(The Lord speaking is red text)
They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
They will carry you in their hands, so that you won't trip on a stone.
They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
They shall bear thee up{H5375}{H8799)} in their hands{H3709}, lest thou dash{H5062}{H8799)} thy foot{H7272} against a stone{H68}.
Psalm 91:12 is part of a longer psalm that is often characterized as a psalm of protection and refuge. The historical context of the psalms, including Psalm 91, is generally tied to the worship practices of ancient Israel, where these poetic compositions were used in various religious settings, such as temple services and personal devotion. They served as expressions of faith, praise, lament, and wisdom.
The verse itself, "They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone," continues the theme of divine protection that pervades Psalm 91. In this particular verse, the imagery suggests a level of care and support that is both intimate and powerful. The pronoun "they" has been interpreted in different ways: some see it as referring to angels or divine messengers who watch over the faithful, while others interpret it as a metaphor for God's providence working through various means.
The promise that the faithful will be borne up in hands implies that they will be safeguarded from harm, even from the seemingly minor danger of stubbing one's foot on a stone. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's protection, which extends to every aspect of life, no matter how small or mundane. The verse reassures the reader that divine assistance is always present, ready to prevent even the smallest of injuries.
In a broader thematic context, Psalm 91:12 emphasizes the trust that the believer can place in God, who is depicted as a reliable guardian. This assurance of safety and deliverance would have been particularly comforting to the ancient Israelites facing various threats and uncertainties, and it continues to resonate with people of faith today who seek solace in the promise of divine care and intervention in their lives.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)