means to trust him fully, to love him sincerely, and to obey him faithfully. The psalmist also promises that God will send his angels to watch over his people, to prevent them from stumbling or falling into danger.
The psalmist also uses symbolic animals to represent the power and authority that God gives to his people over their enemies: the lion, the cobra, the great lion, the serpent. These animals represent any kind of evil or adversary that may oppose or threaten God's people. The psalmist assures that God will enable his people to overcome and subdue them.
God's Personal Assurance in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 ends with God's own words of promise and assurance to his people: "Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'" (Psalm 91:14-16 NIV).
God confirms the psalmist's words and adds his own personal guarantee. God declares that he will reward those who love him, who acknowledge his name, and who call on him. God promises to rescue, protect, answer, be with, deliver, honor, satisfy, and save his people. These are the benefits and blessings of being in a covenant relationship with God.
Psalm 91: Conclusion
Psalm 91 is a powerful psalm of trust and confidence in God. It teaches us that God is our refuge and fortress, our shield and rampart, our dwelling place and salvation. It encourages us to seek his presence, to rely on his promises, and to enjoy his protection. It challenges us to love him, to acknowledge his name, and to call on him. It assures us that he will be with us in trouble, that he will deliver us from evil, and that he will show us his salvation.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand and appreciate Psalm 91 better. May you find comfort and hope in this psalm as you face the challenges and opportunities of your life. May you dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Amen.
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