PsaumesChapitre 91

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Show the psalm's promises16 promises of God's protection

Psalm 91 is one of the most comforting psalms about God's protection. It was quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus (Matt 4:6), but it is really about trusting in God through all the dangers of life.

In the shelter of the Most High

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

v.1

My refuge and my fortress

I say of the LORD: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

v.2

Delivered from the fowler's snare

Surely he will deliver you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly plague.

v.3

Under his wings

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

v.4

Do not fear the terrors of the night

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

v.5

A thousand fall at your side

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

v.7

No disaster shall befall you

no disaster will overtake you, no plague will come near your tent.

v.10

His angels will guard you

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

v.11

Carried on their hands

They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

v.12

Tread upon the lion and the serpent

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

v.13

God's own promises (vv. 14-16)

"Because he clings to me in love, I will rescue him; I will lift him high, for he knows my name.

v.14

I will answer when he calls

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

v.15

Satisfied with a long life

With long life I will satisfy him, and I will show him my salvation."

v.16

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I say of the LORD: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Surely he will deliver you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly plague.

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the plague that stalks in the darkness, nor the pestilence that ravages at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,

no disaster will overtake you, no plague will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

"Because he clings to me in love, I will rescue him; I will lift him high, for he knows my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him, and I will show him my salvation."

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Résumé2

Chapitre 91

Main Theme: Psalm 91 is a psalm of trust that promises God's complete protection to those who take refuge in Him.

Content: The psalm begins by describing the secure state of the one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and rests in the shadow of the Almighty. God is portrayed as a bird covering its young with its wings, and as a shield against the dangers of night and day—pestilence, arrows, and destruction. Angels are commissioned to protect the believer on all their paths. The psalm culminates with God's own words (vv. 14–16), where He promises to rescue, exalt, and grant long life to those who love Him and know His name.

Key Words/Images:

Shadow of the Almighty (צֵל שַׁדַּי): A picture of close protection and safety in God's presence.
Wings (כְּנָפָיו): Just as a bird protects its young, God covers the believer with His wings.
Watch of the Angels (מַלְאָכָיו): God sends angels to carry and protect the believer on all their ways.
Treading upon lion and serpent (שַׁחַל וָפֶתֶן): A symbol of victory over dangerous and evil powers.

Contexte historique

Key Concepts

Psalm 91 contains several Hebrew expressions that carry deep theological significance. The phrase "seter elyon" (סֵתֶר עֶלְיוֹן, "the shelter of the Most High," v. 1) denotes a hidden, protected place in God's nearness. "Tsel Shaddai" (צֵל שַׁדַּי, "the shadow of the Almighty") draws imagery from desert culture, where shade represented life-giving protection against the scorching sun. The combination of four divine names in the psalm—Elyon, Shaddai, YHWH, and Elohim—underscores God's complete sovereignty.

The term "dever" (דֶּבֶר, "pestilence," vv. 3, 6) was a feared reality in the ancient Near East, often understood as divine judgment. "Ketev" (קֶטֶב, "destruction," v. 6) was later personified in Jewish tradition as a demon that ravaged at midday. The word pair "tsinnah vesoherah" (צִנָּה וְסֹחֵרָה, "shield and surrounding protection," v. 4) refers to protective equipment—tsinnah is a large shield, while soherah (from the root ס-ח-ר, "to surround") denotes a defense that encircles and protects.

Events and Customs

The animals mentioned in verse 13—the lion (שַׁחַל), viper (פֶּתֶן), young lion (כְּפִיר), and serpent (תַנִּין)—represented chaotic forces and deadly dangers in ancient Near Eastern thought. To "tread upon" them symbolized victory over evil and chaos, a familiar motif from Egyptian and Mesopotamian iconography where kings were depicted trampling snakes and lions.

The final verses (14–16) shift to direct divine speech, an unusual structure in the Psalms. This pattern has parallels with oracle texts from the temple, where priests conveyed God's answers to prayers. Some scholars suggest the psalm may have functioned as a blessing pronounced over someone seeking refuge in the sanctuary, or as a promise given to a king before war.

Chapter-Specific Findings

Fragments of Psalm 91 were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (11Q11), where it is included in a collection of four psalms used for exorcism and protection against evil spirits. This testifies that in late Jewish times, the psalm was understood as a protective formula with power to drive away demons. Jewish tradition (Midrash Tehillim) attributes the authorship of the psalm to Moses, and it holds an important place in synagogue liturgy, especially on the Sabbath.

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Mots-clés9

Lord — A title often used for God in the Bible, referring to his sovereignty and authority.
Refuge — A place or person one seeks protection and safety with. In Psalm 91 it refers to seeking shelter in God.
Fear — A feeling of awe and reverence toward God, as well as a healthy fear of his power and justice.
Wings — An image used to describe God's protection and care, like a bird protecting its young under its wings.
Shield — A symbol for protection and defense. In Psalm 91 it means that God is our protector against dangers and threats.
Trap — A situation or thing that can lead to harm or destruction. In Psalm 91 it speaks of being rescued from the traps life may bring.
Lion — A powerful and dangerous animal that symbolizes threats and dangers. In Psalm 91 it means that God will protect us from such dangers.
Plague — A disease that spreads quickly and causes death and suffering. In Psalm 91 it points to God's protection against sickness and suffering.
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