Psalm 91

Read Psalm 91 ESV

Who - The author is unstated.  He is appealing to the LORD and speaking to his hearers.  

What - This reads like a deliverance psalm, as the author is asking the LORD to deliver him and his hearers from some trouble.  Is this an individual psalm or a corporate psalm?  I cannot tell from the words whether its original inspiration was an individual crisis or a national one.  It reads as if the priest was saying these words over the army as they go out to battle.  Yet it has a very personal “you” and “I” singular message.  Either way it is appropriate to apply in both cases today.  

Satan quotes verses 11 and 12 to Jesus at His temptation on top of the temple.  Which is stunning as verse 13 talks about the Messiah's victory over the lion and serpent!  Jesus’s response about not testing the LORD is a good warning about misuse of a psalm to justify careless and reckless actions.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - The author is facing a crisis in which his physical life is in danger.  He is asking the LORD to deliver him.  

How - The psalmist opens with his declaration of trust and refuge in the LORD.  He declares the LORD is his deliverer in times of crisis, as well as the person he is speaking to, when an enemy has laid a trap, as well as when pestilence comes.  He declares that his hearer’s confidence in salvation is the protection and shelter of the LORD God Almighty.  The psalmist declares that destruction and death will only affect the wicked, that his hearer will be protected by the LORD.  The reason he will be safe?  Because he has made the LORD his dwelling place.  The next section describes the victory he will have over those seeking to kill him.  Instead of being killed, he will kill his attackers.  The psalmist ends with the declaration of hope and confidence he will enjoy the LORD’S salvation and a long life.  

So What 

1. No matter our circumstances the LORD God Almighty is our refuge.  He is our shelter and mighty fortress.  Even if our crisis is a result of our own sin, confession and repentance open the doors to his mighty fortress so we may enter in and be safe.  This psalm is a great comfort to believers and we should cling to it in times of danger.   
2. While sometimes deliverance and salvation will be physical on this earth, it is always spiritual in deliverance from the punishment of sin and attacks of the devil against our soul.  
3. Because this psalm is attached to Jesus's temptation by Satan, it is ultimately about Him and Jesus is the one who enjoys all the benefits promised in it.  We as joint heirs with Christ enjoy them through Christ and only through Christ.  

May it be so Lord Jesus! May it be so.