Psalms – Chapter 90

Old Testament16 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 90 of Psalms begins: "The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob." The chapter centers on David and Jacob. Across its 16 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and faith and trust in God. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.

2He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.

3For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.

4He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust.

5His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.

6Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee.

8But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge.

10There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.

11For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.

12In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.

14Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name.

15He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.

16I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.

Important Verses in Psalms 90

The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.

Psalms 90:1

His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.

Psalms 90:5

Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge.

Psalms 90:9

I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.

Psalms 90:16

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 90 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 16 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David and Jacob, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of…" The final verse reads: "I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 90 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2105).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 90, containing 16 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1324). Here the emphasis falls on hope in the resurrection, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 90 about?

Psalms 90 contains 16 verses. It opens with "The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of…" and closes with "I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 90?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 90?

This chapter mentions David, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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