Mercy is praised in the morning, when the anxieties of the night subside and the sun's rays once again illuminate a renewed world...
Mercy is praised in the morning, when the anxieties of the night subside and the sun's rays once again illuminate a renewed world. At such moments it is so natural to thank the Creator for the joy of a new day; in the morning hours it is so easy for the heart to understand that He is merciful, that He is the Source of all that is bright in creation!
Truth, however, is praised at night, when the senses are sharpened and the absence of light—which during the day distracts our attention from life's tragedy—allows us to feel much of what our daily cares keep us from noticing. Yet just as night and morning are united and interconnected in creation, so mercy and truth are inseparable and indivisible in the Creator.
The psalmist's words that the Lord has made him glad might perhaps seem strange to those accustomed to seeing Him solely as a stern ruler who constantly punishes His subjects. Yet He wants us to live in joy, and it is no accident that the message of salvation which the Son of God will bring to earth is called the Good News.
91 This psalm is a dialogue, wherein one declares the safety of them, who take God for their keeper, Psa 91:1. David declares this to be his resolution, Psa 91:2. Various promises are made to him, Psa 91:3-13. Which God himself confirms, Psa 91:14-16.
91:1 He - He that makes God his habitation and refuge.
91:3 Pestilence - From the pestilence, which like a fowler's snare takes men suddenly and unexpectedly.
91:5 By night - When evil accidents are most terrible and least avoidable. Arrow - The pestilence, or any such destructive calamity; such are frequently called God's arrows. By day - Thou shalt be kept from secret and open mischiefs.
91:6 Darkness - Invisibly, so that we can neither foresee nor prevent it.
91:12 Bear thee - Sustain or uphold thee in thy goings, as we do a child.
91:13 The lion - Shall lie prostrate at thy feet, and thou shalt securely put thy feet upon his neck. Dragon - By which he understands all pernicious creatures, though never so strong, and all sorts of enemies.
91:14 Because - This and the two following verses are the words of God.