📅 February 21: Psalm 90, 91 - The Cry for God's Protection and His Promised Refuge

Daily Bible Readings February
, , ,
1

21.2.1.2-psa90-91v0
21.2.1.2-psa90-91v01024×1024 88.8 KB

:date: February 21: Psalm 90, 91 - The Cry for God’s Protection and His Promised Refuge

:earth_africa: Introduction:

Psalm 90 and 91 compose a profound dialogue about life’s frailty and God’s steadfast shelter. Composed by Moses and an unknown author respectively, they invite us to both confront our mortality and embrace our God’s reliability.

:pray: Psalm 90: Our Transient Life vs God’s Eternity

Psalm 90 is a stark confrontation with the fragility of our life. Represented in our frailty, Moses implores God’s mercy on our finite days.

:scroll: Key Verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (90:12)

:pray: Psalm 91: God’s Refuge & Fortress

Psalm 91 follows with a robust response, encapsulating God’s protection for those who trust Him.

:scroll: Key Verse: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (91:1)

:key: Key Themes and Reflections:

:sparkles: Vulnerability & Mortality: These Psalms weave a paradox of frailty and assurance. They invite us to accept our transience, a precious reminder that every second counts.

:sparkles: Protection of God: The believer is not left alone in mortality but finds an unfathomable refuge in God. His promises serve as anchors, shaping our faith.

:bulb: Today’s Application:

Life is often a dichotomy of vulnerability and courage. These Psalms tap these aspects, reminding us to embrace our mortality, number our days, and seek God’s enduring safe haven relentlessly.

:mag: Hidden Gem:

While Psalm 90 is the only Psalm attributed to Moses (which makes it the oldest in the collection), the author of Psalm 91 remains unknown.

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A:

:question:Why is numbering our days significant?

A: It encourages us to appreciate mortal life, use our time wisely, and pursue the wisdom that comes from recognizing life’s brevity.

:question:What does dwelling in God’s shelter truly mean?

A: It symbolizes a heart fully devoted to God, constantly seeking His presence as a refuge, and a resolve to live life His way.

:question:How can these Psalms apply to our modern-day life?

A: They remind us to use time wisely, seek God amidst life’s chaos, and trust Him as a reliable refuge – especially in an age riddled with pandemic and uncertainty.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion:

Reflect: How can you apply the message of Psalms 90 & 91 in your life today?

:date: See You Tomorrow in Psalm 92, 93:

Anticipate a continuation of God’s astounding character, His unwavering justice, and His everlasting love.

Keep trusting Him; keep abiding in His refuge, and keep numbering your days for He is our eternal home.

2

Psalms 90,91
Psalm 90 commences the fourth book of the Psalms in the form of the Decalogue: “Numbers.” The book of Numbers opens with its correct title: “Yahweh spake unto Moses in the Wilderness” (Num. 1:1), and the record is based on the theme ‘Victory through probation’ (Heb. 11:13). The Psalm takes us from Creation (vv. 1-2) to the Kingdom (vv. 16-17) and shows how life should be undertaken on this journey of probation as we continue through the wilderness of life. It sets out: [1] Yahweh, as Israel’s refuge, infinite power and sovereign disposer of human life: vv. 1-6. [2] Israel under the shadow of Divine Wrath: vv. 7-12. [3] Prayer for the restoration of favour to Israel: vv. 13-17. This Psalm is the keystone of this section of the Psalms, with the example of Israel and the Wilderness. It is a reflection of the voice of Moses, and the Psalm is attributed to him in the superscription. The spirit of the Psalm is the path of faith, beginning by the influence of the Eternal Spirit (vv. 1-2), the failure of man to maintain that standard because of sin and transgression (v. 3), the passage of time (vv. 4-12), and the return of the glory (vv. 13-17). It is significant that Moses gives seventy years as the normal term of life (v. 10), for Adam lived seventy years less than a millennium (v. 4). He died at 930 years. But the greater Son of Yahweh will introduce the millennium of glory (v. 4), which shall never pass away, for the hand of Yahweh will establish it (v. 17). • Psalm 91 lays out the reward of those who put their full trust in God. It sets out: [1] Yahweh my Refuge: vv. 1-2. [2] Yahweh’s providential care: vv. 3-8. [3] The complete security afforded the Beloved: vv. 9-13. [4] Yahweh’s assurance of Help: vv. 14-16. Notice reference to the power of the Eternal. He is called “the most High” (vv. 1, 9), the Almighty (v. 1). The first verses relate to those who turn their back on evil and serve Yahweh. His care is expressed in v. 4, and this protection He gives to individuals and to His people the nation of Israel. The Psalm urges us not to bow down and worship flesh/self, as the Father will give His angels charge over us (Heb. 1:13-14). It was verse 11 that was misquoted by the Satan in the wilderness of Judea against the Lord Yahshua, so as to tempt him to force his Father to care for him, whatever he did. To throw himself from the pinnacle of the temple would have been a demonstration of the power of his flesh, and to tempt Yahweh. Consequently the words of vv. 11-12 could not have been spoken by Yahshua, but were put to him by the Tempter, and refuted by the Master as unworthy. Vv. 14-16 confirm the promise of the Kingdom to the faithful and provide a prophecy of immortality. — Logos.