Psalms 91:14

Psalm 91:14 is a profound declaration of God's commitment to those who deeply love and know Him. This verse serves as a cornerstone of divine assurance, promising both deliverance and elevation to the faithful, highlighting the reciprocal nature of a relationship with the Almighty.

Context of Psalm 91:14

Psalm 91 is renowned as a psalm of divine protection and security, often referred to as the "Soldier's Psalm" or the "Psalm of Protection." It paints a vivid picture of God as a refuge and fortress for those who dwell in His secret place. While the preceding verses describe the benefits of trusting in God, verse 14 shifts to God's direct voice, explaining the conditions for receiving these extraordinary promises: a deep personal relationship characterized by love and knowledge of His character. It is a divine response to the faith articulated throughout the psalm, reinforcing the idea that dwelling in the secret place of the Most High brings unparalleled safety and divine protection.

Key Themes in Psalm 91:14

• "Because he hath set his love upon me": This phrase speaks of a profound, intentional, and devoted affection for God. It's not a casual liking but a strong, clinging love that prioritizes God above all else. This deep love is the foundation for God's reciprocal action, echoing the greatest commandment to love the Lord your God with all your heart.
• "Therefore will I deliver him": God promises active rescue and salvation from various dangers, troubles, and adversaries. This divine deliverance is a direct consequence of the believer's heartfelt devotion. It encompasses both physical safety and spiritual salvation, reflecting God's ultimate care for His own. For more on God's commitment to rescue, see Psalm 34:19.
• "I will set him on high": This signifies elevation, exaltation, and security. It implies being placed beyond the reach of harm, above one's enemies, or in a position of honor and privilege. This divine lifting up is not merely about physical safety but also about spiritual and relational status with God.
• "Because he hath known my name": Knowing God's name here implies more than just intellectual awareness of His titles. It refers to an intimate, experiential knowledge of His character, attributes, and power. It's a deep personal relationship and trust based on understanding who God truly is. This echoes the concept of eternal life being knowing God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "set his love upon me" is ḥāshaq (חָשַׁק), which conveys a strong, passionate, and clinging affection. It implies a deep attachment and delight in someone or something. This is not merely an intellectual assent but an emotional and volitional choice to cling to God, signifying a love that is chosen and steadfast. The phrase "known my name" (יָדַע שְׁמִי, yada' shmi) emphasizes an experiential and relational knowledge, not just head knowledge. To "know God's name" is to intimately understand His being, His promises, and His faithfulness, as revealed through His actions and character, much like God revealing His name 'I AM' to Moses.

Practical Application

Psalm 91:14 offers immense encouragement for believers today. It underscores that God's promises of protection and elevation are conditional upon our relationship with Him. To "set our love upon" God means to prioritize Him, to seek Him with all our heart, and to delight in His presence. To "know His name" means to actively pursue a deeper understanding of His character through His Word, prayer, and experience. This KJV Bible verse calls us to cultivate a genuine, heartfelt devotion and an intimate knowledge of God, assuring us that such a relationship will be met with divine deliverance and exaltation in times of trouble. It reinforces the truth that the name of the Lord is a strong tower for the righteous, offering ultimate security and divine favor.