What is the meaning of Psalm 91:12? They will lift you up in their hands – “They” refers to the angels God commands on behalf of those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:11). – Angels are literal, personal beings sent to serve believers (Hebrews 1:14) and to encamp around those who fear the LORD (Psalm 34:7). – Their ministry is active: they “lift up,” a picture of powerful, tender protection. When Elisha’s servant’s eyes were opened, he saw heavenly forces surrounding them (2 Kings 6:17), illustrating the unseen reality Psalm 91 describes. – The devil quoted this line to Jesus (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11), acknowledging that it is a concrete promise, though he twisted its intent. Jesus refused to test God, confirming the promise is received through trust, not presumption. so that you will not strike your foot – God’s care extends to the smallest detail—“foot” suggests daily steps, routine moments. Psalm 121:3 affirms, “He will not allow your foot to slip.” – Protection is comprehensive: “Then you will walk safely in your way” (Proverbs 3:23) and “no evil will conquer you” (Psalm 91:10). – For the Messiah, this foretold God’s preserving Him until His appointed hour (John 7:30). For believers in Christ, it assures that nothing, even ordinary missteps, escapes the Father’s notice (Matthew 10:30-31). against a stone – In ancient paths, an unseen stone could break a traveler’s stride. Here it represents every obstacle, snare, or hostile attack. – The LORD removes or overrules those hazards: “You will tread on the lion and cobra” (Psalm 91:13), and “You will not be afraid… of the pestilence that stalks in darkness” (Psalm 91:5-6). – The Stone imagery also points to Christ: though men stumble over Him (Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:8), the Father guarded His way perfectly until He willingly laid down His life (John 10:18). – For us, obstacles remain real, yet God’s guardianship means they cannot derail His purposes (Romans 8:28). Even when harm seems to reach us, He carries us through it (Isaiah 43:2). summary Psalm 91:12 promises literal angelic protection commissioned by God to guard His people in every step, shielding them from unseen dangers and ensuring His sovereign plan prevails. Ultimately fulfilled in Jesus and continually applied to those who abide in Him, it invites confident, humble trust—not reckless testing—because the Father’s care is both tender and absolute. |
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