Psalms
Chapter 91
1
1 2 You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2
Say to the LORD, "My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust."
3
God will rescue you from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
4
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge; God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
5
You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day,
6
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
7
Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come.
8
You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see.
9
You have the LORD for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold.
10
No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent.
11
3 For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
12
With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon.
14
Whoever clings to me I will deliver; whoever knows my name I will set on high.
15
All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress; I will deliver them and give them honor.
16
With length of days I will satisfy them and show them my saving power.
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Footnotes

1 [Psalm 91] A prayer of someone who has taken refuge in the security of the temple (Psalm 91:1-2). The psalmist is confident that God's presence will protect the people in every dangerous situation (Psalm 91:3-13). The final verses are an oracle of salvation promising salvation to those who trust in God (Psalm 91:14-16).

2 [1] The shelter of the Most High: basically "hiding place" but in the psalms a designation for the protected temple precincts. Cf Psalm 27:5; 31:21; 61:5. The shadow of the Almighty: literally, "the shadow of the wings of the Almighty." Cf Psalm 17:8; 36:8; 57:2; 63:8. Psalm 91:4 makes clear that the shadow is an image of the safety afforded by the outstretched wings of the cherubim in the holy of holies.

3 [11-12] The words are cited in Luke 4:10-11; Matthew 4:6, as Satan tempts Jesus in the desert.


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