Studies in Psalms

Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty

Psalm 91

• A psalm with no superscription

• Believed to be by Moses. Could apply as part of his farewell

• Descriptive of the one who truly abides in the Lord

Dwelling in His presence (1-2)

• He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High.

• The temple/tabernacle (church)

• He dwells there – more than “just on Sunday” Phil.1:21

Dwelling in His presence (1-2)

• Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty

• He is our Protector• Do we seek to dwell under

His influence? Psa. 119:105, Prov. 6:23

Dwelling in His presence (1-2)

• In Him I will trust!

• Do we trust Him? Prov. 16:20, 3:5, etc.

His deliverance (3-8)

• Description of a trap, pestilence.

• Consider this in light of Israel entering CanaanDeut. 28 - the promise

His deliverance (3-8)

• He will cover you• His truth your shield and buckler

– a great source of protection - Jn. 17:17, 8:32; Eph. 1:13

• Truth can preserve us in many ways

• What God speaks is truth

His deliverance (3-8)

• No need to fear

• Motivation for a conquering nation

•Heb. 13:6

His deliverance (3-8)

•Vs. 7-8 – a thousand will fall… He can protect you

• Recall in Israel – Egypt defeated, Red Sea, Moabites in wilderness, …

His deliverance (3-8)

•Vs. 7-8 – the reward of the wicked - punishment

• Recall in Israel – Defeat of Jericho, Gideon and the Midianites, Samson and the Philistines, Hezekiah and Assyria, etc.

If God can defeat enemies like this,

What can He do for us? Rom. 8:31

His protection (9-13)

• Friends of the psalmist (who are also godly)

• Because YOU have made the Lord your dwelling place

• No evil will befall you

His protection (9-13)

• “He will give His angels charge…”

• Consider context – when one is faithful, God is able to protect and watch over him.

His protection (9-13)

• “He will give His angels charge…”• Angels – see Heb. 1:14.

They carry righteous to rest (Lk. 15:22); They deliver God’s message (Ac. 10:3); They execute God’s will (cf. Rev.10)

• He has helpers!

His protection (9-13)

• “He will give His angels charge…”• Quoted by Satan to Jesus Matt. 4:6, Lk. 4:10-11

• He took verses out of context!• Psa. 91 NOT about testing God!

It is about faithfulness.• Jesus answered – Matt. 4:7

He will answer (14-16)

• Conversation is now the Lord speaking to His faithful.

• Because he has set his love I will deliver him – Jn. 14:23, Rom. 8:28, Jas. 1:23

He will answer (14-16)

• I will set Him on high – 1 Pet. 5:6

• He shall call upon Me – prayers Jas. 5:16, 1 John 5:14-15

He will answer (14-16)

• I will be with him in trouble – Matt. 28:20

• I will deliver and honor him 2 Pet. 2:9

He will answer (14-16)

• Satisfy with long life – cf. Eph. 6:2-3

• Such is the rule – His will preserves life in many ways.

• NOTE: No guarantee of longer life here – but rather that all will work out for good!

He will answer (14-16)

• I will show him my salvation• Physically, for Israel

faithfulness would lead to deliverance.

• For us, faithfulness leads to salvation - cf. Rev. 14:13

Are you dwelling “in the secret places of

the Lord”?