This glowing initial profession of trust picks up and elaborates the opening declaration of Psalm 90:111 and strikes the keynote of the rest of the psalm, “refuge.” Significantly, “Psalm 91 is the only psalm to use the term ‘refuge’ three times…” Because Psalm 91 uses the term “refuge” in connection with its synonyms “shelter,” “shadow,” “fortress,” “dwelling place,” “wing,” and “shield,” Jerome F. I say to YHWH, “My refuge and my fortress, Zenger translates these verses as follows:Īs one who dwells in the protection of the Most High,Ībides by night in the shadow of the Almighty, We agree with Erich Zenger that verses 1-2 represent a believer’s emphatic confession of trust, a mode of speech that constitutes an essential part of lament by an individual (Ps 13:5). 1-2)Ī comparison of different Bible versions (NRSV, NIV, NJPS) reveals a significant difference in translation. Its purpose was to encourage individual believers to place their trust in the LORD’s providential protection from all evil. The shift in subject from first person in verse 2 to third in verse 3 and the quotation of the Lord’s promise in verses 14-16 suggests that this psalm was used in a liturgical context. The view adopted here is that Psalm 91 is a bold public profession of confidence.
First, what is the literary genre of this psalm? Second, and intimately related to the first question, who is the “I” who speaks in verse 2 and who is the unidentified “you” (sg.) in verses 3-13? Because scholars disagree and have proposed a potpourri of answers to these questions, the reader is referred to Marvin E. The exegesis of Psalm 91 poses two crucial questions. On the other hand, it begins a new section that extends to verse 13. On the one hand, it matches the introductory profession of trust in verses 1-26 and along with this opening statement it forms an envelope around verses 3-8.
Tate has pointed out, verse 9 functions as a pivot that does double duty. This subdivision is marked by the rhetorically effective statement about the punishment of the wicked in verse 8 and especially by verse 9. The extended assurance of God’s comprehensive protection from all evil in verses 1-13, in turn, may be subdivided into two unequal yet analogously constructed parts, verses 1-8 and verses 9-13.
1-13) that is followed by an unusual quotation of a divine promise of deliverance4 that functions as a divine imprimatur of the profession of faith (vv. Structurally, Psalm 91 consists of two major parts: a glowing personal profession of trust (vv. Psalm 91 is also used at the beginning of Lent because of Satan’s infamous use of verses 11-12 in his failed attempt to derail Jesus from his mission. In fact, Psalm 91 elaborates on the initial declaration of Psalm 90:1 and functions as the answer to the lament of Psalm 90.3 Consequently, Psalm 90 is often recited on New Year's Eve, and Psalm 91 is then recited on New Year's Day. Psalm 91 is used at the annual calendar-year change because it lacks a superscription and serves as the counterpoint to Psalm 90 with which it shares two important concepts. If you desire to establish yourself and others in devotion, to know what confidence is toīe reposed in God, and what makes minds fearless, you will praise God by reciting theĪs a source of true devotion and comfort, Psalm 91 is also used liturgically at annual calendar-year change and at the beginning of Lent. Small wonder, therefore, that long ago Athanasius recommended the recitation of this psalm to Marcellinus: So, for example, Psalm 91:9 was quoted in a recent obituary letter from the Netherlands that announced the passing of a dear friend of this author due to cancer. As such, this exquisite psalm has been a constant source of comfort for countless believers as they cope with anxieties in their life. Psalm 91 is one of the most eloquent statements of the comprehensive scope of the Lord ’s effective protection of the true believer amidst the perils of life’s journey. View a worship service outline based on this passage Introduction to Psalm 91: “All-Encompassing Security Under the Lord’s Wings” By: Carl Bosma Tags: love, psalms Article posted on February 24, 2011
This service explores the secure protection that the child of God discovers in the loving care of God. The Wings of God: Psalm 91 - Sermon Notes