In this psalm of life and light, our Lord Jesus Christ is the Perfect Man, the central theme of the whole subject. In this psalm, there are references to Him made in the New Testament, but the words of this psalm were used by Satan when He tempted the Lord Jesus in the wilderness. So, I am not sure whether this could be called a messianic psalm, but it is a psalm of life. It has also been a help and comfort to many of the Lord’s people through the centuries. Psalm 90 ends with a sevenfold prayer, and Psalm 91 ends with a sevenfold promise. The seven promises are answers to the seven prayers.
In the first half of the psalm, the godly are safe from the four threats mentioned through which thousands fall. The second half assures the godly victory over the four beasts – the lion, the adder (cobra), the strong young lion, and the dragon (serpent). The conclusion of the psalm offers absolute assurance of divine deliverance.
Our Lord Jesus always dwells in the secret place of the Most High. Many of the Lord’s people in different and difficult circumstances have found comfort when they apply this to their situations. They also use these words to encourage others going through hard times. The “shelter” speaks to the protection of the Most High (El Elyon). The “shadow” relates to the authority of the Almighty (El Shaddai). The “refuge” comes from the covenant-keeping Lord (Jehovah). “My God” is the Creator-God (Elohim). This fourfold description of God gives no reason for us to doubt His protection and promises.
We are preserved in the “secret place” by a mighty “fortress,” where one finds rest like in a bird's nest and is equipped with the armor needed by a soldier. More than that, we are delivered from the “snare of the fowler,” dangers we don’t see that come from human enemies. The “pestilence” concerns dangers from disease and unseen foes. God’s providential care for us is continuous protection, night and day. It is an active deliverance from the demonic attacks that we may never know about. There are traps in life that God can see, and He arranges ways for us to avoid them through His gracious protection. The “noisesome pestilence” likely refers to a violent death called the “death of destruction.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ has always been the Perfect God who became the Perfect Man. He who trusted in His Father walked in perfect obedience to Him, and Satan could not deceive nor catch Him in the time of temptation in the wilderness. He lived a perfect life in perfect harmony with God’s perfect will. In perfect trust, He was delivered from the snare of the fowler and any disease. He was sheltered by the personal care of His Father and protected by God's faithfulness. He was not afraid of those who made attacks at night, nor did He fear the slanders and plots made openly in the day. Physical disease and open opposition did not bring Him down. The devil used words from this psalm but left out the words “In all thy ways.” The Lord Jesus never did anything outside of the way of God. Those same words can have great meaning to us when we apply them to difficult situations in which we are found.
He was safe, even though people around Him died. He had power over life and death. No disaster or calamity could claim Him. Angels were near Him, and despite the opposition of Satan, He was victorious over all foes, including death itself. In His perfection of life and character, God declared, “I will deliver Him; I will set Him on high. When He calls, I will answer. I will be with Him. I will receive Him and honor Him. I will satisfy Him.”
When we know God as Almighty and Protector in a personal way, we can go through fears and danger by faith in Him. We trust rather than fear. We rest in the Lord’s protection and commit ourselves to personal devotion to the Lord. Thanksgiving should always be on our lips. Grateful people become positive, gracious, loving, and humble. Faith in God on the part of believers gives strength and vitality to their lives and testimony. Devoted believers produce spiritual fruit all their lives. A fresh outlook on life and experiences with God in difficulties helps us continually grow in the Lord. Because of love for the Lord, He protects and gives long life. The word “because” is used twice to support our faith. “Because he hath set his love upon Me,” and “Because he hath known My name.”
Faith assures us angelic protection in difficult times as “the angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him.” The promises of the Lord include deliverance from enemies and fears, assurance of answers to prayer, long life, exaltation, and victory. From the abundance of the “exceeding riches of His grace,” He blesses those who love and trust Him. Those who " know My name” experience intimacy and devotion to the Lord. To love God is to learn personally that He answers prayers and keeps promises.