“You will only look on with your eyes And see the retaliation against the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, The Most High, your dwelling place.” Psalm 91:8-9 NASB RECOMPENSE / shillumah / reward, reparation, retribution Bible Hub: “The term ‘shillumah’ refers to the concept of recompense or reward, often in the context of repayment for actions, whether good or bad. It conveys the idea of receiving what is due, either as a reward for righteousness or as a consequence for wrongdoing.” Webster’s 1828: “To require; to repay; to return an equivalent; in a bad sense.” FOR YOU HAVE MADE / sum or sim / To put, place, set, appoint, make Bible Hub: “In ancient Hebrew culture, the act of placing or setting something was significant, often symbolizing authority, intention, or purpose. ” DWELLING PLACE / maon or main/  Dwelling, habitation, refuge Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word ‘maon’ primarily refers to a dwelling place or habitation. It is often used in the context of a physical location where one resides, but it can also have a metaphorical or spiritual connotation, referring to a place of refuge or sanctuary.” Webster’s 1828: “Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention. Continuance; residence; state…

“Of the plague that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that devastates at noon. A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:6-7 NASB DESTRUCTION / qeteb / ruin Webster’s 1828: The act of destroying; demolition; a pulling down; subversion; ruin, by whatever means THAT LAYS WASTE / shadad /  To devastate, destroy, ruin, spoil, oppress Bible Hub: “The Hebrew verb ‘shadad’ primarily conveys the act of violently destroying or devastating. It is often used in the context of military conquest, where cities or nations are laid waste. The term can also imply oppression or plundering, highlighting the aggressive and forceful nature of the action.” APPROACH / nagash /  To draw near, approach, come near The condition of our world is dire, and if we aren’t careful, it becomes all too easy to succumb to fear. Matthew Henry’s commentary says this, “Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father’s will is done; and we have no reason to fear.” And Charles Spurgeon writes this, “It shall be so near as…

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 KJV “He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4 NASB COVER / sakak / overshadow, screen, cover Webster’s 1828: “To hide; to conceal by something overspread.” WINGS / kanaph / wing, edge, extremity, corner Bible Hub: ” In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of  ‘kanaph’ was rich with symbolism. Wings were often associated with protection and refuge, as birds shelter their young under their wings.” to take REFUGE / chasah / to trust, to seek shelter Bible Hub: “The Hebrew verb “chasah” primarily means to seek refuge or to trust in something or someone for protection. It conveys a sense of seeking safety and security, often in the context of trusting in God as a refuge.” FAITHFULNESS / emeth / truth, reliability, firmness, stability, certainty, trustworthiness Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word “emeth” primarily conveys the concept of truth in the sense of reliability and faithfulness. It is used to describe the nature of God, His words, and His actions, emphasizing His…

“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” Psalm 91:3 KJV First, let’s focus on a few key words. DELIVERS / natsal / to snatch away, rescue, save Webster’s 1828: “To free, release, as from restraint, to set at liberty.” SNARE / pach / a bird trap Webster’s 1828: “An instrument for catching animals, particularly fowls, by the leg. It consists of a cord or string with slip knots in which the leg is entangled.” FOWLER / yaqush / to ensnare, lay a trap, to catch DEADLY / havvah / mischief, calamity, desire, ruin PESTILENCE / deber / plague, reflects themes of judgment and widespread calamity that affects large populations. There is much to unpack in this one verse alone. I became focused on the phrase “snare of the fowler” and knew I needed to dig a bit deeper to understand it. In His sermon “The Snare of The Flower”, Charles Spurgeon writes this regarding Psalm 91:3, “Satan is the fowler; he has been so and is so still; and if he does not now attack us as the roaring lion, roaring against us in persecution, he attacks us as the adder,…