Unknown (often associated with Moses or David)
Psalm 91
Scripture (KJV)
1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Summary
Psalm 91 is a psalm of unshakable confidence in God’s protection. It opens with the image of dwelling in the "secret place of the Most High"—a life of intimacy with God that becomes a refuge from every danger. The psalmist names threats both visible and invisible: terror by night, arrows by day, pestilence, plague, lions, and serpents. Over against these, God is portrayed as a fortress, a mother bird gathering chicks under her wings, and a commander of angels charged with guarding the one who trusts Him. The closing verses shift to God’s own voice, promising deliverance, honor, answered prayer, and long life to the one who sets his love on the Lord.
The author is uncertain—both Moses and David are suggested by tradition. The major themes are protection, trust, refuge, angelic guardianship, and deliverance. Importantly, the New Testament shows Jesus quoting this psalm in the wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:6), reminding readers that the promise of protection is not a license for presumption but a call to abide. Practically, the psalm teaches that safety is found not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God. The great lesson is that those who make the Lord their habitation are never outside His care.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 91
Most High God, my refuge and my fortress, in You I place my trust. I dwell in the secret place of Your presence and rest beneath the shadow of Your wings. When terrors rise by night and arrows fly by day, be my shield and buckler. Command Your angels to guard me in all my ways, and bear me up lest I fall. Deliver me from the snare and the sickness, from the lion and the serpent. Because I have set my love on You, answer me when I call, be with me in trouble, and honor me with Your salvation. Satisfy me with long life and the sure knowledge that I am held. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean to "dwell" in the secret place of the Most High?
- 2Which fear in my life needs to be met by the promise of verse 5?
- 3How does Jesus’ use of this psalm in the wilderness shape how I claim its promises?
- 4Where have I seen God’s angelic protection that I may have overlooked?
Related Psalms
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The beloved shepherd psalm: provision, guidance, comfort, and eternal dwelling.
Read morePsalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Courage from seeking God’s presence and waiting patiently on Him.
Read morePsalm 46
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God our refuge amid chaos; be still and know that He is God.
Read morePsalm 121
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Psalm 121 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" sung by pilgrims journeying up to Jerusalem.
Read morePsalm 90
“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.”
A prayer of Moses on life’s brevity, asking God to teach us to number our days.
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Read Psalm StudiesUnderstanding Psalm 91
A close look at the psalm of protection—its promises, its conditions, and how Jesus Himself used it.
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When life falls apart, where do we turn? The Psalms show us a trust that holds in the dark.
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