Meaning of Psalms 91:13

This verse from Psalm 91 speaks of a profound spiritual victory and protection granted to those who dwell in the "secret place of the Most High" and abide in the "shadow of the Almighty." The imagery of treading on the lion and cobra, and trampling the great lion and serpent, is not a literal promise of physical invincibility against dangerous animals, but rather a powerful metaphor for overcoming formidable spiritual adversaries and destructive forces. The lion and serpent represent potent symbols of evil, danger, and the forces that seek to harm or destroy the righteous. The assurance of triumph over these threats signifies divine empowerment and the ultimate subjugation of all opposition to God's people.

Context and Background

Psalm 91 is a psalm of confidence and trust in God's protection. It is often referred to as a "psalm of deliverance" or a "psalm of refuge." The preceding verses (91:1-12) establish the premise for this promise of victory, detailing the benefits of making God one's refuge and fortress. The psalmist lists various dangers from which God will deliver the one who trusts Him, including pestilence, terror by night, arrows by day, and plagues. Verse 13, therefore, serves as a climactic statement of this protective power, extending it to the most fearsome and symbolic representations of evil. The imagery of lions and serpents was deeply ingrained in the ancient Near Eastern worldview as symbols of chaos, deadly enemies, and powerful destructive forces, both natural and supernatural.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are divine protection, victory over evil, and the empowerment of the faithful. The verse emphasizes that those who are in close communion with God are not merely shielded from harm but are actively given dominion over the very forces that threaten them. This is not passive protection but an active, triumphant overcoming. The repetition of "lion" (great lion) and "serpent" (cobra) amplifies the intensity of the threat being overcome, suggesting that no force of evil, however great or insidious, can ultimately prevail against the one under God's care.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the lion and the serpent represent forces such as temptation, sin, demonic influence, fear, and the persecuting powers of the world. To "tread on" and "trample" these adversaries signifies a spiritual authority and power that believers have through Christ to resist and conquer these forces in their lives. It speaks to the victory believers have in Christ over the power of the enemy, enabling them to live lives of faith and obedience without being overcome by evil. This is not about eradicating all suffering or opposition, but about having the assurance that God will grant victory and preservation in the midst of it.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse finds resonance throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, Jesus himself demonstrates this dominion by casting out demons and healing the sick, directly confronting the forces of evil. He also grants this authority to his disciples, as seen in Luke 10:19: "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you." Furthermore, the ultimate victory over Satan and all his forces is depicted in the book of Revelation, where the serpent (Satan) is ultimately defeated and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). The imagery of treading on enemies is also found in military contexts, signifying complete conquest.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is a seasoned warrior who, having been trained and equipped by their commander, faces down and defeats formidable beasts that would terrify ordinary individuals. Another analogy is a ship captain who, with the strength of the ship and the skill of the crew, navigates through treacherous waters and overcomes monstrous waves. The believer, in this context, is empowered by God to overcome the "monsters" of spiritual opposition.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This psalm shares the theme of protection in dangerous circumstances.
• Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." This New Testament verse echoes the prophetic triumph over evil, directly linking it to believers.
• 1 John 4:4: "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." This verse highlights the indwelling power of God that enables believers to overcome.
• Ephesians 6:10-18: The "armor of God" passage describes the spiritual weaponry and protection God provides for believers to stand against the schemes of the devil.