THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm serves as the means by which the adversary sought to tempt our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us remain vigilant, equipping ourselves so that we may stand firm against the tempter, relying not on our own strength, but on Him who faced temptation before us, to avoid being overcome in our times of trial. The temptation of Christ did not serve His own needs; rather, His trials prepare us. If we heed His responses to the devil, we will be equipped to respond in similar situations ourselves, thus entering through the gate, as noted in the Gospel. But what does it mean to enter by the gate? It signifies entering through Christ, who proclaimed, "I am the door" (John 10:7). To enter through Him involves emulating His ways. He calls us to imitate Him in those circumstances which He would not have endured if He had not taken on humanity; how else could He have embraced suffering or endured death, crucifixion, and humiliation? In the face of your own hardships, whether inflicted overtly by others or subtly, as exemplified by Job, be steadfast and patient; you shall dwell under the shelter of the Most High, as described in this Psalm. For if you divert from seeking aid from the Almighty, lacking your own strength to assist yourself, you will stumble.
Many demonstrate courage during human persecution and show visible frustration, believing they mirror Christ’s sufferings when facing open hostility. However, when they encounter the hidden assaults of the devil, they doubt their heavenly reward. Do not fear when you strive to follow Christ. In the wilderness, when the devil tempted our Lord, no one was present; he approached subtly, but ultimately, Christ prevailed, even against direct attacks. You are encouraged to adopt the same mindset when the enemy strikes— when he urges people to harm through physical ailments or other afflictions, including those that plagued Job. Job discerned God’s power over the adversary. He understood that the devil possessed no power against him unless granted by the Sovereign Lord; thus, he assigned all glory to God, withholding any power from the devil.
The one who emulates Christ—enduring all worldly trials while placing trust in God—will not be ensnared by dreadful fears. This person resides under the shadow of the Almighty, ensured by the assurance of Psalm 90:1. When we reflect on the familiar words wherein the devil sought to tempt our Lord, we hear the declaration: "You are my refuge and my fortress: my God" (Psalm 90:2). Who speaks thus? The one who makes their dwelling in the protection of the Most High—not relying on their own power. Who is this protector? It is one who lives humbly, unlike those who, seeking to become like gods, forfeited the immortality for which they were made. They opted for self-reliance instead of trusting the Most High; the promises of the devil did not materialize for them.
Thus, you must assert, "In Him I trust," for He will deliver me (Psalm 90:3), not through my own efforts. This teaches that our faith must solely reside in God, not in human strength. From where does He deliver you? From the traps set by the hunter and from harsh words. Being rescued from the hunter's net is surely of great value, yet falling prey to harsh words can ensnare many. The devil, with his angels, casts these nets much like a hunter does, ensuring that those who walk in Christ remain free; he dares not lay traps within Christ Himself, placing them only at the path’s edges. Therefore, let your path be that of Christ's, and you will not become ensnared in the devil’s nets.
What of harsh words? The adversary has ensnared many through them; for instance, those who publicly profess Christianity can face insults from non-believers—blushing at reproaches, and consequently straying from their path, fall into the hunter's traps. Yet, what power can hostile words hold over you? Can the nets fashioned by the enemy’s reproaches harm you? It is customary to set traps at the boundary to ensnare birds, while harmless stones thrown into the hedge cannot cause any harm either. Birds are often frightened not by the stones themselves, but by the noise; similarly, people, fearing the empty taunts of their detractors, can easily be caught in the hunters’ nets orchestrated by the devil. Just as amongst pagans, a Christian who fears taunts falls into snares; it is similar among Christians where those who strive to be virtuous are ridiculed by others.
What indeed does it profit you, dear brother, if you find a place devoid of pagans? Here, no one can chastise you for being Christian since there are no non-believers; however, within that space lie many Christians living unrighteous lives, amidst whom righteous souls must endure mockery. These faithful ones choose to maintain integrity amidst immorality, engaging solely in worship and attending church, yet they confront harsh critiques when accused: "You are strong, you are righteous, you are like Elijah, you are from heaven." They endure ridicule on all sides, and if they yield to these jibes, they risk stumbling from their path. How can one remain steadfast in such circumstances? When faced with such words, what assurance prevents you from being swayed, allowing you to pass through the legitimate door? Let them declare, "What manner of words daunt me, a servant and sinner?" Remember, they said of our Lord: “You have a demon” (John 8:48). Our Lord faced unjust accusations, not out of necessity, but to serve as a warning against such reproaches, protecting you so that you do not fall prey to the hunters’ nets.
He shall safeguard you under His wings, and you will find refuge under His protection (Psalm 90:4). This phrase illustrates that your defense should not stem from self-reliance, for imagining that you can defend yourself is folly. He shall guard you, offering deliverance from the traps laid by the enemy and harsh words. The imagery of being cradled between His shoulders is significant in showing that the protection of His mighty wings surrounds you, thus indicating safety. If a hen shields her chicks under her wings, how much more secure will you be under God’s embrace against the devil and his angels, who descend with malice akin to hawks hunting their prey? This analogy, wherein Christ likens Himself to a mother hen expressing sorrow for neglected children, is profound (Matthew 23:37).
Among many birds, you will see several nurturing their young. The hen, however, exemplifies tenderness toward her chicks, noticeable through her soft clucking and her spread feathers—she is wholly transformed by maternal love. Similarly, out of love, the Wisdom of God humbled Himself, taking on flesh (John 1:14), so we might find solace under His wings.
His truth will serve as a protective shield for you (Psalm 90:5). The metaphor of wings equating to shields illustrates the divine assurance that distinguishes those who rely on themselves from those who trust in God. One might acknowledge their sinfulness; the self-righteous may laugh in disdain, assuming favor while the humble soul admits, "Have mercy on me, O God, for I am a sinner" (Luke 18:13). While both are flawed, one remains proud, and the other is repentant. God’s unerring truth discerns penitent hearts from those who deny their faults.
You have no reason to fear the terrors of the night or the arrows that fly by day, nor the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor the calamity that strikes at noon (Psalm 90:6). The first clauses correlate to the latter, warning against fear from nighttime dread, daylight arrows, and the noon demons. What terrors await in darkness, and what fears exist in daylight? Sin committed in ignorance is akin to nightfall, while acts of willful defiance occur in daylight. Hence, the former offenses are lighter, yet it is essential to recognize the weight of intentional wrongdoing.
Men may yield to easy temptations when unknowing, whereas those deliberately engaging in sin face greater accountability. When the persecutions arise, those lacking faith may falter at threats and trials, believing that the trials signal Christ's abandonment. They often forget that their purpose is to endure temporary affliction, hoping for eternal reprieve, while some, cognizant of the joy that awaits, might still yield to hardship.
Why refer to it as noon? Because persecution intensifies then, reflecting immense pressure. The demon that stalks at noon embodies the fervency of oppression. Recall when rulers sought to extinguish the Christian name through brutalities, declaring that anyone who confessed faith in Christ would face scourging—those who chose to deny their faith faced the arrows of the day. Yet those mindful of the eternal kingdom, were harassed into recantation knowing they might be released from bodily afflictions, transcended the threat.
Believers, standing true, may find their faith unassailable against mortality, but the onslaught of persecution proves strenuous even for the steadfast heart. Many have stumbled before the demon at noon. “A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you” (Psalm 90:7). To whom is this promise made? To the Christ, for His body and head are one, inseparable—the Church and her Savior are interconnected.
Why then does the scripture declare “a thousand at your side” and “ten thousand at your right hand”? The thousand, representing fewer, are nearest to Him, whereas the ten thousand fall away, indicating a more significant loss. The apostles, who sacrificed all they had for the sake of the Gospel, were promised seats of judgment alongside Christ. “If you would be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21). This idea of perfection correlates to those who would judge without being judged themselves, representing the faithful who are truly aligned with Christ.
However, many have faltered—those who aspired to judge alongside Him and expected to occupy privileged positions encountered moral collapse under persecution. Thus, as the text notes, “a thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand.” Why do the faithful endure such trials?
The torment approached them, but their faith remained unyielding in the face of tribulations; their perseverance kept them beyond the grasp of anxiety as they rested in Him who has prevailed. Those who trust solely in themselves may falter amid threats, facing temptations at noon, while the promise remains that these trials will not reach the righteous.
With your own eyes, you shall witness the reward of the wicked (Psalm 90:8). They may prevail to persecute Your servants, but not without accountability. They seek to oppress the faithful, yet they too will be judged for their malignance. While it appears the wicked prosper, faith assures us that their successes are temporary.
For You, O Lord, are my trust (Psalm 90:9), reiterates our reliance on You, confiding in Your high and secret protection. No evil shall come near you, nor any plague approach your dwelling (Psalm 90:10). This Holy City, representing the universal Church, spans all ages and peoples united under Christ. Even amid earthly challenges, the assembly of saints look toward our heavenly home, sustained in faith by the scriptures that guide our conduct.
We look to Christ, the head of the Church, who offers Himself as the way to navigate through our pilgrimage, ensuring we do not stray or succumb to falsehoods. In all things, Christ, the Word of God, is our creator. If our Lord was lifted between heaven and earth, what does this signify? It indicates that His followers are likewise raised as those who labor on His behalf, serving as His feet throughout the world.
Thus, it is right to recognize that the lifting of Christ by angels serves not to denote His weakness but rather to illustrate their honor in service. The angels echo God’s will, which manifests through the Spirit—a profound truth exemplified in the ministry of Christ.