Chapter 91
16 verses — switch translations with the toolbar below.
Scripture
KJV1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
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.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
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.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
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.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Overview
Psalm 91 promises extraordinary protection to those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The psalmist declares that God will deliver from the snare, the pestilence, the terror by night, and the arrow by day. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Angels are given charge over the faithful. The psalm closes with God Himself speaking, promising long life and salvation to those who set their love upon Him.
Key Themes
Dwelling in the Secret Place
The psalm's promises flow from a posture of intimate, sustained communion with God — dwelling and abiding, not merely visiting His presence.
Comprehensive Divine Protection
God's protection covers every conceivable danger — disease, warfare, demonic attack, and natural disaster — nothing escapes His sovereign care.
Angelic Ministry on Behalf of Believers
God commands His angels to guard and bear up His people, revealing an unseen spiritual protection that accompanies those who trust Him.
Study Questions
What does it mean to 'dwell in the secret place of the most High' (v. 1), and how does one enter that place?
Satan quoted verses 11-12 of this psalm when tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:6). How did Jesus' response correct the misuse of this promise?
Does this psalm guarantee that no harm will ever befall a believer? How do we reconcile its promises with the reality of suffering?
What is the relationship between the believer's trust (vv. 1-2) and God's promises of protection (vv. 3-16)?
How does God speaking in the first person in verses 14-16 add weight and intimacy to the psalm's promises?
Connection to Christ
Satan used this very psalm to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, urging Him to throw Himself from the temple and force angelic rescue. Jesus refused to test the Father, demonstrating perfect trust. Christ is the one who perfectly dwelt in the secret place of the Most High, and through Him, believers find their ultimate shelter. He is the shadow of the Almighty under whose wings we take refuge.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 91. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?