Psalm 91

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91

The safety of the godly man, and his confidence, Psalm 91:1 , Psalm 91:2 . How he is defended and preserved, Psalm 91:3-10 . The angels of God are his servants, Psalm 91:11 , Psalm 91:12 ; and he shall tread on the necks of his adversaries, Psalm 91:13 . What God says of, and promises to, such a person, Psalm 91:14-16 . This Psalm has no title in the Hebrew; nor can it be determined on what occasion or by whom it was composed. It is most likely by the author of the preceding;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place - The Targum intimates that this is a dialogue between David, Solomon, and Jehovah. Suppose we admit this, - then David asserts: "He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty," Psalm 91:1 . Solomon answers: "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I trust," Psalm 91:2 . David replies, and tells him what blessings he shall receive from God if he abide... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:2

I will say of the Lord - This is my experience: "He is my fortress, and in him will I continually trust." read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee - If thou wilt act thus, then the God in whom thou trustest will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, from all the devices of Satan, and from all dangerous maladies. As the original word, דבר dabar , signifies a word spoken, and deber, the same letters, signifies pestilence; so some translate one way, and some another: he shall deliver thee from the evil and slanderous word; he shall deliver thee from the noisome pestilence - all blasting and injurious... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers - He shall act towards thee as the hen does to her brood, - take thee under his wings when birds of prey appear, and also shelter thee from chilling blasts. This is a frequent metaphor in the sacred writings; see Psalm 17:8 ; (note), Psalm 57:1 ; (note), Psalm 61:4 ; (note), and the notes on them. The Septuagint has Εν τοις μεταφρενοις αυτου επισκιασει σοι· He will overshadow thee between his shoulders; alluding to the custom of parents carrying... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:5

The terror by night - Night is a time of terrors, because it is a time of treasons, plunder, robbery, and murder. The godly man lies down in peace, and sleeps quietly, for he trusts his body, soul, and substance, in the hand of God; and he knows that he who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. It may also mean all spiritual foes, - the rulers of the darkness of this world. I have heard the following petition in an evening family prayer: "Blessed Lord, take us into thy protection this... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:6

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday - The rabbins supposed that the empire of death was under two demons, one of which ruled by day, the other by night. The Vulgate and Septuagint have - the noonday devil. The ancients thought that there were some demons who had the power to injure particularly at noonday. To this Theocritus refers, Id. 1: ver. 15: - Ου θεμις, ω ποιμαν, το μεσαμβρινον, ου θεμις αμμινπ Συρισδεν· τον Πανα... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:7

A thousand shall fall at thy side - Calmet thinks this place should be translated thus: "A thousand enemies may fall upon thee on one side, and ten thousand may fall upon thee on thy right hand: but they shall not come nigh thee to take away thy life." It is a promise of perfect protection, and the utmost safety. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:8

The reward of the wicked - Thou shalt not only be safe thyself, but thou shalt see all thy enemies discomfited and cast down. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 91:9

Because thou hast made the Lord - Seeing thou hast taken Jehovah, the Most High, for thy portion and thy refuge, no evil shall come nigh thy dwelling; thou shalt be safe in thy soul, body, household, and property, Psalm 91:10 . Every pious man may expect such protection from his God and Father. read more

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