SAFETY-Psalm 91
Does God and the Bible promise and guarantee safety and security for His people?
Under His Wings: “Whoever dwells [makes his home] in the shelter [covering, secret place] of the Most High [ʿelyôn] will rest [abide] in the shadow of the Almighty [Shaddai]. 2 I will say of the Lord [Yahweh], ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God [Elohim], in whom I trust.’” “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Ps 91:1-2, 4).
- The believer speaks to God (Psalm 1-2). “He is my refuge” (Psalm 91:2).
- The psalmist speaks to believers (Ps 91:3-13). “Surely he will save you” (Psalm 91:3).
- God speaks to all (14-16). “I will rescue him” (Psalm 91:14).
How does Psalm 91 point to Christ?
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Ps 91:4).
- Jesus is our Mother Hen.
“…how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…” (Mt 23:37).
“…you will trample … the serpent…” (Ps 91:13).
- Jesus crushed Satan’s head.
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom 16:20).
“I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him…” (Ps 91:15).
- Jesus was forsaken for us to be delivered.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46; Ps 22:1).
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” (Jn 12:27-28).
References:
- The Defense of the Most High. Stott. 1988. 1. The believer (1-2). 2. The psalmist (3-13). 3. The Lord (14-16).
- Longman III, Garland. 2008. In the Shelter of the Most High.
- Keller. 2015. 1. 2 ways God protects (1-4). 2. No harm will befall you (5-13). 3. Sweets compacted (14-16).
- Kidner. 1973. 1975. Under his wings 1. My refuge (1-2). 2. Your refuge (3-13). 3. God’s pledge (14-16). Trusting God in Difficult Times (Psalm 91).
- Motyer. 2016. The Protected Species. A1. Affirmation of protection (1).
- Refuge (Ps 91:1-2). Affirmation/assurance of protection.
- Salvation (Ps 91:3-8). God will save you.
- Confidence (Ps 91:9-13). No harm will overtake you.
- Rescue (Ps 91:14-16). I will rescue You.