Psalms 91:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 91:12
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Chapter Context
Psalms 91 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, obedience. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 91:12
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Analysis
They shall bear thee up in their hands (יִשָּׂאוּנְךָ עַל־כַּפָּיִם)—The Hebrew verb nasa means to lift, carry, or support, depicting angelic care with tenderness, as one carries an infant. The phrase al-kapayim (upon palms/hands) emphasizes protective intimacy.
Satan quoted this verse to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4:6, Luke 4:11), twisting divine protection into presumptuous testing. Christ's response—Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God—exposes the difference between trusting God's promises in faithful obedience versus manipulating them for self-serving spectacle. Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone alludes to stumbling in the wilderness journey; God's promise is provision for those who walk His path, not those who deliberately leap from pinnacles.
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is traditionally ascribed to Moses, reflecting wilderness protection themes. First-century Jews viewed this as a messianic psalm, which explains Satan's use in the temptation narrative. The psalm was recited for protection from plague and danger, with rabbinic tradition calling it 'the Song of Evil Occurrences.'
Reflection
- How does Satan's misuse of this verse warn against cherry-picking promises while ignoring their covenantal context?
- In what ways might you be tempted to 'test God' by claiming protection while deliberately choosing dangerous or disobedient paths?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 37:24, Job 5:23, Proverbs 3:23, Isaiah 46:3, 63:9, Matthew 4:6