Explanation: Psalm 91 describes the safety of those who take refuge in God. Neither the author nor the occasion are mentioned. However, in Hebrews 4:7 the Psalm is attributed to David. The occasion may have been the pestilence mentioned in 2 Samuel 24. Or the reference in Hebrews 4 may simply be to David as the editor rather than the author. Some commentators think that Moses was the author due to similarities in the Psalm with Deuteronomy 32 and Deuteronomy 33. The Psalm also contains a Messianic reference, as noted in Matthew 4:6. The painting above represents the "feel" of today's Psalm which represents the LORD a place of refuge -- separate, idyllic, and restful.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Deuteronomy 32. Deuteronomy 33. 2 Samuel 24. Matthew 4:6. Hebrews 4:7. WISDOM PSALMS. Psalm 1. Psalm 10. Psalm 12. Psalm 15. Psalm 19. Psalm 32. Psalm 34. Psalm 36. Psalm 37. Psalm 49. Psalm 50. Psalm 52. Psalm 53. Psalm 73. Psalm 78. Psalm 82. Psalm 91. Psalm 92. Psalm 94. Psalm 111. Psalm 112. Psalm 119. Psalm 127. Psalm 128. Psalm 133. Psalm 139. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 91 - #1. Psalm 91 - #2. Psalm 91 - #3. Psalm 91 - #4. Psalm 91 - #5. Psalm 91 - #6. Psalm 91 - #7. Psalm 91 - #8. Psalm 91 - #9. Psalm 91 - #10. Psalm 91 - #11. Psalm 91 - #12. Psalm 91 - #13. Psalm 91 - #14. Psalm 91 - #15. ]

     The Psalm opens with a statement that the one who dwells in the secret place (covered place, hiding place) of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Thus, the one who abides with God has supreme authority and supreme might on his side (1). The Psalmist applies this principle to himself, saying that the LORD is his refuge, his fortress, and his God. He will trust him (2). Then, addressing his audience, the Psalmist offers them a series of encouragements and exhortations. He tells them that the LORD will deliver them from the snare (net) of the fowler (trapper) and from the noisome pestilence (the destroying calamity). He will hide them under his wings; they will trust God; and God's truth will be their shield and buckler. They will not be afraid of terrors (alarms) by night, nor of arrows by day, nor of pestilence (destruction) which walks in darkness, nor for destruction (ruin) which wastes (devastates) at noon. A thousand will fall on their left and ten thousand on their right, but it will not come near them; they will only see God's retribution upon the wicked. This is because they have made the LORD their habitation. He will give his angels charge over them; they will keep them from stumbling into destruction. They will tread down lions, and adders, and the dragon (3-13). Then, in closing, God speaks to anyone who trusts him. He tells him that he will deliver him because he has set his love upon God; and God will set him on high because he knows his name. He will call, and God will answer. God will be with him in trouble, deliver him, and honor him. He will satisfy him with long life; and he will show him his salvation (14-16).