Psalms 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

For he shall give his angels {H4397} charge {H6680}{H8762)} over thee, to keep {H8104}{H8800)} thee in all thy ways {H1870}.

for he will order his angels to care for you and guard you wherever you go.

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalms 91:11 is a powerful verse from the "Soldier's Psalm" or "Psalm of Protection," offering profound assurance of divine care and angelic guardianship for those who trust in God.

Context

This verse is nestled within Psalm 91, a beautiful declaration of God's unwavering protection for those who "dwell in the secret place of the most High" and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The psalm paints a vivid picture of security from various dangers, both seen and unseen, and verse 11 specifically highlights one of God's chosen methods for providing this comprehensive safety: through His angels. It is a promise given to those who live in faithful reliance on God, not as a license for reckless behavior, as demonstrated when Satan misquoted this very verse to Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection: The core message is God's active and personal commitment to safeguarding His faithful. It's not passive security but an intentional act of intervention.
  • Angelic Ministry: God uses His heavenly hosts as agents of His will. Angels are depicted not as independent beings, but as servants dispatched by God to fulfill His protective purposes. This reflects the biblical truth that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.
  • Comprehensive Care: The phrase "in all thy ways" emphasizes that God's protection extends to every path, decision, and circumstance of life, ensuring safety throughout one's journey.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse underscores God's absolute authority over all creation, including powerful angelic beings, whom He commands for the benefit of His children.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "charge" is tsavah (צוה), meaning to command, appoint, or direct with authority. This signifies a direct, authoritative mandate from God to His angels. The word "keep" is shamar (שמר), which conveys the idea of guarding, watching over, preserving, or protecting vigilantly. It implies a diligent and constant watch. The phrase "in all thy ways" (בְּכָל־דְּרָכֶיךָ - b'chol d'rakheykha) literally means "in all your paths" or "journeys," suggesting a holistic guardianship over one's entire life course.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 91:11 offers immense comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that even when facing unseen dangers or navigating uncertain paths, God's watchful eye and protective hand are upon us. While we should not presumptuously test God, we can rest in the knowledge that His divine care, often mediated through His angels, surrounds us as we walk in obedience and faith. This verse encourages a deeper trust in God's providence, knowing that He is ever faithful to preserve and guide those who abide in Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 4:10

    For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

  • Luke 4:11

    And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

  • Psalms 34:7

    The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

  • Proverbs 3:6

    In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

  • Matthew 4:6

    And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

  • Psalms 71:3

    Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.
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