Psalms 91:6

[Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday.

Nor for the pestilence {H1698} that walketh {H1980}{H8799)} in darkness {H652}; nor for the destruction {H6986} that wasteth {H7736}{H8799)} at noonday {H6672}.

or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon.

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.

For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Context of Psalms 91:6

Psalm 91 is a profound declaration of divine protection and security for those who reside in the presence of the Most High. This particular verse, Psalm 91:6, continues the theme of immunity from various dangers, building upon the assurance given in earlier verses like Psalm 91:1, which speaks of dwelling "under the shadow of the Almighty." The psalm paints a picture of a believer who, by faith and trust, is shielded from the common fears and calamities of life, whether they strike by day or by night.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Comprehensive Divine Protection: The verse highlights God's all-encompassing shield against threats. It covers both unseen, insidious dangers ("pestilence that walketh in darkness") and overt, devastating forces ("destruction that wasteth at noonday"). This imagery signifies that God's protection is 24/7 and effective against every imaginable peril.
  • Freedom from Fear: The core message is one of profound peace and confidence. Because of God's unwavering protection, the believer is exhorted not to fear any plague, epidemic, or sudden disaster. This echoes the broader biblical theme of "fear not" in the face of adversity.
  • God's Presence as Refuge: The security promised in this verse is not magical immunity, but rather the result of choosing God as one's refuge and fortress, as established at the outset of the psalm. It is a testament to the power of dwelling in constant fellowship with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses vivid imagery to describe the threats:

  • "Pestilence" (Hebrew: dever): This term refers to plague, epidemic, or any sudden, widespread disease. The phrase "walketh in darkness" suggests its unseen, insidious nature, striking without warning, much like a disease that spreads quietly before its effects are known.
  • "Destruction" (Hebrew: qetev): This word denotes cutting off, ruin, or violent annihilation. "Wasteth at noonday" describes an overt, visible, and powerful force that strikes in broad daylight, when one might expect to be most secure or when the threat is undeniably present and overwhelming, such as a sudden disaster or battle.

Practical Application

In a world constantly facing global pandemics, natural disasters, and various forms of conflict, Psalm 91:6 offers immense comfort and a powerful reminder for contemporary believers. It encourages us:

  • To anchor our security not in worldly precautions alone, but primarily in God's unfailing promise of protection.
  • To confront fears of unseen dangers (like diseases) or overt threats (like societal unrest or economic collapse) with faith, knowing that God's care extends to all aspects of life.
  • To cultivate a deeper reliance on God, understanding that true peace comes from trusting in His sovereignty and dwelling under His protective shadow. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Reflection

Psalm 91:6 stands as a powerful testament to the comprehensive and unwavering protection afforded to those who make the Lord their refuge. It speaks to a divine shield that guards against both the hidden terrors of the night and the blatant dangers of the day. For the believer, it is an invitation to live free from anxiety, confidently resting in the assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances, providing safety even amidst widespread calamity.

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.

  • Psalms 121:5

    The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

  • Psalms 121:6

    The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

  • Numbers 16:48

    And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

  • Matthew 24:6

    And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

  • Matthew 24:7

    For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

  • Exodus 12:29

    ¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

  • Exodus 12:30

    And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.
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