• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for Jan. 11 focuses on Psalm 91:1-4, 9-11, 14-16.
Introduction
Protection is the great theme of Psalm 91.The first section (vv. 1-13) is the proclamation and the recommendation of the Almighty as the great covenant Lord. His great benefit is protecting and preserving the lives of his faithful ones. The second section (vv. 14-16) contains the Lord’s declaration of his intent to bless and preserve the lives of those who love him. The concluding section of this grand psalm delivers one of the most astounding moments in all Scripture.
The word “protect” found in verse 14 is among the eight outstanding “I wills” which show us God’s amazing heart regarding his people. “Shelter” (v. 1), “refuge” (vv. 2, 4, 9), and “rescue” (v. 14) also convey protection. Still other words and images convey God’s protection for his children. A good exercise is to find each of these.
God’s faithfulness means we can count on his protection (Psalm 91:1-4)
The first two verses use four names of God in parallel pairs. The Most High refers to God’s exalted position above all authorities in the cosmic and spiritual realms. As the Most High, he is also the Almighty. No one is stronger than him. He is lofty in his absolute power, but he uses it to benefit his beloved people. This is reflected by his covenant name, Yahweh, which following Hebrew reverence, is rendered Lord (Adonai). Those in a covenant relationship with God experience the greatness of his power. The fourth divine name is the general word “God,” the only way non-believers refer to him. God’s power is evident to non-believers, but the extent of his loving care for people is missed by those whose sin presses them to oppose him.
Verses 1-4 speak of shelter, rest, refuge, saving and shield. The multiplicity of wording underscores the Lord’s abundant reassurance that he mightily and tenderly attends to the safety of his people. Verse 4 speaks of the Lord’s “wings,” the ultimate refuge for God’s people. They crave to be in his personal presence and he desires to look after them personally. The Lord’s people cannot be snared (v. 3) nor will they perish like the general population because they have God’s attentive care.
The expression of trust in verse 2 comes early and receives the attention of the entire psalm. It is answered in verse 14 where the Lord interprets the believer’s trust as love. Faith is tremendously compelling to the Lord (see Hebrews 11:6).
The interesting dynamic of this psalm is its five-part process of praise. The first part is the movement of the Most High (v. 1) in an individual’s life. Second is a person’s response of trust (v. 2). Next comes the Lord’s lavish reaction to the believer’s faith. Fourth, the believer sings about the grand benefits of knowing the Lord (vv. 3-13). Finally, the Lord explains his extravagant reaction to the praise of those who have trusted him (vv. 14-16).
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
God’s sovereignty means he can protect us in all things (Psalm 91:9-11)
Verses 9-13 comprise an invitation to the non-believer to trust in the Lord. It is a personal recommendation (v. 9). The benefits of trust are available immediately.
This psalm became famous for providing Satan with a passage to misuse while tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11). Satan drew from this psalm’s invitation section but characteristically twists the meaning of the believer’s benefits. The passage encourages people to focus upon the Most High, making him one’s dwelling place. “Then,” says verse 10, benefits will flow. The “doing” part is making God one’s dwelling place. We must trust him constantly, and he will respond grandly.
Satan’s use of verses 11-12 is a classic case of quoting out of context. The poetic wording must not be taken woodenly. Its eternal truth is certain: God will not allow enduring harm to come to his people. This truth cannot be mistaken for a blind, literalistic understanding of a believer’s life in this world. If that were the case, many believers would have complaints against the Almighty who did not powerfully fulfill his promises. Satan wants to cast serious doubts on God’s ability to deliver on his promises.
Thus Satan lured Jesus to test his relationship with God. Jesus modeled a life of trust for all to see. One cannot, however, test and also trust. Thus Jesus’ terse reply, “Do not put the Lord to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16), decisively ended the temptation. Interestingly, the evil one omitted verse 13 from his quote, which refers to trampling on serpents. Perhaps the Lord inspired verse 13 to warn Satan about things to come.
A loving relationship with God keeps us under his protection (Psalm 91:14-16)
Psalm 91 concludes grandly with the Lord explaining his extravagant reaction to his people’s trust. What began as trust in verse 2 has grown into love by verse 14. Excited by such a development, the Lord responds with eight spectacular “I wills” promising rescue, protection, answers to prayer, the Lord’s presence in times of trouble (See Psalm 46:1), deliverance, honor, long life, and salvation. The passage is reminiscent of Genesis 12:2-3.
Notice the activity of those who trust: They love the Lord (v. 14); acknowledge him (v. 14); and call upon him (v. 15). Many people say they love God; far fewer get their business correct with him. Acknowledging the Lord is to submit to his authority. To call upon him is an expression of faith. A right relationship with God is one of truth from first to last, and God reacts with lavish promises—and fulfillment—to protect his people’s precious lives for eternity.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.