Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 91

The Security of BelieversThis psalm teaches that those who stay close to God are always safe under His protection. When we trust in God, we can be calm even in dangerous times. God is our home, our shelter, and our shield. Faith in Him brings true security, no matter what happens around us.v. 1: The psalm begins with a great promise: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty . Those who truly trust God and stay near Him will always find safety in His presence.

v. 2: The writer makes this personal: I will say of the Lord

v. 3: God promises to rescue His people: Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence . God keeps us safe from hidden dangers and deadly diseases, both physical and spiritual.

v. 4: He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler . God’s care is gentle and strong, like a bird protecting her chicks. His promises are a strong shield that keeps us safe (Matthew 23:37 ).

v. 5: Believers do not need to be afraid: You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day . We can trust God in every danger, whether it comes in darkness or in daylight.

v. 6: Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday . Danger can appear at any time, but God’s protection is always with those who trust Him.

v. 7: A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you . Even when many around us are in danger, God can keep us safe, setting us apart in times of trouble.

v. 8: Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked . God’s people will see His justice, but they themselves will be protected. This encourages us to trust in God’s promises and not be afraid (Isaiah 66:24 ).

The Security of BelieversHere, the psalm continues with even more precious promises of God’s protection for those who trust in Him. These words remind us that when we make God our home and stay close to Him, He keeps us safe in ways we cannot always see or understand. God cares for His people, using even angels to guard them, and He promises to be with them in every trouble.v. 9: The psalmist declares, Because you have made the Lord

v. 10: No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . God promises that no true harm will come to those who trust Him. Even when difficulties happen, God turns them for good and will not let any real evil destroy us or our families.

v. 11: For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways . God commands His angels to watch over and protect His people wherever they go. The angels obey God’s orders and serve those who belong to Him (Matthew 4:6 ).

v. 12: In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone . The angels are gentle and attentive, ready to help believers avoid harm. They care for us as a nurse cares for a child.

v. 13: You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot . God gives His people victory over every danger, even spiritual enemies like Satan, who is called the lion and serpent (Romans 16:20; Colossians 2:15 ).

v. 14: God Himself now speaks: Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name . God promises to rescue, honor, and protect those who truly know and love Him.

v. 15: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him . God listens to the prayers of His people, stays with them in trials, and brings them out with honor and blessing (Psalm 34:19 ).

v. 16: With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation (Psalm 91:16 ). God gives His people a full and meaningful life and, most importantly, shows them His salvation, both now and forever in eternity.