Psalms 91

The Psalmist representeth here in what condition the godly are here in this world, rehearsing the manifold favours and benefits they are made partakers of, which put their whole confidence in the Lord.

1. He that is seated in the hiding place of the most High [i.e. under his protection, further signified by his shadow in this same verse; Compare Numb.14.9. Ruth.2. 12. Psalms 17:8. and 36.8. and 61.5. and 63.8. Hos.14.8. with the Annot.] shall lodge in the shadow of the almighty. [of the Hebrew word here used, See Genesis 17:1.]

2. I shall say to the LORD; [Or, I say of the LORD;] My refuge, and my fortress: My God, in whom I trust.

3. For he shall rescue thee [With these words the Prophet seemeth to stir up himself; or, he applieth himself to every faithful soul] from the gin; [see the like expression on, Psalms 10:9.] of the Fowler: [i.e. from all subtil both bodily and spiritual enemies, especially from the Devil, which goeth round about us still, seeking whom he may devour. God maketh use both of the good and the evil angels service, for the executing of his judgements: See 2 Sam.24.v.16. and 2 Kings 19:35. and 1 Cor.10.10.] from the very destructive pestilence.

4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and thou shalt trust under his wings: [See Ruth cap.2.on v.12.] His Truth is a Target and Buckler, [i.e. the stedfastness or firmness of his holy promises shall serve thee for protection, even as a mans body is secured against the strokes and shots of the enemy, by a broad shield. This Paul ascribes to faith, Ephes.6.16. because the same layeth hold, and holdeth fast to Gods promises.]

5. Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night: i.e. of that which otherwise by night doth easily fright men] of the Arrow which flieth by day:

6. Of the pestilence which walketh in obscurity: of the destruction which wasteth at noon day: [i.e. openly, so likewise Jer.15.8. as if he said. Thou shalt not be afraid of the pestilence, neither by night nor by day; yea, though it snatch away may round about thee: the Lord shall preserve thee; if so be namely, it may make for his glory, and for thy salvation.]

7. At thy side, [viz. On thy left side] there shall fall a thousand [viz. By the said pestilence] and ten thousand at thy right hand; to thee it shall not reach.

8. Onely thou shalt behold it with thine eyes; [Namely, how fearfully the wicked shall be set upon by that plague] and thou shalt see the recompensed of the ungodly; [i.e. how the ungodly shall be recompensed for their malice, and how God shall punish them.]

9. For thou LORD, art my refuge: thou hast put the most high [This may be taken as the Prophets words unto himself; or to every faithfull soul, as above v.3.] for thy retreat: [viz. Where thou maist dwell and abide in safety.]

10. There shall no evil happen to thee, nor no plague approach thy Tent.

11. For he shall charge his angels of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways, [viz. In all those which God hath commanded thee to walk in: These words the Devil left out, when he alledged this verse, disputing with Christ, Mat.4.6.]

12. They shall carry thee upon the hands, that thou hurt thy foot at no stone.

13. Thou shalt tread upon [Or Over] the fell Lion and the Adder; [viz. Without receiving any hurt by them: understand by the name of the Lion and the Adder, all other creatures or things besides, which may hurt or hinder a man in soul or body they are all subdued and overcome by faith, Mark 16:17,18. Hob.11.33,34. See the example of David, 1 Sam.17.34. of the three young men, Dan. 3. And of Daniel himself, ch.6.22.] thou shalt tread down, the young Lion and the Dragon.

14. Because be loveth me much, [Heb. Viz. The faithful man, or true believer] (saith God) I shall help him out: I shall set him upon an high place, for he knoweth my Name. [i.e. He doth love and honour me, as Psalms 1:6. or he acknowledgeth me for his God, in whom he putteth his trust. See Psal.9.on v.11.]

15. He shall call upon me, and I will hear him: [Or, (when) he shall etc.] in the distress I shall be with him, I shall draw him forth, and shall honour him.

16. I shall fill (or satisfy) him with length of days; [It is said of Abraham, Isaac, David, Job, etc. That they were full, (or satisfied) of days, Gen.25.v.8. and ch.35.29. 1 Chron.23.1. Job 42:17.] and I will make him see my salvation and deliverance, which is the cheifest good God sheweth the godly, and which doth follow upon their long Life here, and final departure hence by death.]