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The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 91 is a song of trust, and it contains both a wisdom psalm (vs. 1–13) and a divine oracle (vs. 14–16). The author’s faith and theology of God’s providential care and sovereignty over all comes out repeatedly in the psalm. When you are in danger, read this Psalm with the eyes of faith. Notice the changes from “I” to “You” to “he” in this psalm. You may be surprised who quotes this Psalm in the New Testament.
I. A fully secure protection comes from the God of the Bible (vs. 1–2)
A. Four names for God; Most High, (Elyon Almighty (Shaddai), LORD (Yahweh), my God (Elohim) are used. [God’s power as Creator, God’s redemption as covenant keeper]
B. Four images of security; shelter, shadow, refuge, fortress are used [bird, soldier]
C. These places are all locations of the utmost security (like a nuclear bomb shelter)
D. The author testifies of his personal faith in the God of the Bible and the wisdom of having this kind of relationship with this great God
E. The providence and sovereign power of God are highlighted in these verses
F. To live in wisdom, Yahweh must be the God in whom one trusts )A great confession(
G. Will you choose to believe and trust Him?
II. The kinds of protection the LORD provides (vs. 3–8)
A. God will protect you from the planned entrapment (set-up) of expert con-artists Fowler’s snare = a bird hunters net or trap that springs up as a surprise when the bird lands to eat the bait
B. God will protect you from destructive plaques that can attack body or mind. This is also a surprise attack from unseen enemies and would include demonic attacks, disease, depression, slander against you, all types of sneaky evil attacks
C. God will protect His elect like a bird protects her young in the nest, far from the hunter’s net. Under the feather and under the wings are places of security and safety [bird]
D. God will protect you like a large and small shield protects an ancient warrior [soldier]
E. God’s protection of His own is 24/7
F. The LORD gives security from all natural and supernatural attacks against His own
G. Don’t compare yourself to others, God’s promise is to you if you belong to Him
H. You will witness the righteous justice of God upon His enemies
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Rom 8:28, 35 ESV)
You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. (Luke 21:16–18 HCSB)
I. God’s providence is so precise, that nothing can happen to you by any outside source unless He grants it because it will fulfill a greater purpose in His plan of redemption
III. A fully secure protection comes from the God of the Bible (vs. 9–10)
A. The believers are encouraged to deepen their faith in the LORD
B. The blessing of the covenant are for the loyal, faithful ones
C. The curses of the covenant are for the rebellious unfaithful ones
D. Will you choose to surrender to the LORD?
E. Will you rest in God alone for your salvation, protection, and eternity?
IV. The kinds of protection the LORD provides (vs. 11–13)
A. Miraculous protection will come according to God’s will
B. The elect angels will work with the elect humans to fulfill God’s plan (Heb 1:14)
C. The devil thought this was a promise to the Messiah (Luke 4:10–12)
D. Jesus explained that this was not a blanket promise to ignore safety and common sense and put God to the test
E. The true believe will be a victor rather than a victim. Both the lion and cobra are symbols for the evil one and the deadly enemies the elect will trample under foot (defeat). [See 1 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:9]
F. Bottom line: Stay clean and close to Jesus the Messiah and there is absolutely nothing that can sneak pass Him and harm you. He will not be surprised
V. A Divine Oracle of Salvation (vs. 14–16)
A. The promises of this Psalm belong to the ones who are devoted to God with all their hearts, mind, body, soul, feelings, will, thoughts—everything
B. These acknowledge and know His name, they are committed to God
C. They have a deep desire or longing for God, they love Him because He first loved them
D. Deliverance, salvation, redemption comes to those who acknowledge their sin and long for God’s redemption and forgiveness. This is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit
E. A close relationship with God is held by those who go to Him in prayer by faith and are in close fellowship with Him. He answers their prayers and protects them
F. God will honor and exalt His people when it is His time
G. They will experience everlasting salvation because of the work of Christ for them
Lessons to live by:
• Understand that the Bible uses figurative language in many places to help us understand great truths by things with which we are already familiar. God the Father not only does not have actual hands, eyes, or arms, but also He does not have wings or feathers. These are all analogies to help us understand truths about God
• God’s sovereignty, power, and providence are really sweet truths when you are being persecuted by men. They are not comforting while one is in rebellion, but they are of great aid to believers going through difficult times
• Faith in God and His promises in the Word are very important. Most of the promises to the Messiah as the head of His people are also to us )2 Cor 1:19–20(, but not the ones personally directed to Him as the God-Man. The promises to Israel as a nation )restoration, land( are not for the church. However, some of the promises to Israel as the chosen faithful people of God also apply to us as a chosen faithful people of God
• God and God alone can protect you and provide for you. Man cannot save you, sanctify you, are harm you when you are walking in obedience to God in His way and word
• We call out to God in prayer when we are helpless and He is still powerful
