Psalm 91

Psalm 91 belongs to Book Four of the Psalms, and the Hebrew text has no superscription. The preceding psalm, Psalm 90, bears the title "A Prayer of Moses the man of God" and reflects on the brevity of human life. Psalm 91 follows with a celebration of the protection enjoyed by those who abide in God.

Structure

• Verses 1–2 introduce the one who dwells in the secret place of the Most High. The psalmist confesses the LORD as "my refuge and my fortress."
• Verses 3–8 address a second-person "thou." Because God delivers from the snare of the fowler and from pestilence and covers the faithful under His wings, they need not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day. Though a thousand, even ten thousand, fall at their side, calamity will not come near.
• Verses 9–13 declare that because the LORD has been made a dwelling place, God gives His angels (messengers) charge to keep that person, who will tread upon the lion and the adder.
• Verses 14–16 present God speaking in the first person. He promises to deliver and set on high the one who loves Him and knows His name, to be with him in trouble, and to satisfy him with long life and show him His salvation.

Key Verses

• Psalm 91:1 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." This verse summarizes the theme of the entire psalm.
• Psalm 91:11 "For he shall give his angels charge over thee." This verse is quoted in the New Testament account of the temptation in the wilderness.
• Psalm 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him." Here the speaker shifts to God, and the promise is proclaimed directly.

People and Places

• The LORD: In this psalm He is also called "the Most High" and "the Almighty."
• Messengers: Those whom God sends, commonly understood as angels.
• No specific individuals or places appear in this psalm.

Points for Reflection

• Authorship: The Septuagint presents this psalm as a psalm of David. Some strands of Jewish tradition reportedly regarded it, in connection with the preceding psalm, as a psalm of Moses. The text itself, however, does not identify its author.
• Connection to the New Testament: During the temptation in the wilderness, Satan quotes verses 11–12 to tempt Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10–11). Jesus answers with the words of Deuteronomy, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." This scene is often read as a warning against using the psalm's promises as grounds for putting God to the test. The words of Luke 10:19, "to tread on serpents and scorpions," also echo the imagery of verse 13.
• Differences in interpretation: Some read the psalm's promises of protection as a literal guarantee of physical safety. Others read them as a confession of trust that God remains present even in the midst of suffering. This question also arises in discussions of prosperity theology.
• Liturgical use: The Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and other traditions have used this psalm in night prayer said before retiring for the night.

In the Korean Church

Psalm 91 is frequently read during pastoral visits and prayer meetings as a word of comfort and protection in the face of illness or danger. Because of the word "pestilence" in verses 3 and 6, it is reported to have been widely quoted in many churches during the COVID-19 pandemic.