Thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night…
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in the darkness…
Psalm 91:5-6
Yesterday, it was once again my turn to cover our Bible study in the absence of my chaplain, who remains on medical leave…
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in the darkness…
Psalm 91:5-6
Yesterday, it was once again my turn to cover our Bible study in the absence of my chaplain, who remains on medical leave…
So, with all that's been going on with the Coronavirus, which various government agencies as well as the media are beginning to label as a "pestilence," I sensed the need to look at Psalm 91. It is the most well-known Psalm for military personnel who must constantly face danger. It's probably the second-best known Psalm after the most popular one of all time, Psalm 23.
So the men and I went through Psalm 91, verse by verse. As always, each man in the class was free to ask questions or share his thoughts on any portion of the Psalm. I, however, especially wanted to focus on Verses 5 and 6. It is in these verses that the word "pestilence" is used. At least it is in the classic King James version.
I shared the dictionary's definition of pestilence, as "a destructive, infectious, swiftly spreading disease." I mentioned where the writer of the psalm urges his readers not to fear the "the terror by night... Nor the pestilence that walks in the darkness."
We looked at this passage closely. Other versions of the Bible use the words "stalked," or "creeps," I said I like the King James' usage of the word "walketh" better. Because this word (walk) best describes how the pestilence is spread. It is spread by something that walks. Who walks but a living being, such as an animal or a human? The Coronavirus is therefore spread, unfortunately and unwittingly, by creatures that walk. The men found this interesting and insightful.
But the purpose of the study was not to analyze the virus. It was to see our need to always trust in the Lord. That living in fear is not an option. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we need not panic about the Coronavirus, or any other calamity we may face in life. In Psalm 91 we were reminded of God's love for His children, and how His protective hands are always upon us.
As it says in verse 2 of this Psalm, which we all read together at the end of our study, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in whom I will trust." Yes, the Lord is this, and so much more.
D.B.
So the men and I went through Psalm 91, verse by verse. As always, each man in the class was free to ask questions or share his thoughts on any portion of the Psalm. I, however, especially wanted to focus on Verses 5 and 6. It is in these verses that the word "pestilence" is used. At least it is in the classic King James version.
I shared the dictionary's definition of pestilence, as "a destructive, infectious, swiftly spreading disease." I mentioned where the writer of the psalm urges his readers not to fear the "the terror by night... Nor the pestilence that walks in the darkness."
We looked at this passage closely. Other versions of the Bible use the words "stalked," or "creeps," I said I like the King James' usage of the word "walketh" better. Because this word (walk) best describes how the pestilence is spread. It is spread by something that walks. Who walks but a living being, such as an animal or a human? The Coronavirus is therefore spread, unfortunately and unwittingly, by creatures that walk. The men found this interesting and insightful.
But the purpose of the study was not to analyze the virus. It was to see our need to always trust in the Lord. That living in fear is not an option. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we need not panic about the Coronavirus, or any other calamity we may face in life. In Psalm 91 we were reminded of God's love for His children, and how His protective hands are always upon us.
As it says in verse 2 of this Psalm, which we all read together at the end of our study, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in whom I will trust." Yes, the Lord is this, and so much more.
D.B.
