Observations placeholder
Psalm 91
Identifier
022281
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Amnon Shiloah – Jewish and Muslim Traditions of Music therapy [in Music as Medicine]
It should be noted that some of the instances of ecstatic and hypnotic healing are to a large extent tinged with strong belief in magical and supernatural forces that otherwise find expression in special formulas, selected scriptural verses, certain words and prayers, rites, amulets, or a list of names of God and angels, presumably endowed with exceptional virtues. A striking instance is the recourse to the Book of Psalms by both Jews and medieval Christians, with specific properties attributed to quite a number of individual psalms.
An example is Psalm 91 that all Jewish communities recite at burial services and other appropriate occasions, because of its magical power to drive away evil forces.
NOTE
Psalm 91 (Greek numbering: Psalm 90), referred to by its Latin title Qui habitat (after its first line, "Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High"), is known as the Psalm of Protection. As a religious song, this Psalm is commonly invoked in times of hardship. The author of this psalm is unknown.
A description of the experience
Psalm 91King James Version (KJV)
91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
King James Version (KJV)