Psalms 91:9

Authorized King James Version

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Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַתָּ֣ה H859
אַתָּ֣ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 2 of 7
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַחְסִ֑י which is my refuge H4268
מַחְסִ֑י which is my refuge
Strong's: H4268
Word #: 4 of 7
a shelter (literally or figuratively)
עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן even the most High H5945
עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן even the most High
Strong's: H5945
Word #: 5 of 7
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
שַׂ֣מְתָּ Because thou hast made H7760
שַׂ֣מְתָּ Because thou hast made
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 6 of 7
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
מְעוֹנֶֽךָ׃ thy habitation H4583
מְעוֹנֶֽךָ׃ thy habitation
Strong's: H4583
Word #: 7 of 7
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

Analysis & Commentary

This verse serves as the psalm's pivot point, responding to the confidence expressed in verses 1-2. "Because" (כִּי/ki) introduces cause and effect: security flows from making God your refuge. "The LORD" (יְהוָה/YHWH) uses God's covenant name, while "the most High" (עֶלְיוֹן/'Elyon) emphasizes His sovereignty above all powers. The double designation affirms both intimate relationship (YHWH) and transcendent power ('Elyon). "My refuge" (מַחְסִי/machsi) and "thy habitation" (מְעוֹנֶךָ/me'onekha) create parallel: God is our shelter, and we make Him our dwelling place. This mutual indwelling—we abide in God, God dwells with us—becomes the foundation for the remarkable promises that follow (no plague, angelic protection, divine deliverance).

Historical Context

Psalm 91 is traditionally called "The Soldiers' Psalm" for its promises of protection in danger. Jewish tradition attributes it to Moses, though authorship is uncertain. It was likely used as a prayer for protection during war or plague. Satan quoted verses 11-12 when tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:6), demonstrating that even Scripture can be misapplied when divorced from relationship with God. Jesus's response showed that confidence in God's protection isn't presumption but trust within obedience.

Questions for Reflection