Feathers: A refuge or night terror?

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say the the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence. 

He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day, 

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, 

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, 

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes 

and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place --

the Most High, who is my refuge --

no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

no plague come near your tent. 

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone. 

You will tread on the lion and the adder; 

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble; 

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,

and show him my salvation.

(ESV)

      

      This is a psalm that contrasts the supernatural forces of our enemy with that of our God. It is loaded with imagery of feathers and fortresses. You have the night terrors and pestilence contrasted with the pinions and wings of our God. He is described as a safe place from these opposing forces and dangers. 

     This psalm has a strong provenance of being used as an exorcist psalm, in addition to being used as spoken protection from harm (see links below). This should come as no great surprise when we consider that David (possible author) used his music to drive out the evil spirit who plagued Saul (1 Samuel 16). Jews during the Second Temple Period (516 BC - 70 AD), used this in a collection of 4 psalms for the purposes of exorcism (see links on Dead Sea Scrolls). This was a known practice in Jesus' day. Satan was also seemingly aware of this practice. In an ironic twist, he also uses this psalm in his temptation of Jesus. Theologians and scholars down through the centuries have continued to use this psalm in this way (see link below on Spurgeon). 

     To view these perils as supernatural in nature was not unfamiliar to their original audience. Fallen angelic and demonic creatures were part and parcel to the worldview of the Biblical authors. For example, Lilith was a night demon that ancient Jewish people were familiar with (see Isaiah 34:14). Others are also mentioned in Scripture as well (Leviticus 17:7-8, for example). 

     Knowing that this psalm was used to engage in spiritual warfare, I now have a greater appreciation for the authority of my God over those who oppose Him. His Word is powerful and His enemies must yield to it. As the Lord continues to open my eyes to the supernatural nature of the Scripture, I stand in greater awe of His power and authority over these things. The text itself bears witness to the supreme authority and protection that Yahweh offers to those seek Him. 

     

     Believers are safe in knowing that, whatever dangers or evils we do experience, they are filtered through the loving hands of our Father. He is in complete control of the events and circumstances of our lives. Be at rest in these truths. 

(Exocism Psalms in the Dead Sea Scrolls) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-exorcism/  

(Exocism Psalms in the Dead Sea Scrolls) https://blog.judahgabriel.com/2007/02/dead-sea-scroll-exorcism-psalms.html

(Satan's use of Psalm 91) Evans, Craig, "Jesus and Psalm 91 in Light of the Exorcism Scrolls" (article)

(Spurgeon's mention of this Psalm as a means of protection) https://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps091.php

(Modern use of Psalm 91) https://www.christiancentury.org/article/notes-global-church/psalm-91-every-time-and-place