Psalms 91:16
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭מִים
life
H3117
יָ֭מִים
life
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 5
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אַשְׂבִּיעֵ֑הוּ
will I satisfy
H7646
אַשְׂבִּיעֵ֑הוּ
will I satisfy
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
3 of 5
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.Proverbs 3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.Psalms 21:4He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Deuteronomy 6:2That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.Job 5:26Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.Isaiah 45:17But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.Luke 2:30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,Proverbs 22:4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.Genesis 25:8Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is a wisdom psalm attributed to the Mosaic era by some Jewish traditions, though likely composed during the monarchy. Its promises of divine protection made it a 'soldier's psalm' in Israel's military life. Satan quoted verses 11-12 when tempting Christ (Matt 4:6), showing its messianic significance. Early Christians saw verse 16 as prophetic of Christ's resurrection—satisfied with 'long life' (eternal) and revealing salvation to humanity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to 'satisfy' with long life differ from simply living many years—what spiritual fullness might you be missing even in longevity?
- In what ways have you personally 'seen' God's salvation beyond mere deliverance from danger?
Analysis & Commentary
With long life will I satisfy him (אֹרֶךְ יָמִים אַשְׂבִּיעֵהוּ, orekh yamim asbi'ehu)—God promises not merely length of days, but satisfaction (sava', to be filled, satiated). The verb suggests complete fulfillment, not empty longevity. This echoes the Deuteronomic covenant blessing (Deut 30:20) where loving God equals 'length of days.'
And shew him my salvation (וְאַרְאֵהוּ בִּישׁוּעָתִי, v'ar'ehu bishu'ati)—The climax of Psalm 91's divine protection. The Hebrew yeshu'ah (salvation) shares the same root as Jesus' name (Yeshua). God doesn't merely grant deliverance—He reveals it, makes it visible. This promise finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, whom Simeon called God's salvation 'prepared before all people' (Luke 2:30-31). The one who dwells in God's shadow (91:1) ends seeing God's saving work.