Whether it is sung psalm 91 in a majestic cathedral or whispered in the quiet of a private prayer, this psalm is revered worldwide for its profound message of divine protection. It is a trenchant exemplar of God’s protective mantle, encapsulating the unwavering faith of those who dwell under His wings. It teaches patience and imparts the privileged invulnerability of those who trust in God’s care, ushering them into a state beyond mortal comprehension or capability.

While the psalmist is not identified, biblical students understand that this psalm was written by someone well acquainted with its significance and benefits. Various dangers are used as symbolic images, such as natural disasters, animals, diseases, and even enemies (vv. 1-13). Throughout this psalm, the promise of protection against these dangers is given in two voices: the psalmist’s voice, spoken in verses 1 – 13, and the voice of God, speaking in verses 14-16.

Wings of Protection: Unveiling the Power of Psalm 91 in Times of Need

Although this psalm is not attributed to any specific author, Jewish tradition places it by Moses, while the Septuagint and Latin Vulgate Bible ascribes it to David. It is a regular part of the Hebrew, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican liturgies. It is also a popular psalm for Christian artists to set to music. There is a story that says that a commander of the 91st Brigade in WWI gave a card with this psalm on it to his men and told them to recite it daily, and that they did so; and they went into three of the bloodiest battles of that war yet suffered no casualties, while other brigades lost 90% of their men.