What is the meaning of Psalm 91:6?

Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness

“nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness” (Psalm 91:6a) pictures a silent, unseen plague creeping through the night. Darkness often symbolizes hidden danger (Job 24:14; John 3:19). God assures believers that even threats we cannot see are under His control. Consider:

• In Exodus 12:22-23 the destroyer passed unseen through Egypt, yet every Israelite home marked by blood was spared.

• Psalm 121:5-6 promises, “The LORD is your keeper… the moon will not harm you by night,” echoing protection from nocturnal dangers.

• Luke 4:40-41 shows Jesus driving out diseases and demons after sunset, demonstrating His authority over night-time afflictions.

The verse is not denying that sickness exists; rather, it declares that the Lord limits its reach and uses every circumstance for our good (Romans 8:28).

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Nor the calamity that destroys at noon

“nor the calamity that destroys at noon” (Psalm 91:6b) shifts to broad-daylight disaster—when danger is most visible and unavoidable. Noon was battle time (2 Samuel 11:1). God’s promise covers obvious threats as surely as hidden ones.

• Deuteronomy 32:24-25 speaks of famine, plague, and the sword striking “in the streets,” yet Psalm 91 counters with divine shelter.

• Psalm 91:7 continues, “Though a thousand may fall at your side….” Even open, sweeping judgment cannot overrun those who dwell in the Almighty’s shadow (Psalm 91:1).

• In 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the LORD struck the Assyrian camp overnight, and by morning—broad daylight—Judah saw complete deliverance. The same God guards His people today (Hebrews 13:8).

Believers may face daytime disasters—economic collapse, violence, public crises—but the Lord’s covenant faithfulness stands (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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summary

Psalm 91:6 reassures God’s people that His protective care spans every hour and type of threat—unseen plagues that slip through the dark and glaring calamities that strike at high noon. Whether danger is hidden or obvious, our refuge and fortress is the LORD (Psalm 91:2). Trusting Him banishes fear and anchors us in confident obedience, day and night.