Psalms 91:3
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse presents two specific dangers: the fowler's snare and deadly pestilence. But notice the word "surely" – it emphasizes not just that God will deliver, but the absolute certainty of His protection. This isn't about escaping some dangers, but being shielded from any peril that seeks to trap or destroy, whether it's an obvious trap or an unseen plague.
The Psalmist is speaking, assuring the listener that God is their refuge and protector. This verse comes after the initial declaration of trust in God's protection (Psalm 91:1-2) and elaborates on the specific dangers from which God will deliver those who make Him their refuge. The focus shifts to the listener, detailing how God’s safeguarding presence shields them from hidden traps and sudden, deadly sicknesses.
Life throws curveballs, sometimes in ways we never see coming. What do 'snare of the fowler' and 'deadly pestilence' really mean for us today?
This verse paints a vivid picture of the dangers we face.
The Subtle Snare
The 'snare of the fowler' isn't just about birds being caught. It represents any hidden, unexpected danger or deception designed to trap us. Think of schemes, lies, or temptations that seem harmless at first but lead to destruction. It speaks to the insidious ways evil can try to ensnare us, whether through manipulation, false promises, or corrupting influences.
The Swift Sickness
'Deadly pestilence' refers to widespread, fatal disease. It evokes the terror of an invisible enemy spreading rapidly, causing devastation. This isn't just about physical sickness, but also about the 'plagues' of our modern world – societal breakdown, moral decay, or spiritual epidemics that can take hold and destroy lives and communities.
When life feels precarious, we need assurance. What does God promise to those who trust Him, according to Psalm 91?
The core message here is God's active intervention on behalf of those who trust Him.
Certain Deliverance
The word 'for' at the beginning of the verse is key – it links this promise directly to the act of making God one's refuge (as mentioned in the preceding verses). The assurance isn't conditional on our strength, but on God's faithfulness. He promises to deliver you. This isn't a passive wish, but an active rescue.
Comprehensive Protection
The two specific examples – snare and pestilence – are representative. They symbolize all forms of hidden dangers, subtle traps, and widespread destruction. God’s promise isn't limited to these two threats but encompasses the full spectrum of perils, both those that attack us individually and those that threaten communities. It's a picture of God's vigilant care, shielding His people from whatever dangers they may face.
Understand the original words
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To snatch away, rescue, or save; it refers to God's act of setting His people free from danger, distress, or enemies.
pach · Hebrew Noun
A trap or net used by a hunter; metaphorically represents the hidden dangers, plots, or temptations set by the wicked or the enemy.
yaqosh · Hebrew Noun
A bird catcher; one who lays traps. It represents those who seek to entrap or destroy the righteous.
This Psalm uses the same imagery of a 'snare' to describe escaping danger, highlighting how God rescues His people from deadly traps, just as Psalm 91:3 promises.
Proverbs 6:5This proverb directly parallels the 'snare' imagery, advising to act quickly 'like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter' to escape danger, reinforcing the idea of sudden, perilous threats from which deliverance is sought.
2 Timothy 2:26This New Testament passage describes believers being rescued from the 'snare of the devil,' showing how the ancient imagery of a fowler's trap continues to represent spiritual dangers and God's power to deliver from them.
Luke 21:35-36Jesus warns about the end times, urging believers to 'stay awake and always pray' so they may 'escape being found to fall under all these things,' connecting vigilance and prayer to deliverance from widespread calamities, echoing the promise of protection in Psalm 91.
Revelation 18:4This verse calls God's people to 'come out of her, my people,' to avoid sharing in the sins and plagues of Babylon, demonstrating the principle of separation and divine protection from impending judgment and destruction, similar to the deliverance promised in Psalm 91.
pulpitPsalms 91:3: "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."
Verse 3. - Surely he shall deliver thee. The second speaker takes up the word, and naturally changes the person. Addressing the first speaker, he says - Yes, assuredly, God shall deliver thee from whatever dangers beset thee: as, first, from the snare of the fowler (comp. Psalm 124:7; Proverbs 6:5); and, secondly, from the noisome pestilence (comp. ver. 6), i.e. from all dangers whatsoever…
ellicottPsalms 91:3: "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."
(3 ) Snare of the fowler. —The image of the net has occurred frequently before. (See Psalm 10:15 , &c) Here, as in Ecclesiastes 9:12 , it is used generally of any unexpected peril to life. Noisome pestilence.—Literally, pestilence of calamities, i.e., fatal. (See Psalm 57:1, where the same word “calamities” occurs.)
The verse presents two specific dangers: the fowler's snare and deadly pestilence. But notice the word "surely" – it emphasizes not just that God will deliver, but the absolute certainty of His protection. This isn't about escaping some dangers, but being shielded from any peril that seeks to trap or destroy, whether it's an obvious trap or an unseen plague.
The Psalmist is speaking, assuring the listener that God is their refuge and protector. This verse comes after the initial declaration of trust in God's protection (Psalm 91:1-2) and elaborates on the specific dangers from which God will deliver those who make Him their refuge. The focus shifts to the listener, detailing how God’s safeguarding presence shields them from hidden traps and sudden, deadly sicknesses.
The Psalmist is speaking, assuring the listener that God is their refuge and protector. This verse comes after the initial declaration of trust in God's protection (Psalm 91:1-2) and elaborates on the specific dangers from which God will deliver those who make Him their refuge. The focus shifts to the listener, detailing how God’s safeguarding presence shields them from hidden traps and sudden, deadly sicknesses.
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"For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence." — The verse presents two specific dangers: the fowler's snare and deadly pestilence. But notice the word "surely" – it emphasizes not just that God will deliver, but the absolute certainty of His pro…
