Psalms 91:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 91:14
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Chapter Context
Psalms 91 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, salvation. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 91:14
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Analysis
Because he hath set his love upon me (כִּי בִי חָשַׁק)—The Hebrew chashaq describes passionate attachment, clinging devotion. This is God's response to the believer's love, making Psalm 91 a divine covenant promise. Therefore will I deliver him—deliverance conditioned on love, yet God initiates: 'We love him because he first loved us' (1 John 4:19).
I will set him on high (אֲשַׂגְּבֵהוּ, asaggbehu)—exaltation beyond earthly enemies' reach, echoing Joseph's elevation (Genesis 41:40) and Christ's resurrection enthronement (Ephesians 1:20-21). Because he hath known my name (יָדַע שְׁמִי, yada shemi)—intimate covenant knowledge, not mere cognition. The Name represents God's character, presence, and self-revelation—knowing equals loving communion.
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is anonymous but traditionally associated with Moses or the Levitical temple liturgy. The divine first-person voice (rare in Psalms) suggests prophetic oracle. Early Jewish interpretation saw Messianic fulfillment; Satan quoted verses 11-12 during Christ's temptation (Matthew 4:6), while Jesus embodied the psalm's ultimate 'keeper of the covenant' who trusted utterly in God's name.
Reflection
- How does your love for God move beyond duty to the passionate 'clinging' (chashaq) described here?
- What does it mean to 'know God's name' in a culture where names are casual labels rather than revelations of character?
Cross-References
- Love: John 14:23, 16:27, Romans 8:28, James 1:12, 2:5
- Parallel theme: Psalms 9:10, 91:9, Isaiah 33:16, John 17:3, Galatians 4:9