Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.12On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Context: Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:14 Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
This is quoted in the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:6).
From the lexicon: Guard=to keep, watch, preserve. Ways= road, distance, journey, manner. Bear= lift, carry, take. Hands= hollow or flat of the hand.
Pulling it together: Psalm 91 is a Psalm of comfort and encouragement to those who love God. He is our refuge and our fortress and is worthy of our trust. He covers us as a hen covers her chicks with her wings. Thousands may fall all around us, but we remain untouched because we have made Him our dwelling place. When we call upon Him, He answers us.
Verse 11 continues the thought. God gives his angels charge to watch over us and to preserve us. Little is said about the ministry of angels in the New Testament except that they are ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). We know little how they fulfill this charge for we do not see the invisible warfare that goes on around us, but God assures us that they are there.
These two verses remind us of the layers of protection God has placed around His people. He, Himself, never leaves nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). His Holy Spirit indwells us (Romans 8:9). And His angels have charge to watch over and to preserve us.
Lord, I pray for grace to trust You for Your care over me and my loved ones.