Psalms 91:12
On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The promise isn't that you'll never encounter difficulties, but that God's messengers will actively lift you over them, so your journey isn't derailed by even the smallest stumbling blocks. This highlights a divine intervention that supports our path, not a guarantee of a completely obstacle-free life.
This verse comes as part of a powerful assurance of divine protection given to those who make God their refuge. Following promises of safety from hidden dangers and divine deliverance, this line emphasizes how God's care is so detailed that His messengers will actively support believers, preventing even minor stumbles in their life's journey. It highlights a picture of constant, vigilant guardianship that ensures safe passage through all of life's paths.
Ever feel like you're about to stumble, but something unseen catches you? This verse paints a picture of incredibly tender, divine protection.
Tender Care, Not Just Rescue
This isn't about a superhero swooping in at the last second. The imagery here is intimate and constant. Think of a parent or caregiver gently carrying a child, especially one learning to walk. They don't just grab them when they fall; they cradle them, supporting them with their hands and palms.
This verse highlights that God's care isn't just about preventing disaster, but about actively carrying us through difficulties. It's about ensuring that even when the path is rough, with stones (representing obstacles, temptations, or moral hazards), our spiritual footing remains secure.
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes we trip. What does this verse say about navigating those 'stones' that threaten to derail us?
Navigating Life's Obstacles
The 'stone' here is more than just a physical hazard. Commentators point out that it often represents moral or spiritual impediments. These are the things that can cause us to falter in our faith, to stumble in our walk with God, or to fall into sin.
The promise is that divine care is in place to prevent us from striking our foot against these stones. This implies that God's protection isn't passive; it's active guidance. It means that even when we can't see the danger, or when our own footing is unsure, there's a force ensuring we don't suffer permanent damage from these inevitable obstacles.
Understand the original words
nāśā’ · Hebrew Verb
To carry, lift up, or support; in a theological sense, it often denotes God’s sustaining providence or the active intervention of His agents.
This psalm was likely written during or after the Babylonian exile, a time when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed and God's people were scattered. The assurance of divine protection, even amidst such devastation, offered immense hope and comfort.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital of a unified Israel, ushering in a golden age of worship and national identity.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
King Solomon begins building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens and scattering them.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
c. 586 BC
This passage uses the powerful image of an eagle bearing its young on its wings, which mirrors the idea of God or His agents carrying and protecting believers from harm.
Proverbs 3:23This verse speaks of God's guidance keeping your feet from stumbling and preventing your foot from being caught, echoing the protective intent of Psalm 91:12.
Matthew 4:6In the temptation of Jesus, Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12 to tempt Jesus to throw himself down from the temple, showing how these promises can be misused but also highlighting the angelic protection promised.
Luke 10:19Jesus tells His disciples that He has given them authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, signifying a protection that enables them to overcome obstacles without being harmed.
pulpitPsalms 91:12: "They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Verse 12. - They shall bear thee up in their hands; rather, upon their hands - lifting thee over difficulties and stumbling blocks. Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (comp. Proverbs 3:23, 24). Moral impediments are, no doubt, chiefly meant.
ellicottPsalms 91:12: "They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
(12) In their hands. —Literally, on, as a nurse a child. There is a Spanish proverb, expressive of great love and solicitude: “They carry him on the palms of their hands.”
The promise isn't that you'll never encounter difficulties, but that God's messengers will actively lift you over them, so your journey isn't derailed by even the smallest stumbling blocks. This highlights a divine intervention that supports our path, not a guarantee of a completely obstacle-free life.
This verse comes as part of a powerful assurance of divine protection given to those who make God their refuge. Following promises of safety from hidden dangers and divine deliverance, this line emphasizes how God's care is so detailed that His messengers will actively support believers, preventing even minor stumbles in their life's journey. It highlights a picture of constant, vigilant guardianship that ensures safe passage through all of life's paths.
This verse comes as part of a powerful assurance of divine protection given to those who make God their refuge. Following promises of safety from hidden dangers and divine deliverance, this line emphasizes how God's care is so detailed that His messengers will actively support believers, preventing even minor stumbles in their life's journey. It highlights a picture of constant, vigilant guardianship that ensures safe passage through all of life's paths.
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Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This marks a profound crisis of faith and identity.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus Permits Return to Judah
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and allows the Judean exiles to return to their homeland and begin rebuilding the Temple.
"On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." — The promise isn't that you'll never encounter difficulties, but that God's messengers will actively lift you over them, so your journey isn't derailed by even the smallest stumbling blocks. This high…
