Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. The terror by night ] Night is a time of terrors, because it is a time of treasons, plunder, robbery, and murder. The godly man lies down in peace, and sleeps quietly, for he trusts his body, soul, and substance, in the hand of God; and he knows that he who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. It may also mean all spiritual foes, - the rulers of the darkness of this world. I have heard the following petition in an evening family prayer: "Blessed Lord, take us into thy protection this night; and preserve us from disease, from sudden death, from the violence of fire, from the edge of the sword, from the designs of wicked men, and from the influence of malicious spirits!" Nor for the arrow - The Chaldee translates this verse, "Thou shalt not fear the demons that walk by night; nor the arrow of the angel of death which is shot in the day time." Thou needest not to fear a sudden and unprovided-for death.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in his that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being undul afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promise fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lor upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage other to trust in him also.
Original Hebrew לא3808 תירא3372 מפחד6343 לילה3915 מחץ2671 יעוף5774 יומם׃3119
