Psalm 91

Introduction.—Ps. 91 contains a message of comfort for all who pass through times of trouble, and especially for “God’s commandment-keeping people” (see 8T 120) and for those who shall experience “the time of trouble” and the perils of the last days (see Ed 181; PP 110; PK 538; GC 630; 8T 120, 121). The psalm has for its theme the security of the one who puts his trust in God. The shift in pronouns in vs. 1–13 is probably accounted for by the liturgical use to which this psalm was probably put, its several parts being chanted in the worship service by solo voices, or voices answering each other antiphonally. The psalm may be compared with Eliphaz’ description of the good man’s life (see Job 5:17–26), but is more sublime (see Prov. 3:21–26).

1. Dwelleth. The idea is that of quiet repose as in a dwelling.

Secret place. When we are “admitted into closest intimacy and communion with God” (MB 188), we may be said to dwell “in the secret place of the most High.”

Most High. Heb. ХElyon. See Vol. I, pp. 170–173, on this name for God, and on the three other names employed in vs. 1, 2: “Almighty” (Shaddai), “Lord” (Yahweh), “God” (ХElohim).

Under the shadow. See on Ps. 17:8.

Verses 1, 4 will bring special comfort to those who heed God’s warning in “the day of the Lord” (see PP 167).

2. I. The psalmist makes this sentiment the special personal expression of the satisfaction of his need.

Refuge. See Ps. 18:2; 144:2.

Will I trust. See Ps. 31:6; 55:23. “In God we trust” is the motto minted on coins of the United States of America.

3. Surely he. Emphatic in the Hebrew.

Snare. See Ps. 124:7. Satan sets many snares for the children of God.

Noisome pestilence. Literally, “plague of destructions.” In the time of trouble “the people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation, and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish” (GC 629).

4. Shield. Heb. sinnah (see on Ps. 5:12).

6. Pestilence. Heb. deber, “plague,” personified as walking abroad in the dark of the night, when its movements cannot be detected.

Destruction. Heb. qeteb, possibly the name of some disease. Protecting men from such evils is the work of the angels (DA 348; AA 153).

7. A thousand … ten thousand. Poetic use of large round numbers for rhetorical effect. The Hebrew word translated “ten thousand” sometimes signifies merely an unspecified large number. In Ugaritic (see p. 618) this word is also often used in parallel constructions with “thousand,” and simply denotes large numbers. No calculation should be made from such figurative use of numbers.

Nigh thee. Whatever danger there may be, it will not touch the one whose confidence is in God. Under the protection of God, he is safe. This is the conviction that gives a man the steady eye of faith in his hour of supreme danger.

8. With thine eyes. You will see the punishment of the wicked, but experience no part in it (see Ps. 37:34). The Israelites had looked on as the Egyptians perished in the Red Sea (see Ex. 14:31); in the land of Goshen they had watched the calamities that fell upon the Egyptians.

9. Most High. See on v. 1.

Habitation. See on Ps. 90:1.

11. Angels. See Ps. 34:7; Gen. 24:7, 40; cf. Heb. 1:14. God’s faithful children are under the constant care of the angels (see DA 240; GC 512, 513; MH 105; 6T 366, 367).

In all thy ways. Compare Satan’s use of this scripture in the wilderness temptation of Christ (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10, 11).

12. Bear thee. Compare Prov. 3:23, 24.

13. Lion. Figurative for a violent foe.

Adder. Heb. pethen, a species of poisonous snake (see Deut. 32:33; Job 20:14, 16; Isa. 11:8 for other occurrences of pethen).

Dragon. See on Ps. 74:13. The word probably denotes a sea monster. He who trusts God is safe in the midst of the most fearful dangers, as if he were walking unharmed amid venomous serpents.

14. Set his love. By an abrupt and dramatic change, God becomes the Speaker; as if it were not enough for His children to encourage one another (as in vs. 1–13), God now speaks in His own Person and stamps on the psalm the seal of His own promise (see Ps. 50:15, 23).

Will I deliver him. God’s ratification of the profession of His servants as expressed in vs. 3, 7, 10–13.

Name. See on Ps. 5:11; 7:17. Knowing God’s name implies faith and trust in Him.

15. I will answer. Compare Isa. 65:24.

In trouble. See Ps. 46:1; cf. Deut. 4:7; Isa. 43:2.

16. Will I satisfy him. The ultimate satisfaction that God promises will be life in His presence (see Ps. 17:15). Nothing less than this can satisfy the human heart.

My salvation. True religion blesses a man in this life and in the life to come (see 1 Tim. 4:8). In view of the eternal satisfaction that God promises, how can we spend our energies for merely transient, petty earthly gains and hardly move a finger to secure the fulfillment of the promises?

Ellen G. White comments

1–168T 120

1 AH 274; CH 362; MB 188; PP 167

1, 2 4T 525

3–10GC 630

4 PP 167

6 AA 153; DA 348

9, 10 Ed 181; PK 538; PP 110

11 EW 271; FE 177; GC 517, 560, 629; ML 31, 56, 160, 302; PP 256; Te 35, 286; 3T 363 (see under Ps. 34:7)

14 PP 110

16 COL 289; PP 167