¹When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,[#91:1 Shaddai ( šadday ) is taken from a Hebrew root word with many expressive meanings. It can mean “God of the Mountain,” “God the Destroyer of Enemies,” “God the Self-Sufficient One,” “God the Nurturer of Babies,” or “God the Almighty.” Moses the lawgiver is the author of this psalm, yet every verse seems to breathe the unlimited grace and mercy of God.]

you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

²He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,

the only God for me, and my great confidence.

³He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,[#91:3 Or “hunter.”]

and he will protect you from false accusation

and any deadly curse.

⁴His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.[#91:4 Or “wings.” Also found in the next sentence, “under his wings,” which speaks not of God having wings, but of the wings of the cherubim resting on the mercy seat. The implication is that we can always come to the mercy seat and rest without fear.]

You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

⁵You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night

nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

⁶Don’t fear a thing!

Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,

nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.

⁷Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,

you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

⁸You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,

for they will be paid back for what they have done!

^9-10When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,

our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.

How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?

¹¹God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,

defending you from all harm.

¹²If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you

and keep you from stumbling.

¹³You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,[#91:13 The Hebrew includes the words for “lions,” “snakes,” and “dragons” as the three great symbols of satanic power.]

trampling every one of them beneath your feet!

¹⁴For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:

“Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,

I will greatly protect you.

¹⁵I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,

and you will feel my presence

in your time of trouble.

I will deliver you and bring you honor.

¹⁶I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.

For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”