Psalms 91

Chapter Summary

The psalmist begins by describing the blessings of trusting in God, who is a refuge and a shield to those who dwell in His presence (Psalms 91:1-2). The Lord is a deliverer from the snares of the enemy, and He will cover His people with His pinions, under which they may take refuge (Psalms 91:3-4). The psalmist then encourages believers to trust in God's protection, even in the face of terror, arrows, and pestilence (Psalms 91:5-7). Those who trust in God will see the reward of the wicked, but they will not be afraid, for they know that God is their refuge and their fortress (Psalms 91:8-10). The chapter concludes with a promise of God's protection and care, as well as a call to trust in Him and make Him their dwelling place (Psalms 91:11-16).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 91 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty and power, as well as its focus on the themes of trust, worship, and redemption. The chapter is likely a wisdom psalm, intended to instruct and encourage believers in their walk with God. In the larger biblical narrative, Psalms 91 is connected to other passages that emphasize God's protection and care, such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Psalms 91 to our lives by trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. We can cultivate a deeper trust in God by focusing on His character and promises, and by seeking to dwell in His presence. By doing so, we can experience the comfort and peace that comes from knowing that God is our refuge and fortress.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 91 is a chapter about trusting in God's protection and care, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. The psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, and to seek to dwell in His presence. By doing so, believers can experience the comfort and peace that comes from knowing that God is their refuge and fortress, as seen in Psalms 91:1-2.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's trust in God is not a mere feeling, but a deliberate choice, based on the character and promises of God. As believers, we must cultivate a similar trust in God, if we would experience the peace and comfort that He provides.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The concept of God as a refuge and fortress is a central theme in Psalms 91, emphasizing His strength and power. As believers, we must seek to dwell in God's presence, if we would experience the protection and care that He provides.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to God's Protection (Psalms 91:1-2) — The psalmist introduces the theme of God's protection, emphasizing His role as a refuge and fortress.
2. The Benefits of Trusting in God (Psalms 91:3-8) — The psalmist describes the benefits of trusting in God, including protection from the snares of the enemy and the terror of the night.
3. The Reward of the Wicked (Psalms 91:8) — The psalmist notes that the wicked will be rewarded for their evil deeds, but believers will not be afraid, for they know that God is their refuge and fortress.
4. The Promise of God's Protection (Psalms 91:9-13) — The psalmist promises that God will protect believers from harm, and that He will give His angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways.
5. Conclusion and Call to Trust (Psalms 91:14-16) — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, and by calling believers to make Him their dwelling place.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Providence

Psalms 91 teaches that God is actively involved in the lives of believers, providing protection and care for those who trust in Him. This doctrine is evident in verses such as Psalms 91:3-4, where the psalmist describes God as a deliverer from the snares of the enemy.

The Doctrine of Salvation

The chapter emphasizes the idea of salvation, as the psalmist describes God as a refuge and fortress for believers. This doctrine is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.

The Doctrine of Sanctification

Psalms 91 encourages believers to cultivate a deeper trust in God, which is a key aspect of the sanctification process. By focusing on God's character and promises, believers can experience the transformation that comes from dwelling in God's presence.

The Doctrine of the Angels

The chapter mentions the role of angels in protecting believers, which highlights the doctrine of the angels as ministering spirits. This doctrine is connected to other passages, such as Hebrews 1:14, which describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.

Lessons from Psalms 91

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. This lesson is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.
2. The Benefits of Dwelling in God's Presence — Psalms 91 teaches that dwelling in God's presence provides comfort, peace, and protection. This lesson is evident in verses such as Psalms 91:1-2, where the psalmist describes God as his refuge and fortress.
3. The Role of Angels in Protecting Believers — The chapter highlights the role of angels in protecting believers, which serves as a reminder of God's care and provision. This lesson is connected to other passages, such as Hebrews 1:14, which describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
4. The Reward of the Wicked — The psalmist notes that the wicked will be rewarded for their evil deeds, but believers will not be afraid, for they know that God is their refuge and fortress. This lesson serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's justice and righteousness.
5. The Call to Trust in God — The chapter concludes by calling believers to trust in God and make Him their dwelling place. This lesson is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.

Themes from Psalms 91

1. Trust — The concept of trust is central to Psalms 91, as the psalmist encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. This theme is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.
2. Protection — The chapter emphasizes God's protection and care for believers, highlighting His role as a refuge and fortress. This theme is evident in verses such as Psalms 91:2, where the psalmist describes God as his refuge and fortress.
3. Salvation — Psalms 91 teaches that God is the ultimate source of salvation, providing protection and care for those who trust in Him. This theme is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.
4. Sanctification — The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deeper trust in God, which is a key aspect of the sanctification process. By focusing on God's character and promises, believers can experience the transformation that comes from dwelling in God's presence.
5. The Nature of God — Psalms 91 highlights the character and attributes of God, emphasizing His goodness, faithfulness, and power. This theme is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as described in Psalms 91:1-2?
2. How does the concept of God as a refuge and fortress comfort and reassure you, as seen in Psalms 91:2?
3. What are some benefits of trusting in God, as described in Psalms 91:3-8?
4. How can you apply the principles of Psalms 91 to your life, particularly in times of danger and uncertainty?
5. What does the chapter teach about the role of angels in protecting believers, as seen in Psalms 91:11-12?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 91

	Sermon	Description
	(2008 Usa Tour) the Secret Place by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for addressing important matters from the Bible in every congregation. They urge for a sense of urgency and carefulness in addressin
	The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d
	A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala	Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains
	Protection in the Coming Storm by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience growing up during the Great Depression and the lessons he learned about relying on God during times of trouble. He references
	The Hidden Life of Faith by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of faith and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes that if a person obeys God's work, they will fulfill His will. The speaker also
	Abiding — I John 2:28 by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unfortunate reality of many people who start off strong in their faith but eventually fall away. He shares a personal story of a preacher
	Sparrows in the Church by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the limitations of our physical bodies and senses. He emphasizes that our eyes can only see the external appearance of others, while our ea
	Dr. Law and Dr. Grace - Part 1 by Lester Roloff	This sermon focuses on the theme of finding comfort and security in God's arms amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. It emphasizes the peace and protection that comes from be
	A Secret Place Called Christmas by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving towards the place where God's strength, power, provision, and pathway can be found. Ordinary and honest people are e
	A Big Two Letter Word by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the different types of literature in the Bible. He explains that some parts are narratives, telling stories, w

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 91

In his commentary on Psalms 91, Matthew Henry notes that the psalmist is encouraging believers to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. Henry emphasizes the importance of making God one's dwelling place, and of trusting in His protection and care. He also notes that the chapter teaches the doctrine of the angels, and the role that they play in protecting believers. Ultimately, Henry concludes that the chapter is a call to trust in God, and to make Him the refuge and fortress of one's life, as seen in Psalms 91:1-2. By doing so, believers can experience the comfort and peace that comes from knowing that God is their refuge and fortress, and can trust in His goodness and faithfulness to provide for their every need. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?