Heart of a Psalmist - Psalms 91

PSALM 91: THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY The Temptation of Christ

Spurgeon designates this psalm: ‘In the whole collection there is not a more cheering psalm, its tone is elevated and sustained throughout, faith is at it’s best, and speaks nobly.’ It is a psalm of personal protection from all forms of the dark world; spiritual enemies, natural enemies, diseases and in- ward fears. It is generally believed to be a composition of Moses as the language of the song is closely tied to Deuteronomy 32 and 33, the circumstances describing the Israelites deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness. The Jewish theologians believed that anonymous psalms that followed ones that had a designated author (Ps. 90- Moses) were also the work of the previously identified writer. It is believed that there are at least two different speakers conversing in the psalm with a possible choir singing a chorus. The Devil misused this psalm in the temptations of Christ. The law was unable to secure the victory over Satan that was won centuries later by the Son of God who rightly understood the meaning of this psalm. It is outlined:

I SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH - 1,2 II SHIELD YOU WITH HIS WINGS - 3-8 III SERPENTS UNDER YOUR FEET - 9-13 IV SATISFY WITH LONG LIFE - 14-16

I

SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH 1,2 “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (1) This I declare of the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.” (2)

Verse 1 is the theme of the whole psalm and is sung by the 1st singer. Verse 2 is a personal response by a second singer where he makes the promise of God his own. God becomes available to us through our confession. The psalmist uses 4 names for deity in the opening thoughts making this a rich revelation of God worthy of the listeners trust. ‘Most High’ is ELYON the Great God; ‘Almighty’ is SHADDAI the Provider; ‘Lord’ is YAWEH the Redeemer and ‘Almighty’ is ELOHIM the Adorable one. The ‘shadow of the Almighty’ could be in reference to the cloud that overshadowed the Israelites in the wilderness providing shade during the blistering heat of the day and light for the dark nights: “The Lord guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.” (Ex. 13:21) As Spurgeon says: ‘every creature uses its refuge in the hour of danger 1 ’. “For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (3,4) Assuming this to be a song of Moses, ‘the trap’ (‘the fowler’s snare’ NIV) would be the Israelites position before the Red Sea: “Those Israelites are confused. They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!” (Ex. 14:3) The ‘fatal plague’ would be in reference to the plague that killed the animals in Egypt: “The Lord will send a deadly plague to destroy your horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep. II SHIELD YOU WITH HIS WINGS - 3-8