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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder - Thou shalt be safe among dangers, as if the rage of the lion were restrained, and he became like a lamb, and as if the poisonous tooth of the serpent were extracted. Compare Mark 16:18. The word used here to denote the “lion” is a poetic term, not employed in prose. The word rendered “adder” is, in the margin, asp. The Hebrew word - פתן pethen - commonly means viper, asp, or adder. See Job 20:14, note; Job 20:16, note; compare Psalms 58:4; Isaiah 11:8.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me - Has become attached to me; has united himself with me; is my friend. The Hebrew word expresses the strongest attachment, and is equivalent to our expression - “to fall in love.” It refers here to the fact that God is the object of supreme affection on the part of his people; and it also here implies, that this springs from their hearts; that they have seen such beauty in his character, and have such strong desire for him, that their hearts go out in warm... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me - He shall have the privilege of calling on me in prayer; and he will do it.And I will answer him - I will regard his supplications, and will grant his requests. There could be no greater privilege - no more precious promise - than this.I will be with him in trouble - I will stand by him; I will not forsake him.I will deliver him, and honor him - I will not only rescue him from danger, but I will exalt him to honor. I will recognize him as my friend, and will regard and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 91:16

With long life will I satisfy him - The margin here, is “length of days;” that is, days lengthened out or multiplied. The meaning is, I will give him length of days as he desires, or until he is satisfied with life; implying(1) that it is natural to desire long life;(2) that long life is to be regarded as a blessing (compare Proverbs 3:2, Proverbs 3:16; Exodus 20:12);(3) that the tendency of religion is to lengthen out life; since virtue, temperance, regular industry, calmness of mind,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91

A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017. It is not certain who was the author of this Psalm, but “the occasion,” says Bishop Patrick, “seems to have been some great pestilence; in which, as in all other dangers, the psalmist commends an humble confidence in God, and ardent love to him, as the best security. Now there is no pestilence,” adds he, “so likely to have given occasion to it, as that in the latter end of David’s reign,” 2 Samuel 24:0 . Poole, with many others, agree with the bishop in this opinion,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91:1

Psalms 91:1. He that dwelleth in the secret place, &c. He that makes God his habitation and refuge, as he is called Psalms 91:9, that has recourse to him, and relies on him in his dangers and difficulties; that has access to him, intercourse with him, and worships within the veil, living a life of constant communion with him; shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty He shall not be disappointed of his hope, but shall find a quiet and safe resting- place under the divine care. A ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91:2-3

Psalms 91:2-3. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge Upon that ground I will confidently commit myself and all my affairs to God. Surely he shall deliver thee O thou believing, pious soul, who after my example shalt make God thy refuge, thou shalt partake of the same privilege which I enjoy. From the snare of the fowler Which is laid unseen, and catches the unwary prey on a sudden; and from the noisome pestilence Which, like a fowler’s snare, seizeth men unexpectedly, and holdeth... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91:4

Psalms 91:4. He shall cover thee with his feathers shall protect thee with the greatest tenderness and affection, as a hen covers and defends her chickens when they are in any danger. And under his wings shalt thou trust The wings of his overshadowing power and providence; his truth Whereby he is obliged to fulfil all his gracious promises, and among the rest, that of protection in dangers; shall be thy shield and buckler Thy strong and sure defence. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91:5-6

Psalms 91:5-6. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night When evil accidents are most terrible and least avoidable; nor for the arrow Any common and destructive calamity; (for such are commonly called God’s arrows;) that flieth by day Which is the time for shooting arrows. The sense of the verse is, Thou shalt be kept from secret and open mischiefs at all times. Nor for the pestilence, &c. This verse explains the former, and shows what that terror and arrow signify; that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 91:7

Psalms 91:7. A thousand shall fall at thy side At thy left side, this being opposed to the right hand, immediately mentioned; but it shall not come nigh thee This and such like promises are not to be understood absolutely and universally, as if no truly good man could be cut off by the plague, or by other common calamities, which is confuted both by other plain texts of Scripture, and by unquestionable experience; but with due limitations and conditions; either on man’s part, as, if... read more

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