Verses 3 through 7 pf Psalm 91 are promises to us that he will preserve and protect us, delivering us from snares and pestilence (infectious disease). We don't need to walk in fear of the things in the night, nor of the attacks in the day, not for the pestilence that comes in the dark or the destruction that comes at noon. Even if there are many dying on our right side and on our left, He says that it will not come near us.
Does this mean protection from war/natural disasters/plagues? Do we even have a right to expect that? What do you think about this?
Embedded in these verses is this promise: “He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, shalt thou trust. His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” I love the imagery in Psalms. I have always pictured God with wings, like a chicken. I know I should be picturing an eagle or a hawk, but we have raised chickens. They are extremely protective of their young. Always on alert, scanning what's around and overhead to protect their young. The chicks know to come running and dive under those wings for protection. They don’t think about it. They just do it, knowing instinctively that they will be safe. That mother chicken will die defending her babies.
How does He choose to defend us? With His truth! And we know who truth is…Jesus. Jesus said,” I am the way, the truth, and the life”. (John 14:6) Jesus, the truth, is our shield and our buckler. What is a buckler? Hmmm, interesting…a buckler is a small shield used in hand-to-hand combat. This is a double reference to Jesus as our large shield and our smaller shield. His protection is complete, both spiritually and physically. It is a double reminder that God is our protector and refuge.
”Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.” (v.8) is also a promise for God's people, that we will see the reward that is given to the wicked. We are not only told how to be safe but where to go to be protected and delivered from the evil in this world…In Him, under His wings, where He is the mighty fortress. And why are we allowed to see what happens to the wicked? Because we have made the LORD our refuge and our habitation. (v. 9)
I also think it is to see God’s justice. We live with His mercy every day. When we were redeemed, we knew we didn't deserve it. It was his mercy and love in the sacrifice of Jesus that made it possible. And there are many Christians in the world who suffer persecution and suffering by those who refuse to acknowledge and receive Jesus as Lord and savior. We are rewarded with Jesus Christ: salvation, deliverance, healing, eternal life in the presence of God.
The next promise is that NO evil will befall us. And no plague will come near our dwelling. This could be our homes, or it could be the habitation we have in Him. Angels have charge over us, keeping us in all our ways…the righteous ways of the Lord Jesus. Of course, we also know that these particular verses refer to Jesus. They are prophetic. And side note, these verses, 11 and 12 are used by the devil during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. (Mt. 4: 5-6). But they are also promises for his followers. Treading on snakes and lions, we will trample them beneath our feet.
Again, Why? Why this promise? Because we have set our love on God. He loves us. And because we love him, He will deliver us, he will set us on high (next to Him, in His presence). Because we have known HIS NAME!
Lastly, when we call on Him, He answers us! He promises to be with us in trouble. He will deliver us and honor us. (v. 14 – 16). He will satisfy us with a long life and HE WILL SHOW US HIS SALVATION!
The Psalms are so much more than just songs. They are meat for those who take the time to think about them and apply what they are learning. I chose to use this format with you to show you how you can read a psalm and go deeper. I know that when I take the time to really look at a Psalm, think about it, ask the whys, and make the connections, I don't simply see a song to uplift my soul but a way to better understand the character of our heavenly Father. And always, I am looking for Jesus…and in the looking, He can always be found.
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