Psalms 91 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
PSALM 91
Psa 91:1-16. David is the most probable author; and the pestilence, mentioned in 2Sa 24:13-15, the most probable of any special occasion to which the Psalm may refer. The changes of person allowable in poetry are here frequently made.
1. dwelleth in the secret place--(Psa 27:5; 31:20) denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Psa 91:2.
2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
3. snares ... [and] ... noisome pestilence--literally, "plagues of mischiefs" (Psa 5:9; 52:7), are expressive figures for various evils.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
4. For the first figure compare De 32:11; Mt 23:37.
buckler--literally, "surrounding"--that is, a kind of shield covering all over.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
5. terror--or, what causes it (Pr 20:2).
by night--then aggravated.
arrow--that is, of enemies.
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
7-8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
7-8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (He 1:14).
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (He 1:14).
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (He 1:14).
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (He 1:14).
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
13. Even the fiercest, strongest, and most insidious animals may be trampled on with impunity.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Psa 46:10; 75:2, 3). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Psa 18:2; 20:1; 22:5).
set his love--that of the most ardent kind.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Psa 46:10; 75:2, 3). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Psa 18:2; 20:1; 22:5).
set his love--that of the most ardent kind.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Psa 46:10; 75:2, 3). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Psa 18:2; 20:1; 22:5).
set his love--that of the most ardent kind.