The Protective Promises of Psalm 91Sample

Day 7: No Evil Shall Befall You

When we come to Psalm 91:7, we read God’s promise, “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” This verse is just packed with meaning!

First, notice the phrases “a thousand” and “ten thousand.” These words both refer to literal numbers, but they are also used to refer in general to a large number or a multitude. The phrase “shall fall” means to fall, to lie, or to fall by accident. It can also mean to fall by violent death or to suffer as a result of falling. “At thy side” in Hebrew means beside you or at your nearby side, and “At thy right hand” specifies the right side, as the left has already been referred to.

The final phrase, “...it shall not come nigh thee,” provides God’s wonderful promise. The words “shall not” in Hebrew mean emphatically not, and “come nigh” means to approach or come near. Thus, the Bible is saying that a large number of people may be dropping like flies on every side of you, and they may be falling and suffering, some falling by violent deaths, but whatever is causing them to fall will absolutely not come anywhere near you!

Verse 8 continues the thought, stating, “Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.” This verse is saying that it’s a guarantee that you’re never going to taste or experience the reward of the wicked; you’re only going to see it and contemplate their fate with your eyes.

Verses 9 and 10 go on to say, “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

Notice verse 9 begins with the word “because.” This word points to the result of living in the shadow of the Almighty. The verse then says, “Thou has made,” which is a phrase indicating that we have willfully chosen to take action. Specifically, we must choose to make the Lord our refuge and our habitation. No one can make this choice for us. Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, but each of us must decide to make Him the Lord of our life and come into the secret place.

When we make that choice, verse 10 says, “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” The word “evil” here is a Hebrew word that describes affliction or anything bad. It denotes calamity, distress, evil, injury, or misery. It can also refer to unhappiness or sadness. When you’re living in the shadow of the Almighty, none of these things will befall you. You’re not going to encounter or run into any of these evil things.

The Bible goes on to say, “...Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” The words “any plague” describe an attack, plague, or strike, and while it can be a spiritual or mental attack, this word here especially refers to a physical sickness or wound. Again, when you’re abiding in the shadow of the Almighty, no attack, no plague, and no strike of any kind will come anywhere near your dwelling place. Sickness and disease cannot dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. It is the safest place on the planet for you to live!

For Your Consideration:

• In what areas of your life do you find it easier to submit and obey the Lord’s instructions? In what areas is it most difficult? Why do you think that is the case?
• Take a moment to pray and get God’s input. Say, “Lord, why am I resistant to You in these areas? Is it pride? Or am I afraid of something? Please reveal to me what’s going on inside me and help me obey You, in Jesus’ name.”