Psalm 91 (90 LXX).pdf

I recently read a short article by Dr. Gerrit Cornelis Vreugdenhil

(link: Psalm 91 and Demonic Evil_Vreugdenhil.pdf)

In the article, the author mentions the historic use of Psalm 91 on amulets intended to protect people from evil spirits and demons. The author also draws attention to the fact that the Septuagint translation lends support to this early interpretation of the psalm as a demonic reference. This is because the Hebrew MT of Ps. 91:6 reads “the destruction that wastes at noonday” (ESV) or “the disease that comes at noon” (NET Bible), whereas the LXX reading offers assurance of no fear from “mishap and a demon of noonday.”  Observe not only this mention of an evil spirit in vs 6, but also, in the chiastic parallel, that angelic spirits will protect against the evil threats (vs 11-12).  Remember also that, perhaps in the ultimate demonic threat, Satan quoted vs 11-12 when he tried to tempt Jesus (cf., Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:10-11). However, it seems ironic that Satan used this scripture since readers of Ps 91 (whether Jesus then, or us now) are assured by the parallel in vs 6 that demonic threats will not be frightening. This is because we have a certain hope that the LORD Most High will protect those who call upon him from such threats.