(1) Overview
(Kel Ps)
Declaring the truth that there is security in taking refuge in God, the psalmist encourages his own soul that he will be delivered from the various and fearful attacks of the wicked because the LORD has given his angels charge over him and vowed to deliver him because he believed.
(2) Outline
Reflection: In the recent month I heard people around me telling me that they do not want to get the vaccine. They trusted in God. Or other people give testimony that they do not see the doctor, but they are healed. I started to think, are these people biblical? I thought of the passage about Satan tempted Jesus in Matthew 4 (as stated above). From the perspective of today's passage, we need to ask, when we skip the vaccine or not seeking available medical help can our decision pass the Mighty King/Judge?
Declaring the truth that there is security in taking refuge in God, the psalmist encourages his own soul that he will be delivered from the various and fearful attacks of the wicked because the LORD has given his angels charge over him and vowed to deliver him because he believed.
(2) Outline
(Kel Ps)
I. Confidence: The psalmist declares that there is security in God (1–2).
A. Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall have protection from the Almighty (1).
B. The LORD, the God in whom he trusts, is his protection (2).
II. Encouragement: The psalmist encourages himself by expanding the truth that the LORD delivers him by angelic hosts (3–13).
A. The LORD delivers him from the various and fearful attacks of the wicked (3–8).
1. God delivers from the snare of the fouler (3a).
2. God delivers from the deadly pestilence (3b).
3. God faithfully provides caring protection (4).
5. He will not fear terror by night, attack by day, pestilence or destruction (5–6).
6. He will be preserved amidst the destruction of thousands (7–8).
B. The LORD who is his refuge has given his angels charge to protect him from all calamity (9–13).
1. Because he has made the LORD his refuge, he is convinced no calamity will come upon him (9–10).
2. The LORD will give his angels charge over him to bear him up (11–12).
3. He shall overcome all serious danger (13).
III. Oracle: The LORD promises to requite the psalmist’s faith with loving protection and concern for his needs (14–16).
A. The LORD vows to deliver him because he believes (14).
B. The LORD vows to answer his prayer in time of need (15).
C. The LORD vows to bless him with long life and salvation (16).
Reflection: From v.1, the protection of God was linked to His Sovereignty and His power. He is the Mighty King.
I. Confidence: The psalmist declares that there is security in God (1–2).
A. Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall have protection from the Almighty (1).
B. The LORD, the God in whom he trusts, is his protection (2).
II. Encouragement: The psalmist encourages himself by expanding the truth that the LORD delivers him by angelic hosts (3–13).
A. The LORD delivers him from the various and fearful attacks of the wicked (3–8).
1. God delivers from the snare of the fouler (3a).
2. God delivers from the deadly pestilence (3b).
3. God faithfully provides caring protection (4).
5. He will not fear terror by night, attack by day, pestilence or destruction (5–6).
6. He will be preserved amidst the destruction of thousands (7–8).
B. The LORD who is his refuge has given his angels charge to protect him from all calamity (9–13).
1. Because he has made the LORD his refuge, he is convinced no calamity will come upon him (9–10).
2. The LORD will give his angels charge over him to bear him up (11–12).
3. He shall overcome all serious danger (13).
III. Oracle: The LORD promises to requite the psalmist’s faith with loving protection and concern for his needs (14–16).
A. The LORD vows to deliver him because he believes (14).
B. The LORD vows to answer his prayer in time of need (15).
C. The LORD vows to bless him with long life and salvation (16).
Reflection: From v.1, the protection of God was linked to His Sovereignty and His power. He is the Mighty King.
(NET) ...mighty king (sovereign judge) of the world who grants life/blesses and kills/judges. In Genesis he blesses the patriarchs with fertility and promises numerous descendants. Outside Genesis he both blesses/protects and takes away life/happiness.
Therefore, His protection is selective to those who are loyal in Him and those who are not wicked v. 14,8. On one hand, we long for the kind of protection the author described. On the other hand, we have to reflect on ourselves to see if we have the devotion and loyalty to Him.
If we checked ourselves and the answer is yes, this psalm gives us assurance. No fear, no worry, and therefore no anxiety. We can rest. In other words, our primary concern is our relationship with God. If that is right, no worries about enemies or evil people.
Thank God, even though I am not totally devoted or loyal to Him, He is still good to me. That is underserved.
(3) Misunderstanding
(3) Misunderstanding
91:11 For he will order his angels
to protect you in all you do.
91:12 They will lift you up in their hands,
so you will not slip and fall on a stone.
(BKC) Satan, in tempting Christ, quoted 91:11–12 (Matt. 4:6), which shows that even God’s most marvelous promises can be foolishly applied
to protect you in all you do.
91:12 They will lift you up in their hands,
so you will not slip and fall on a stone.
(BKC) Satan, in tempting Christ, quoted 91:11–12 (Matt. 4:6), which shows that even God’s most marvelous promises can be foolishly applied
4:6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will lift you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”4:7 Jesus said to him, “Once again it is written: ‘You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
(PNTC) [Jesus' answer was quoted from Deut 6:16.] In Deuteronomy the words refer to the incident at Massah, where the Israelites were short of water and complained about Moses [Exodus 7:2-7]...The servants of God cannot demand that God should keep on intervening with miraculous provision for their needs. To jump from a height and then look to God to avert the natural consequences of such an act is just such an offense. Furthermore, it is worse than what happened at Massah, for at least the people there were in real need of water. What Satan is suggesting is that Jesus should needlessly thrust himself into danger; he would be creating a hazard where none previously existed. And for what? To compel God to save him miraculously. It is a temptation to manipulate God, to create a situation not of God’s choosing in which God would be required to act as Jesus dictated. Jesus rejects the suggestion with decision. He prefers the way of quiet trust in the heavenly Father, a trust that needs no test, and a ready acceptance of his will. He refuses to demand a miracle even if from the perspective of someone on earth that might seem desirable, even compelling.
(PNTC) [Jesus' answer was quoted from Deut 6:16.] In Deuteronomy the words refer to the incident at Massah, where the Israelites were short of water and complained about Moses [Exodus 7:2-7]...The servants of God cannot demand that God should keep on intervening with miraculous provision for their needs. To jump from a height and then look to God to avert the natural consequences of such an act is just such an offense. Furthermore, it is worse than what happened at Massah, for at least the people there were in real need of water. What Satan is suggesting is that Jesus should needlessly thrust himself into danger; he would be creating a hazard where none previously existed. And for what? To compel God to save him miraculously. It is a temptation to manipulate God, to create a situation not of God’s choosing in which God would be required to act as Jesus dictated. Jesus rejects the suggestion with decision. He prefers the way of quiet trust in the heavenly Father, a trust that needs no test, and a ready acceptance of his will. He refuses to demand a miracle even if from the perspective of someone on earth that might seem desirable, even compelling.
Reflection: In the recent month I heard people around me telling me that they do not want to get the vaccine. They trusted in God. Or other people give testimony that they do not see the doctor, but they are healed. I started to think, are these people biblical? I thought of the passage about Satan tempted Jesus in Matthew 4 (as stated above). From the perspective of today's passage, we need to ask, when we skip the vaccine or not seeking available medical help can our decision pass the Mighty King/Judge?
(I do understand that some people cannot receive the vaccine because of the contraindication of the vaccine with their conditions).
Audrey
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