THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm serves as the basis for the devil's temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, let us remain vigilant, for with this knowledge we can stand firm against the tempter, relying not on our own strength but on Him who faced temptation before us. We must guard against the possibility of falling when we ourselves are tested. Christ needed no temptation, as His trials serve as our training. If we heed His responses to the devil, we will be equipped to reply similarly when we encounter our own trials, entering through the gate referred to in the Gospel. To enter by this gate means to come through Christ, who proclaimed, “I am the door” (John 10:7). To enter through Him is to emulate His example, particularly in those struggles He faced as a human. For how could He have endured suffering had He not taken on flesh? How could He have endured the humiliation of death or crucifixion? Likewise, when you are faced with the afflictions of this world, whether they come openly through others or quietly, as in Job's experience, remain steadfast and patient. You shall find refuge under the protection of the Most High, as expressed in this Psalm. If you turn away from the refuge of the Most High, you will find yourself in peril, lacking the strength to sustain yourself.
Many are brave when persecution arises from others and they visibly express their anger, believing they share in the sufferings of Christ. However, when they face hidden assaults from the devil, they doubt their victory in Christ. Do not fear as you strive to imitate Christ, for when the devil tempted our Lord, there was no one around; it was a secret assault, yet He prevailed, not just against this hidden temptation but also when confronted openly. Take inspiration from this when the enemy attacks you in secret, seeking to lead you into harm through physical afflictions such as illness or fever, akin to Job's suffering. While Job could not see the devil, he recognized the authority of God. He understood that the devil possessed no power over him unless granted by the Almighty; thus, he directed all glory to God, refusing to grant the devil any influence.
Therefore, whoever embarks on a journey imitating Christ, enduring worldly trials with faith in God, will not be ensnared. Such a person truly dwells under the protection of the Most High and rests in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 90:1). When we arrive at the words echoing the devil's challenge to our Lord, we recognize the truth: He shall say to the Lord, “Thou art my refuge and my fortress; my God” (Psalm 90:2). Who speaks these words? It is the one who takes refuge in the Most High, who does not rely on their own strength. Those who dwell in this safety are not proud, unlike those who sought to elevate themselves to divine status, losing the immortality for which they were created. They chose their own protection over that of the Most High, and what the devil promised them never materialized.
Thus, we say, "In Him I place my trust" (Psalm 90:3), for He will deliver me, not myself. Do you see how this teaches us that our hopes must be anchored in God and not in man? From what will He deliver you? From the snare of the hunter and from the harsh words that may seek to harm you. Deliverance from the hunter's snare is indeed a great benefit, but what of liberation from harsh words? Many have fallen into the trap of the hunter because a cruel word was spoken. What do I mean? The devil and his angels cast their nets like hunters, but those who walk in Christ are removed from these snares, as he does not dare to catch them within Him. He places his traps at the fringe of the path instead of directly in the way. Thus let your path be that of Christ, and you shall not stumble into the snares of the enemy.
Regarding harsh words, they have captured many by instilling fear and shame in those who profess Christianity, particularly among the Gentiles. When reproached, some blush and, in fleeing the insults, fall into the traps of hunters. But what harm can a harsh word inflict upon you? Can the nets the enemy spreads through slander truly affect you? It is common to see nets placed at the hedges to catch birds, while stones are hurled into these bushes: the stones harm no birds. When has anyone struck a bird by throwing stones? Yet, frightened by the harmless noise, the bird gets caught in the net. So too do people, fearful of the trivial reproaches of their critics, become ensnared by the devil.
In a similar manner, Christians who fear the reproaches of the Gentiles fall into the devil's traps, as do those who aspire to be more righteous than others and suffer insults from fellow Christians. What benefit is it, dear brother, to find refuge in a place devoid of Gentiles? No one will insult a person for being a Christian, as there are none around, but among the many Christians living poorly, the truly righteous stand out as they navigate life among the unchaste and intoxicated. These faithful souls strive to worship God sincerely amidst the frivolities of the world, experiencing the very reproaches and harsh words from their peers, who may mockingly call them strong or righteous. They hear insults from all sides, but should they cower and abandon Christ’s ways, they will fall into the snares of the fishers.
When insulted, one must not waver. But what shall one say so as not to be driven from the right path? When confronted with harsh words, what reassurance can fortify your resolve and allow you to pass through the gate? Let him answer thus: What words can shame a servant, a sinner? By their own words, they said of our Lord, "You have a demon” (John 8:48). Consider the harshness leveled against our Lord, which He humbly bore, teaching you to endure similarly, lest you fall into the traps of the hunters.
He will guard you between His shoulders, and under His wings you will find hope (Psalm 90:4). This serves as a reminder that your defense is not your own but reliant on His protection, which shields you from the traps of the hunter and the stings of harsh words. The metaphor of being protected between His shoulders suggests both front and back defense, while His wings extend over you, keeping you safe where no enemy can encroach. He will protect you as a hen shields her chicks; how much more will you feel secure under the wings of God against the devil and his minions, who swoop down like hawks upon the weak? This comparison is meaningful, as Christ Himself likens His desire to gather His people under His care to a hen’s maternal instinct (Matthew 23:37).
Other birds may care for their young, yet few possess the heartfelt devotion of the hen. We observe swallows and sparrows outside their nests, uncertain of their brood, while the hen’s motherly nature is evident through her weaker voice and spread wings — she changes entirely out of love for her chicks. Likewise, God’s Wisdom became weak for our sake when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), that we might find our hope under His wings.
His truth will encircle you with a shield (Psalm 90:5). Wings symbolize protection, much like a shield would; neither exists in a literal sense. Wielding wings as armor would seem impossible, yet these expressions convey figurative meanings. If Christ were simply a stone (Acts 4:10-11), He could not also be a lion or a lamb (Revelation 5:5); yet He embodies all these roles in metaphor, as He is neither simply a stone nor confined to one form. His truth serves as a shield, safeguarding those who trust in God from self-reliance, distinguishing between those who confess their sins and those who remain proud, unwilling to admit fault.
You need not fear the terrors of the night, nor the arrows that fly by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that lays waste at noon (Psalm 90:6). The first two phrases correspond with the next two; do not fear night terrors or the swift arrows that strike by day. What should one fear by night and by day? A sin committed in ignorance is akin to a night sin, while a willful sin is like sinning in full light. The former is less severe than the latter, yet both fall short of the grace offered by God.
The easier temptations that entice the unknowing are likened to nighttime fears, while the arrow that flies in daylight represents the more potent temptations faced by the aware. These lighter temptations briefly threaten, yet soon pass if we resist. However, when a persecutor poses grave threats to the ignorant, those whose faith wavers and do not recognize Christ's lifetime of deliverance, they may quickly succumb to despair, thinking they have been abandoned.
Conversely, those aware of their hope in the eternal do not cling to this earthly life or its trials; they know all temptations must be endured for the reward God has promised for eternity. Despite their knowledge, when harsh threats arise, their resolution may falter.
But why mention "at noon"? The noontime signifies heightened persecution, as the relentless heat of the sun bears down on them. The devastation inflicted at noon symbolizes the oppressive trials faced when faith is tested. Our Lord stated the sun arose, with many withering away due to their lack of roots, and relates this to those who give in when persecution strikes (Matthew 13:6). We can thus interpret the demon that destroys at noon as an analogy for intense assaults.
Listen, beloved, as I recount the persecution faced by the early Church. When the rulers of the world sought to erase the Christian name through violence, they decreed that all who professed to know Christ would be scourged. Many, fearing immediate harm, denied their faith and thus were struck down by the arrows that typified public scorn. Yet, those who placed their faith in a future hope embraced their identity as Christians, enduring bodily punishment while their souls remained free, awaiting the promised resurrection.
Let any who profess the name of Christ take heed; it is imperative not to forsake one's faith under the unbearable heat of persecution. During such trials, many indeed faltered. Those who had relied on their strength rather than the protection of the Most High were cast down to demonstrate His sovereignty. Therefore, many succumbed before the demon of noonday, with the psalmist expressing, "A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but they shall not come near you" (Psalm 90:7). Who, dear friends, are these words directed towards? They are spoken to Christ Jesus, as His body, the Church, remains inseparable from Him as her head.
Why proclaim a thousand falling at His side, and ten thousand at His right hand? It emphasizes the tragic downfall of many who were unable to withstand the devil's assault during heightened trials. It is a grave concern to fall away from Christ; this is how they stray from Him. Why, then, are there one thousand by His side and ten thousand at His right? The reason for this distinction becomes clearer in light of Christ's words, where He promised that some would judge alongside Him, referring to His apostles who forsook all to follow Him (Matthew 19:21).
The apostles, who gave their all to the poor, aimed to hold a place beside Christ at the judgement. However, some faced failure amidst the flames of persecution and ultimately denied Christ just as they were on the threshold of joining Him in judgement. Who, then, are the ten thousand who are at His right hand? While many have stumbled from their hopes to judge, it is even more alarming that countless others have strayed from the promise of eternal reward.