Psalm 91 Guardian Angels
The author of this psalm knows God personally. In his culture, there was real fear, fear of the enemy, or fear in battle. He notes that God will rescue from the hunter’s snare. A snare is a trap of calamities, plots, a source or agent of calamity. Satan is our master snare builder, but the author has recognized this trait and trusts that God will rescue him from his traps. The same truth is for us as well.
Also, God will shelter us under his wings. Think of a mother duck or a bird who shelters her brood. We have been watching the eaglets who were sheltered in this way, in the nest high above the forest floor. They are ready to fledge soon, and we will be watching how the eaglets navigate this new experience. God watches over us just like the eagle parent. No matter where we are, we can trust God to shelter us. The author pointedly shares in vs 4: His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. That is the reason God protects us from the snares and shelters us.
Because of these traits and more, we need not fear the terrors of the night or the arrow that flies by day. Those who trust in the Lord can rely on His protection. “He will commission angels to watch over and protect His own. This is one of the passages in Scripture that reveals the existence and activity of “guardian angels” (cf. Matt. 18:10; Heb. 1:14). The writer was using hyperbole when he wrote that the believer will not even stub his or her toe (v. 12). Verse 13 also seems to be hyperbolic. It pictures overcoming dangerous animals. God has given some believers this kind of protection occasionally (e.g., Dan. 6; Acts 28:3-6), but the writer’s point was that God will protect His people from all kinds of dangers.” [Dr C. quote]
