91:1 in the secret place of Refers to a covering or hiding place. It serves as a more general image for protection than tsel (“shadow”) later in the verse.

the Most High The Hebrew word used here, elyon, which is a name for God, means “upper” or “most high.” Compare note on Gen 14:18.

Names of God in the Old Testament Table

will lodge The term lin can mean “to live,” “abide,” or “to spend the night.”

the shadow of Shaddai An image of God’s protection and shelter. See note on Ruth 2:12.

Shaddai The Hebrew word used here, shaddai, is a name for God, and likely refers to Him being a God of the mountain (Sinai and later Zion) or of the mountainous wilderness (see note on Gen 17:1).

91:2 I will say Emphasizes personal trust in God. In Ps 91:15, God promises to reply to the speaker in a similarly personal way.

Yahweh The Hebrew text here used the word yhwh (Yahweh), which is the personal name God revealed to Moses in Exod 3:13–15.

my refuge The Hebrew term machseh refers to a place of shelter (compare Ps 91:4, 9).

my fortress The Hebrew term metsudah refers to a stronghold, perhaps a mountain stronghold.

God The Hebrew text here uses the word eloha, a form of God’s general name elohim, which is often used in contexts that refer to Him as creator. The psalmist here refers to Yahweh—who has also been identified with two other names in v. 1—as his God.

I trust The theme of Psa 91 centers on absolute trust in God and loyalty to Him.

91:3 the snare of the fowler Refers to a bird trap. Because birds must come to the ground to eat, drink, and nest, they are vulnerable to clever hunters.

the plague of destruction The Hebrew text here seems to refer to disease (possibly the bubonic plague) and can be associated with siege warfare situations.

91:4 he will cover The Hebrew word used here, sakhakh, means to “shut off” or “make inaccessible,” for the purpose of protection.

With his feathers May refer to the larger flight feathers of a bird’s wing.

under his wings Yahweh’s care and actions are combined in the picture of a bird caring for its young. See note on 17:8; note on Ruth 2:12.

a shield and a buckler Used for protection for battle.

91:5 the terror of The Hebrew word used here, pachad, describes a debilitating fear.

the night Describes the vulnerability of being in darkness.

the arrow that flies by day Introduces the context of a battle or the destruction that comes during invasion. The psalmist envisions protection throughout the day and night.

91:6 in the darkness Indicates deep darkness, a position of intense vulnerability.

91:8 You will only look with your eyes, and see Indicates the faithful person only needs to look to understand why the wicked die. In Ps 91:16, God will show salvation to the faithful person.

the punishment of the wicked The death and destruction of the other people is attributed to God’s judgment on them.

91:9 your dwelling place The term ma'on (“habitation” or “dwelling place”) suggests continual dependence on God.

91:10 harm The word ra'ah can refer to harm or trouble, in addition to something that is morally evil.

plague The word nega' can refer to either an illness or a physical blow.

The Temptations of Christ

91:11 he will command his angels concerning you God often uses divine emissaries in the ot.

91:12 they will bear you up Emphasizes the detailed care and extreme measures that Yahweh’s angels will take.

lest you strike your foot against a stone The angels of Yahweh can guard against even the smallest mishap of everyday life.

91:13 You will tread In v. 12, the faithful person’s feet will never touch the ground; this verse emphasizes walking on various hazards without mishap.

91:14 he knows my name Emphasizes intimate knowledge of God rather than a particular label for God. Verses 1–2 demonstrates that the psalmist knows several names for God, but none are repeated here. Instead, the idea behind knowing God’s name is having a deep love for Him and an awareness of His character and nature.

91:15 I will answer him Implies a positive response to the faithful person’s call.

honor him The psalmist draws a connection between faithfulness to Yahweh and honor from Him.

91:16 With long life Long life is often associated with Yahweh’s blessing in the ot (e.g., Gen 35:28; 47:29).

show him A future-oriented promise. The faithful person will be shown God’s blessings and experience what it means to be in His presence and protection (Ps 91:9–13). See v. 8 and note.

my salvation The Hebrew word used here, yeshu'ah, refers to help or deliverance. God’s yeshu'ah here is viewed as deliverance from hazards and problems.