THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm serves as the foundation upon which the devil attempted to lead our Lord Jesus Christ astray. We must therefore remain vigilant, using it as our armor to withstand the tempter, relying not on our own strength, but on Him who was tempted on our behalf, to avoid being defeated during our own trials. Christ did not require temptation for His sake; rather, His trial is for our growth. By paying attention to His responses to the devil, we can learn to counterattack in similar fashion when we encounter temptation. Thus, we enter through the gate that the Gospel speaks of. What does it mean to enter through the gate? It signifies entering through Christ, who declared, "I am the door" (John 10:7). To traverse through Christ means to emulate His path... He invites us to follow Him in those actions that He could not perform without becoming human. After all, how could He endure suffering if He was not made flesh? And how could He have faced death, crucifixion, and humiliation without this human experience? Likewise, when you face the trials of this world, which may come through the open attacks of men or in secret, as experienced by Job, be brave and patient. You will dwell under the protection of the Most High, as the psalm emphasizes. If you neglect this divine support, having no strength to rely on, you will be doomed to fall.
For many display courage in the face of human persecution, openly expressing anger at themselves, thinking that they are emulating Christ's sufferings when attacked by men. Yet, when confronted with the devil's subtle attacks, they doubt their standing with Christ. You must never fear as you emulate Christ. The devil's temptation of our Lord occurred in solitude, and though he tempted Him secretly, he was ultimately overcome, along with his more open confrontations. If you wish to enter through the door, engage Christ when secretly assailed, whether through bodily ailments or afflictions. Job did not see the devil but recognized God's power, understanding that the devil possessed no authority over him unless granted by the Almighty. He attributed all glory to God and denied any power to the adversary.
Therefore, the one who emulates Christ—enduring the troubles of this world while placing their hopes in God—will not be ensnared by fear. Such a person shall abide under the shadow of the Most High, as stated in Psalm 90:1, the passage that begins the psalm you have sung. When we reach those words, you will recall the familiar phrases the devil wielded against our Lord: “He shall say unto the Lord, Thou art my refuge and my fortress, my God” (Psalm 90:2). Who makes this proclamation to the Lord? It is the individual who resides under the Most High’s protection, rather than relying on their own strength. Who is this person? They dwell in the safety of the Most High, and they are not haughty like those who sought to become like gods and lost the immortality for which they were created. They chose to rely on their own defenses instead of seeking refuge in the Most High, and the promised rewards of the devil did not come to pass for them.
Thus, you too shall declare, "In Him I trust, for He will deliver me" (Psalm 90:3), not through your own efforts. See if this does not emphasize that our entire trust must be directed toward God, rather than man. From what will He deliver you? From the traps of the hunter and from the harsh word. These two forms of deliverance are indeed significant: liberation from the hunter's snares is vital; however, what about being saved from harsh words? Many have fallen into the traps of the hunter by succumbing to a harsh word. What is this harsh word? The devil and his minions set their snares like a hunter does; yet those who walk in Christ are moved away from these traps, as he dares not place them where the path of Christ leads. Therefore, let your path be Christ's, and you will avoid the pitfalls of the enemy.
What does it mean to be ensnared by a harsh word? The devil has captured many through unkind words. For instance, Christians among the Gentiles face scornful remarks when they uphold their faith. They may falter when faced with slander. However, what power does this harsh word truly have over you? Can the traps set by the adversary through insults truly affect you? Just as hunters set traps for birds at the hedge, throwing stones toward them, these stones do not harm the birds. No one has ever wounded a bird by tossing rocks into the hedge. Instead, the frightened bird becomes trapped by the sound. So too are individuals, who, fearing the empty reproaches of detractors, become ensnared in the hunter's nets. Likewise, among the heathens, Christians who succumb to mockery fall into traps set by the enemy. Yet, among Christians, those striving for righteousness often face ridicule from other believers.
What benefit is it, dear brother, if you can find a place devoid of Gentiles? There, no one insults you for your Christian beliefs simply because there are no heathens present. However, among Christians, there exist those who lead sinful lives, and those desiring to pursue holiness among the immoral may find themselves reproached. Those wishing only to attend church amid the crowds of frivolity will face harsh words as they encounter accusations like, "You think you are righteous, strong, a prophet." They endure these insults from both sides. Should they turn away in fear, they, too, will get caught in the nets of their foes. Yet what should one do upon hearing such taunts? What encouragement can shield them from being swayed? Let them proclaim, “What words can move me, a servant and a sinner?” Recall how our Lord was called a demon-possessed man (John 8:48). He endured such disdain without sinking into despair, and in doing so, He cautioned you against becoming ensnared by the hunter's words.
He will protect you, covering you with His wings (Psalm 90:4). This statement is meant to remind you that your defense should not rest in your own strength; rather, it is He who will safeguard you from the hunter's traps and harsh words. The term "between His shoulders" can imply support from all sides, while "hope under His wings" indicates that God's protective shelter places you in His midst, encased by His care so that you remain unafraid of any harm. Be vigilant not to stray from the place where no enemy dares approach. Just as a hen shields her chicks under her wings, how much more secure will you feel under God's wings in the face of the devil and his forces, who strike like hawks at the vulnerable? The metaphor comparing the hen to the Wisdom of God is fitting, for Christ Himself likened His desire to gather His people to a hen gathering her chicks (Matthew 23:37). Look at the various birds, dear ones; you will notice many that care for their young, but none demonstrate the tender vigilance of a hen.
The faithful hen demonstrates how her love transforms her; just so, the Wisdom of God chose to take on weakness through the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) for our benefit, that we might find refuge under his wings. His truth surrounds you as a shield (Psalm 90:5). These metaphors of wings and shields should not be taken literally but signify divine protection. While literal wings and shields cannot interchangeably define His nature, they metaphorically illustrate how God protects those who rely on Him. He differentiates between sinners, for one may remain proud, thinking, "If I were not pleasing to God, I would not exist." Yet another acknowledges his sinfulness, crying out for mercy (Luke 18:13). The distinction is clear here: the self-righteous resist whereas the humble receive God's grace, demonstrating the importance of relying on God rather than on oneself.
You shall have no fear of terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of destruction that lays waste at noon (Psalm 90:6). The repeated assurances correspond with what you are advised not to fear concerning the day and night. When one sins in ignorance, it is akin to the darkness of night; when one sins knowingly, that is the light of day. The first type of sin carries lighter consequences while the latter is grave. This point requires careful attention. The easy temptation, which fools the ignorant, can be compared to night terrors, while the more pronounced temptation that faces informed individuals resembles arrows in daylight. What are easy temptations? Those that do not burden us severely but may quickly fade if we resist.
Yet consider the heavy implications of yielding to a more vehement foe. The persecutor's threats may deeply unsettle those whose faith is shaky, leading them to think they are abandoned by Christ, unsure of their identity as Christians called to courage and hope. However, some know they are destined for future glory, that God’s promises do not pertain to this life, and that they must endure the present adversities to gain eternal rewards. Still, when persecution hammers down upon them, even the steadfast may yield, capitulating to sin knowingly as if it were the day.
Why is there mention of noon? It emphasizes the intensity of persecution. The demonic force lurking at noon signifies searing tribulations. Our Lord proclaimed, “The sun came up, and because they had no root, they withered away,” a reference to those unprepared for trials during persecutions due to a lack of spiritual grounding. Thus, when the psalm speaks of the demon stalking at noon, it evokes violent persecution. When the oppressors thought they could annihilate Christians, they declared that anyone confessing to be Christian should be whipped. Those who feared struck their allegiance and denied their faith, becoming victims of the devil's arrows. But those who remained steadfast, willing to endure pain, discovered liberation in their spirit.
Many who profess Christianity were thus put to death; those who stood firm cradled their faith amidst agony while anticipating the resurrection of the body. When the devil was furious at noon, fierce persecution drove them to despair, revealing the terrible heat they endured. Yet when their persecutors witnessed the rise of countless martyrs, they resolved to eradicate the Christian faith completely, intending to extinguish the growing number of converts. The fierce heat of persecution became unbearable for many, prompting them to cave under pressure, while the truly steadfast suffered but entered glory unscathed.
While many fell into temptation at the devil's strongest assault, a thousand may collapse at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you (Psalm 90:7). To whom, dear brethren, is this assurance addressed? It pertains to Christ Jesus, for His body and head remain unified. The fall of thousands signifies those who perish before the devil who devours at noon. It is a grave matter to stray from Christ; know well how they perish—those at His left and right. The distinction between a thousand beside Him and ten thousand to His right shows the stark reality that more succumb than rise.
Though many became weak in their trial, some were promised authority to judge alongside Him—namely, those apostles who forsook everything to follow Him. These entrusted spiritual leaders exemplify faithfulness. Thus he who bears a true burden upon himself cannot betray God's faith. Those who previously renounced their faith during severe trials, even having shared in martyrdom, fell away at the hour when they would have sat beside Christ in the judgment.