Psalms 91:1-2

Context

Psalm 91¹

91:1 As for you, the one who lives² in the shelter of the sovereign One,³

and resides in the protective shadow⁴ of the mighty king⁵ –

91:2 I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold,

my God in whom I trust –

[91:1] ¹sn Psalm 91. In this psalm an individual (perhaps a priest) addresses one who has sought shelter in the Lord and assures him that God will protect him from danger (vv. 1-13). In vv. 14-16 God himself promises to keep his loyal follower safe.

[91:1] ²tn Heb “[O] one who lives.”

[91:1] ³tn Traditionally “the Most High.”

[91:1] ⁴sn The Lord is compared here to a bird who protects its young under the shadow of its wings (see v. 4).

[91:1] ⁵sn The divine name used here is “Shaddai” (שַׁדַּי, shadday; see also Ps 68:14). Shaddai (or El Shaddai) is the 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.