Copyright StatementThese files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text scanned by Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliographical InformationJamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Psalms 91". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
commentaries/eng/jfb/psalms-91.html. 1871-8.
Introduction
PSALM 91
:-. David is the most probable author; and the pestilence, mentioned in :-, the most probable of any special occasion to which the Psalm may refer. The changes of person allowable in poetry are here frequently made.
Verse 1
1. dwelleth in the secret place— (Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20) denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Psalms 31:20- :.
Verse 3
3. snares . . . [and] . . . noisome pestilence—literally, "plagues of mischiefs" (Psalms 5:9; Psalms 52:7), are expressive figures for various evils.
Verse 4
4. For the first figure compare Deuteronomy 32:11; Matthew 23:37.
buckler—literally, "surrounding"—that is, a kind of shield covering all over.
Verse 5
5. terror—or, what causes it (Proverbs 20:2).
by night—then aggravated.
arrow—that is, of enemies.
Verse 7
7, 8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.
Verse 9
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14).
Verse 13
13. Even the fiercest, strongest, and most insidious animals may be trampled on with impunity.
Verse 14
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Psalms 46:10; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 75:3). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Psalms 18:2; Psalms 20:1; Psalms 22:5).
set his love—that of the most ardent kind.
Verse 16
16. show him—literally, "make him see" (Psalms 50:23; Luke 2:30).