Psalm 91:1-2
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Psalm 91[a]
Security Under God’s Protection
I
1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,[b]
who abide in the shade of the Almighty,
2 Say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress,
my God in whom I trust.”(A)
Footnotes
- Psalm 91 A prayer of someone who has taken refuge in the Lord, possibly within the Temple (Ps 91:1–2). The psalmist is confident that God’s presence will protect the people in every dangerous situation (Ps 91:3–13). The final verses are an oracle of salvation promising salvation to those who trust in God (Ps 91:14–16).
- 91:1 The shelter of the Most High: basically “hiding place” but in the Psalms a designation for the protected Temple precincts, cf. Ps 27:5; 31:21; 61:5. The shade of the Almighty: lit., “the shadow of the wings of the Almighty,” cf. Ps 17:8; 36:8; 57:2; 63:8. Ps 91:4 makes clear that the shadow is an image of the safety afforded by the outstretched wings of the cherubim in the holy of holies.
Psalm 91:10-11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
10 No evil shall befall you,
no affliction come near your tent.(A)
11 [a]For he commands his angels with regard to you,(B)
to guard you wherever you go.(C)
Footnotes
- 91:11–12 The words are cited in Lk 4:10–11; Mt 4:6, as Satan tempts Jesus in the desert.
Psalm 91:12-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
12 With their hands they shall support you,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.(A)
13 You can tread upon the asp and the viper,
trample the lion and the dragon.(B)
Psalm 91:14-15
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
II
14 Because he clings to me I will deliver him;
because he knows my name I will set him on high.(A)
15 He will call upon me and I will answer;(B)
I will be with him in distress;(C)
I will deliver him and give him honor.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.