Psalms 91

Ver. 1. He that dwelleth &c.] “To dwell in the secret place of the Most High,” is a figurative expression, and signifies no more than to put ourselves under the Divine protection. Green.

Psalms 91:3

3. Surely he shall deliver &c.] Leaving the former sentence unfinished, the Psalmist turns and addresses the same person whom he had been describing: “He indeed shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, from the destroying pestilence.” Bp. Lowth.

Psalms 91:4

4-7. He shall cover thee &c.] This imagery is beautiful and diversified, and at the same time uncommonly solemn and sublime. Bp. Lowth.

Psalms 91:8

8. Only with thine eyes &c.] The meaning is, that the righteous person all along spoken of, himself secure

from the judgments of God, should in safety behold the destruction wrought by them upon impenitent and incorrigible sinners. Bp. Horne.

Psalms 91:12

12. — lest thou dash &c.] Lest any the slightest harm should befall thee. Bp. Patrick. See the quotation of these words at Matt. iv. 6.

Psalms 91:13

13. Thou shalt tread &c.] The most noxious and venomous creatures shall have no power to hurt thee, but thou shalt subdue and trample them under foot. So shall Christ triumph over the “dragon, that old serpent,” Rev. xx. 2, and He shall make his faithful servants victorious “over all the power of the enemy,” Luke x. 19. Travell.

— the dragon] See the notes on Deut. xxxii. 33; Psalm xlv. 19; and Lam. iv. 3.

Psalms 91:14

14. Because he hath set &c.] In the former part of the Psalm the prophet spoke in his own person; here God Himself is plainly introduced as the speaker. Bp. Horne.

— because he hath known my name.] Hath acknowledged my power, and relied on that alone for protection. Bp. Patrick, Travell.

How much man stands in need of the protection of Heaven, appears from a survey of the dangers to which he is continually exposed. Various are the terrours of the night, manifold the perils of the day; from diseases, whose infection makes its progress unobserved; from assaults, casualties, and accidents, which can neither be foreseen, nor guarded against. The soul has likewise her enemies ready to attack and surprise her at all hours. Avarice and ambition are abroad watching for her in the day; while concupiscence, like a pestilence, “walketh in darkness.” In adversity she is disturbed by terrours; in prosperity still more endangered by pleasures. But Jesus Christ has overcome the world, to prevent us from being overcome by it. Bp. Horne.