Psalm 91:13

Psalm 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

a. NLT: You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

b. NIV: You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

c. Amplified Bible: You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:13]: Thou shalt tread on the asp and basilisk: and thou shalt trample on the lion and dragon.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Upon the lion and the viper you will tread; you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

1. “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder…”

a. tread [1869 * darak][Strong: a primitive root; to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending):--archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk.]

b. lion [7826 * shachal] [Strong: from an unused root probably meaning to roar; a lion (from his characteristic roar):--(fierce) lion.]

c. adder[6620 * pethen][Strong: from an unused root meaning to twist; an asp (from its contortions):--adder.]

2.  “…the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.”

a. young lion [3715 * kephiyr][Strong: a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane):--(young) lion, village. ]

b. dragon [8577 * tanniyn][Strong:  a marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal:--dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale.]

c. a similar promise is given in Luke 10 when the Lord is sending out the seventy to evangelize the lost. It is obvious that the terms lion and serpents and dragons are symbolically referring to demon spirits.

1). Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

            2). The key difference in the differences in the Covenants is under the Old Covenant, the                     believer walked in obedience and with their mouth confessed that the Most High was their                   defense. Under the New Covenant the believer must walk in obedience and confess what the               Word says but the difference is the believer has the authority to command the devil. They are               subject to us.

Psalm 91:12

Psalm 91:12

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

a. NLT: They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

b. NIV: they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

c. Amplified Bible: They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

d. Septuagint: They shall bear thee up on their hands, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: On [their] palms they will carry you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

1. “They shall bear thee up in their hands…”

a. bear thee up [5375 * nasa’] [Strong: a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. and rel. (as follows):--accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable (+ man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.]

b. hands [3709 * kaph] [Strong: from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); figuratively, power:--branch, + foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.]

1). This particular promise in Psalm 91:11, 12 is very positive and powerful, but as Scripture reveals, it can be misapplied as tempting God. When Jesus went into the desert after being filled with the Holy Ghost he experienced at least three powerful temptations from the devil recorded in Matthew and Luke. Both Gospels record the devil attempting to tempt Jesus with this promise from Psalm 91.

a). Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

b). Luke 4:9-12 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

2). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary: Preservation in danger is divinely pledged: shall I then create danger, either to put the promised security skeptically to the proof, or wantonly to demand a display of it? That were 'to tempt the Lord my God,' which, being expressly forbidden, would forfeit the right to expect preservation.

3). Adam Clark’s Commentary: To expose myself to any danger naturally destructive, with the vain presumption that God will protect and defend me from the ruinous consequences of my imprudent conduct, is to tempt God.

4). The same can be seen today with those who willfully handle snakes and drink poison to demonstrate their faith. It is tempting God. 

Psalm 91:11

Psalm 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

a. NLT: For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

b. NIV: For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

c. Amplified Bible: For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:11: For he shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings? Prophets: He will charge His angles for you, to protect you in all your ways. 

1. “For he shall give his angels charge over thee…”

a. For [Strong: 3588 * kiy kee a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet.]

b. [he shall give his] angels [Strong: 4397 mal'ak mal-awk'; from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher):--ambassador, angel, king, messenger.]

c. charge [over thee] [Strong: 6680 tsavah tsaw-vaw'; a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin:--appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.]

1). This is an awesome Old Covenant promise that we have, that our Lord has commanded his angels to watch over us as we walk in Covenant with him. Everything in this verse is a result of us making the LORD our habitation. I believe that we in the New Covenant have something even more powerful. When we look at the passage in Ephesians supported by a multitude of passages that details our authority in Christ we see we have been given authority over all angelic hosts, good and bad.

a). Ephesians 1:15-21 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

2). In the above passage it does not differentiate between good or bad angels, it says authority over “all principality, and power, and might, and dominion”.

3). In a passage used to support our authority over angels, ministers have stressed that angels of God will be obedient to the voice or sound of God’s word being spoken, regardless if it is God or us. I believe the sound wisdom behind this verse is the reason we should confess the word in faith and expect angels to respond to God’s word.

a).  Psalm 103:20, 21 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

103:21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

4). Couple this promise with the authority of the believer under the New Covenant and I believe you have a solid place to stand in faith for divine protection.

2. “…to keep thee in all thy ways.”

a. [to] keep thee [Strong: 8104 shamar shaw-mar'; a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).]

1). This is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 2 to describe Adam’s responsibility in the garden..

a). Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

2). It is also used in Genesis 3 to describe the responsibility of the Cherubims to keep man from the tree of life.

a). Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

3). Just as the Cherubim were faithful in keeping man from the tree of life, the angels of the Lord will protect us in all our ways. We need to believe it and confess it. In all our ways refers to all of our ways as we live in Covenant with God, in the fear of God. Walking in disobedience would not fall under these words. Rabbinic tradition teaches that the angels are not merely protectors but also witnesses to man’s behavior. The phrase “in all thy ways” has to be limited by his willful obedience of the word. This promise was quoted by the devil in an attempt to tempt Christ Jesus.

a). Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

). Jesus clearly responded with the Scripture with what is written, that to do so would be to tempt God.

c). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary: Preservation in danger is divinely pledged: shall I then create danger, either to put the promised security skeptically to the proof, or wantonly to demand a display of it? That were 'to tempt the Lord my God,' which, being expressly forbidden, would forfeit the right to expect preservation.

d). Adam Clark’s Commentary:  To expose myself to any danger naturally destructive, with the vain presumption that God will protect and defend me from the ruinous consequences of my imprudent conduct, is to tempt God.

b. in all [Strong: 3605 * kol kole or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever).]

c. thy ways [Strong: 1870 * derek deh'-rek from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever).]

Psalm 91:10

Psalm 91:10

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

a. NLT: no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

b. NIV: no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

c. Amplified Bible: There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

d. Septuagint: No evils shall come upon thee, and no scourge shall draw night to the dwelling.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

1. “There shall no evil befall thee…”

a. evil [7451 * ra’][Strong: bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):-- adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure), distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).]

b. befall [579 * ‘anah][Strong: to approach; hence, to meet in various senses:--befall, deliver, happen, seek a quarrel.]

c. [Thomas Watson] God doth not say no afflictions shall befall us, but no evil.

1). Everything in this verse is a result of us making the LORD our habitation. The Bible says in the Old Testament and in the New Testament that afflictions will come to the believer.

a). Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

b). Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

2. “…neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

a. plague [5061 * nega’][Gesenius:  stroke, plague, disease, mark, plague spot, stroke, wound, stroke (metaphorical of disease), mark (of leprosy).]

b. come nigh [7126 * qarab][Gesenius: to come near, approach, enter into, draw near, to approach, draw near, to be brought near, to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near, to bring near, bring, present.]

      c. dwelling [168 * ‘ohel][Gesenius:  tent, nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life,               transience, dwelling, home, habitation, the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle)]

Psalm 91:9

Psalm 91:9

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

a. NLT: If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,

b. NIV: If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

c. Amplified Bible: Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:9]: For thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou, my soul, hast made the Most High thy refuge.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Because [you said], “You HASHEM, are my refuge,” you have made the Most High your abode. 

1. “Because thou hast made the LORD…”

a. In this verse we see the explanation for the Divine protection given to those in Covenant with God, it is because of this, BECAUSE THOU HAST MADE THE LORD. This verse is the catalyst for what occurs in verses Psalm 91:10-13, Because we have made the LORD our habitation. 

b. made [7760 * suwm][Strong: a primitive root; to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically):--X any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, + disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, + name, X on, ordain, order, + paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), + regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, + stedfastly, take, X tell, + tread down, ((over-))turn, X wholly, work.]

c. LORD [3068 * Yehovah] [Strong: from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

2. “…which is my refuge even the most High…”

a. refuge [4268 * machacsh][Gesenius:  refuge, shelter from rain or storm, from danger, of falsehood.] [Strong: from 2620; a shelter (literally or figuratively):--hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust.]

b. most High [5945 * ‘elyown] [Strong:  from 5927; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).

If it was Moses who wrote this Psalm then he is referring back to himself and affirming what he wrote in verse 2, that those who are dwell under the shadow of the Most High say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

3. “…thy habitation;”

a. habitation [4583 * ma’own][[Gesenius: dwelling, habitation, refuge, lair, refuge (of jackals), dwelling.] [Strong: an abode, of God (the Tabernacle or the Temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum):--den, dwelling((-)place), habitation.]

      b. Adam Clark says in his commentaries that the Targum says this Psalm is a dialogue between           David, Solomon and Jehovah. This is interesting because there are three different personalities           referred to in this Psalm. The speaker in Psalm 91:1, 2, the person he is speaking to in Psalm               91:3-13, and then the LORD speaks in Psalm 91:14-16. In the rest of the Psalm the writer, be it           Moses or David, is speaking to us or to Solomon and explaining that because we have done as he,       Moses or David, made the LORD our habitation, then these divine protections are ours. 

Psalm 91:7

Psalm 91:7

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

a. NLT: Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

b. NIV: A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

c. Amplified Bible: A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:7]: A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

e. Stone Edition: A thousand may fall victim at your side and a myriad at your right hand, but to you it shall not approach.

1. “A thousand shall fall at thy side…”

a. thousand [505 * ‘eleph] [Strong: the same as 504; hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand:--thousand.]

b. shall fall [5307 * naphal] [Strong: a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative):--be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for 6419), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (X hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, X surely, throw down.]

c. side [6654 * tsad] [Strong: from an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary:--(be-)side.]

1). We must remember that in the previous verse Rabbinic thought was that the last part of Psalm 91:6 referred to demonic spirits. Carrying those thoughts into this verse tells us even under the Old Covenant demonic spirits were no match for someone in Covenant with God. The difference though between us in the New Covenant and those under the Old Covenant is they did not have the authority we have. We only need to look a few passages to see this. The first is in the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.

a). Mark 1:23-27 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

2). They were shocked that Jesus could command devils to obey him. Looking at another familiar Scripture, this one on tithing we see that faithful Jews waited on God to deal with demonic spirits.

a). Malachi 3:10, 11  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

c. Under the New Covenant we have authority over demonic spirits, an authority given to us when we got saved.

1). Ephesians 1:19-23 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2). All principality and power, and might and dominion, and every named that is named includes the spirits who would destroy what is left after the tithe and offering.

d. Tehillim: Commentary from Talmudic, Midrashic and Rabbinic Sources: According to Rashi, this means that thousands and myriads of demons will fall before the man who is shielded by God’s truth.

2. “…and ten thousand at thy right hand…”

a. ten thousand [7233 * rebabah][Gesenius: multitude, myriad, ten thousand.][Strong: abundance (in number), i.e. (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite):--many, million, X multiply, ten thousand.]

b. right hand [3225 * yamiyn] [Strong: from 3231; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south:--+ left-handed, right (hand, side), south.]

3. “…but it shall not come nigh thee.”

a. come nigh [5066 * nagash] [Strong: a primitive root; to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; relig. to worship; causatively, to present; figuratively, to adduce an argument; by reversal, to stand back:--(make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand.]

      b. Tehillim: Commentary from Talmudic, Midrashic and Rabbinic Sources: Midrash Shocher Tov       explains that the man of faith is shielded from the forces of evil by a vanguard of angels at his left       hand and at his right.

Psalm 91:6

Psalm 91:6

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

a. NLT: Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

b. NIV: nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

c. Amplified Bible:  Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:6]: [nor] of the [evil] thing that walks in darkness; [nor] of calamity, and the evil spirit at noon-day.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: nor the pestilence that walks in gloom; nor of the arrow that flies by day;

1. “Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness…”

a. pestilence [1698 * deber][Gesenius:  pestilence, plague, murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague.][Strong: a pestilence:--murrain, pestilence, plague.]

b. walketh [1980 * halak][Strong: a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread, still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.]

c. darkness [652 * ‘ophel][Gesenius: darkness, gloom, spiritual unreceptivity, calamity (fig.)] [Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament: A masculine noun, used only in poetry to denote darkness, gloom, especially a thick darkness. Although the term can be used in reference to physical darkness (Job 28:3; Psalm 91:6), it is more often used in a figurative sense to designate things like obscurity (Job 3:6); death (Job 10:22); evil (Job 23:17; 30:26; Psalm 11:2). In Isaiah 29:18, the term has both literal and a figurative meaning in reference to the blind.]

d. Rabbinic thought on this verse part of the verse focuses on demonic activity. Many seeds of truth presented in the Old Testament, such as this one are further revealed in the New Testament. The words in this verse speak of a “pestilence”, a disease or plague that “walks” in darkness. What a fascinating word picture! According to Blue Letter Bible this word is translated “go” 217 times and “walk” 156 times. The Bible says that within Satan’s kingdom there are ranks of spirits or demons. The Apostle Paul lists some of them in Ephesians 6:12. Within these ranks, or authority levels of evil there are spirits that focus on a particular form of evil. Acts 16:16 speaks of a “spirit of divination”, that is a spirit that focuses on occult manifestation. In Luke’s Gospel (Luke 13:11), he mentions Jesus casting out of a woman a “spirit of infirmity”, a spirit or a devil that caused her sickness and disease. Ultimately all sickness and disease originates from the devil and tied directly from the fall of man but not every sickness is caused by a spirit, but the Bible clearly says some are. In Psalm 91:6 God’s word speaks to believers to not be afraid of a pestilence, a spirit of sickness and disease that walks in darkness. We need to build are faith in these truths, to enable us to withstand in the evil day. In Christ we have been given authority over all the work of the enemy. We have been given authority over all evil spirits.

1). Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

2). Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2. “…nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”

a. destruction [6986 * geteb][Strong: from an unused root meaning to cut off; ruin:--destroying, destruction.

Psalm 91:5

Psalm 91:5

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

a. NLT: Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

b. NIV: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

c. Amplified Bible: You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:5]:  Thou shalt not be afraid of terror by night; nor of the arrow flying by day; 

1. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night…”

a. thou [859 * ‘attah][Strong: a primitive pronoun of the second person; thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you:--thee, thou, ye, you.]

b. not [3808 * lo’] [Strong: or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

c. afraid [3372 * yare’][Gesenius: to fear, revere, be afraid, to fear, be afraid, to stand in awe of, be awed, to fear, reverence, honour, respect, to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared, to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe, to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe, to make afraid, terrify, to shoot, pour.]

d. terror [6343 * pachad][Strong: a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling):--dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror.]

1). Terror is a much used word these days and appropriately describes the natural and normal response to horrific events that across the world are becoming common. We should be not afraid because of our God, not because of our nationality. It will be God who stops the ball bearings and the nails or whatever shrapnel evil finds to place into bombs to kill and maim. Not your flag or your laws and constitution.

e. night [3915 * layil][Strong: properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity:(mid-night (season).]

f. There are numerous passages of Scripture that sustain us and command us not to be afraid in the face of terror. It is only because of our God that we should not be afraid. Not because we are Americans.

1). Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2). Psalm 112:7, 8 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

3). Jesus likened being fearful to being of little faith.

a). Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

g. The reaction of some American citizens to terror in our country angers me. Their nationalism is idolatry. They hoist up their flag in smug arrogance and they shout “We are Americans this is our country and you aren’t going to change us.” They then go their way and celebrate killing children in the womb, all forms of sexual immorality and forcing God out of schools and government as American virtues protected by their constitution and their flag (which by the way they are), and then recite “One nation under God”. These are the facts Christian. You’re flag or you’re constitution will not stop one ball bearing or one nail from ripping your limbs off if you are in the close proximity to a terrorist bomb, but your Covenant relationship with Almighty God will! We as believers should be bold to proclaim we our safe because God is our protection not because we are Americans. 

1). Proverbs 3:19-26 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

3:26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

2. “…nor for the arrow that flieth by day:”

a. arrow [2671 * chets][Strong:  properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God) thunder-bolt;]

b. flieth [5774 * ‘uwph][Strong: a primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence (as denominative from '`owph' (5775)) to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning):--brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), X set, shine forth, weary.

      c. This verse establishes that as believers in the Most High God, we do not have to be afraid at             night or in the day, again, not because of our nationality but because we are in Covenant with             God.

Psalm 91:4

Psalm 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

a. NLT: He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

b. NIV: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

c. Amplified Bible: [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:4]: He shall overshadow thee with his shoulders, and thou shalt trust under his wings: his truth shall cover thee with a shield.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: With His pinion He will cover you, and beneath His wings you will be protected; His truth is shield and armor.

1. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust…”

a. cover [5526 * cakak] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect:--cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up.]

b. feathers [84 * ‘ebrah] [Strong: feminine of 83:--feather, wing.] Gesenius: wing, feather]

c. wings [3671 * kanaph] [Strong: from 3670; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle:--+ bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), X flying, + (one an-)other, overspreading, X quarters, skirt, X sort, uttermost part, wing((-ed)).]

d. trust [2620 * chacah] [Strong: a primitive root; to flee for protection (Compare 982); figuratively, to confide in:--have hope, make refuge, (put) trust.]

1). Moses is speaking metaphorically in a Covenant sense. The individual is physically not under a giant bird but is being protected by the Most High because he dwells in the secret place spiritually.

a). Psalm 17:8, 9 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

17:9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

b). Psalm 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

c). Psalm 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

2. “…his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

a. truth [571 * ‘emeth][Gesenius: firmness, faithfulness, truth, sureness, reliability, stability, continuance, faithfulness, reliableness, truth, as spoken, of testimony and judgment, of divine instruction, truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge, true doctrine.]

1). God’s truth is His word and it provides his people with all the armor they will ever need. As Psalm 91:2 declares, we need to speak it out.

b. shield [6793 * tsinnah][Gesenius:  shield, large shield, buckler, shield.][Strong: a hook (as pointed); also a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness); also cold (as piercing):-- buckler, cold, hook, shield, target.]

1). The LORD himself is our shield.

2). Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

c. buckler [5507 * cocherah] [Gesenius: buckler, shield.][Strong: something surrounding the person, i.e. a shield:--buckler.]

1). Some have described this as double armor, a shield and a buckler. God’s word is a dependable piece of armor.

            2). 2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a                     buckler to all them that trust in him.

Psalm 91:3

Psalm 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

a. NLT: For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

b. NIV: Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

c. Amplified Bible:  For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:3]: For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters, from [every] troublesome matter.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: For He will deliver you from the ensnaring trap, from devastating pestilence. 

1. “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler…”

a. deliver [5337 * natsal][Gesenius: to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder, to tear oneself away, deliver oneself, to be torn out or away, be delivered, to strip off, spoil, to deliver, to take away, snatch away, to rescue, recover, to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death), to deliver from sin and guilt, to be plucked out.]

b. snare  [6341 * pach][Gesenius:  bird trap, trap, snare, bird trap (literal), of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)]

c. fowler [3353 * yaquwsh][Gesenius: fowler, trapper, bait-layer.]

d. Every use of the word “fowler” is in a bad way, but the LORD will deliver us out from his traps.

1). Psalm 124:7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

2. “…and from the noisome pestilence.”

a. noisome [1942 * havvah][Gesenius: desire, desire (in bad sense), chasm (fig. of destruction), engulfing ruin, destruction, calamity][Strong: desire; also ruin:--calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness.]

b. pestilence [1698 * deber] [Gesenius:  pestilence, plague, murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague.][Strong:  a pestilence:murrain, pestilence, plague.]

1). Tehillim: (Radak) devastating pestilence.

2). The Hebrew word “deber” is found 49 times in the Old Testament. It is translated “pestilence” 47 times, “plagues” once and “murrain” once.

Psalm 91:2

Psalm 91:2

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

a. NLT: This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

b. NIV: I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

c. Amplified Bible: I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely,and in Him I [confidently] trust!

d. Septuagint: He shall say to the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge: my God; I will hope in him.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: I will say of HASHEM, “[He is] my refuge and my fortress, my God, I will trust in Him.”

1. “I will say of the LORD…”

a. say [559 * amar] [Strong:  a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

b. LORD [3068 * Yehovaj] [Strong: from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

1). The first two verse in this Psalm highlight the necessary parts we play in this Divine Insurance policy, the first is revealed in verse one that concerns our obedience to the word, the second being our confession concerning it. I don’t think the Scriptures could be clearer about the importance of the words that come out of our mouth. The necessary principle is all through the Bible.

a). Proverbs 18:20, 21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

2). Accessing the promises starting with salvation and entrance in the New Covenant all involve the words that come out of our mouth.

a). Romans 10:6-10 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

3). Faith is a spiritual principle, it is a spiritual force that consists of believing and speaking. When we got saved we believed and we spoke; it is the same with all the promises in the Scripture.

a). 2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

b). Roman 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2. “…He is my refuge and my fortress…”

a. refuge [4268 * machaceh][Gesenius:  refuge, shelter

from rain or storm, from danger, of falsehood.][Strong: a shelter (literally or figuratively):--hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust.]

b. fortress [4686 * matsuwd][Strong:  a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; --castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place.]

c. Tehillim: The devout man who sits in the refuge of the Most High declares publically that God is his refuge from all physical dangers, and his fortress protecting him from all human enemies.

3. “…my God; in him will I trust.”

a. The man is continuing to speak and he says that the LORD is “my God”.

b. God [430 * ‘elohiym][Strong:  gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.

1). [Blue Letter Bible] This word is used 2606 times in the Old Testament, 2346 times it is referring to God.

c. trust [982 * batach][Gesenius: to trust, to trust, trust in, to have confidence, be confident, to be bold, to be secure, to cause to trust, make secure, to feel safe, be careless.

1). The last word in the above definition is “careless”, I think a more appropriate word would be carefree. In our relationship with God we are to be free from care.

a). Philippians 4:6, 7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2). We trust Him and we know that he hears our prayers and he answers our petitions.

a). 1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Psalm 91:1

Psalm 91

1. According to a Midrash of Radak, Moses composed this Psalm on the day he completed the construction of the Tabernacle. Another Midrash , Midrash Tanchuma (Nasso 23) states that Moses composed this Psalm when he ascended Mount Sinai. Moses dwelt in the secret place of the Most High for three periods of forty days, a total of one hundred and twenty days.

2. Adam Clark says in his commentaries that the Targum says this Psalm is a dialogue between David, Solomon and Jehovah. This is interesting because there are three different personalities referred to in this Psalm. The speaker in Psalm 91:1, 2, the person he is speaking to in Psalm 91:3-13, and then the LORD speaks in Psalm 91:14-16.

Psalm 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

a. ASV: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

b. YLT: He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually,

c. Amplified Bible: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

d. Septuagint [Listed under Psalm 90:1]: He that dwells in the help of the Highest, shall sojourn under the shelter of the God of heaven.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Whoever sits in the refuge of the Most High, he shall dwell in the [protective] shade of the Almighty.

1. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High…”

a. [He that] dwelleth [Strong: 3427 yashab yaw-shab' a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle), (down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry.][Gesenius: to dwell, remain, sit, abide, to sit, sit down, to be set, to remain, stay, to dwell, have one's abode, to be inhabited,  to set, place, to cause to sit, to cause to abide, set, to cause to dwell, to cause (cities) to be inhabited, to marry (give an dwelling to), to be inhabited, to make to dwell.]

b. [in the] secret place [Strong: 5643 cether say'-ther or (feminine) cithrah (Deut. 32:38), {sith-raw'}; a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense):--backbiting, covering, covert, X disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place).] [Gesenius: covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy, covering, cover, hiding place, shelter, secret place, secrecy, secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)]

c. [of the] most High [Strong: 5945 'elyown el-yone'; from 5927;  an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).]

1). Under the Old Covenant, God dwelt in a tabernacle or in the Temple because of the Covenant. Under the New Covenant which is a far better Covenant, God dwells in the human spirit.

a). Romans 8:9-11 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

b). 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

c). 1 John 4:15, 16 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

2). Under the New Covenant we have better promises, He dwells in us and we dwell in Him, in the secret place of the Most High.

2. “…shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

a. shall abide [Strong: 3885: luwn loon or liyn {leen}; a primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain):--abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night).] [Gesenius:  to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide, to lodge, pass the night, to abide, remain (fig.), to cause to rest or lodge, to dwell, abide.]

1). John 15:4-6 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

b. [under the] shadow [Strong: 6738 tsel tsale; shade, whether literal or figurative:--defence, shade(-ow).] [Gesenius: shadow, shade, shadow, shadow, shade (as protection), shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life).]

c. [of the] Almighty [Strong: 7706 Shadday shad-dah'-ee from 7703; the Almighty:--Almighty.]  [Gesenius:  almighty, most powerful, Shaddai, the Almighty (of God).]

1). The Scriptures are clear that the person who dwells in the secret place of the most High, abides under the Almighty’s shadow and in His word. We must be obedient to the Word, but this is only one half of accessing this Divine protection aspect of the Covenant. The other half is revealed in the next verse. We must “say”, we must confess with our mouth. As we shall find, the secret place of the Most High is not a physical place, but a spiritual Covenant position accessed by faith. The individual is positionally in the secret place of the Most High and under his wings, yet physically is out where there is destruction arrows flying and walking pestilences.