Psalms – Chapter 91

Old Testament • 16 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 91 opens with the words: "A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day." Across its 16 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and repentance and conversion. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day.

2It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy name, O most High.

3To shew forth thy mercy in the morning, and thy truth in the night:

4Upon an instrument of ten strings, upon the psaltery: with a canticle upon the harp.

5For thou hast given me, O Lord, a delight in thy doings: and in the works of thy hands I shall rejoice.

6O Lord, how great are thy works! thy thoughts are exceeding deep.

7The senseless man shall not know: nor will the fool understand these things.

8When the wicked shall spring up as grass: and all the workers of iniquity shall appear: That they may perish for ever and ever:

9But thou, O Lord, art most high for evermore.

10For behold thy enemies, O Lord, for behold thy enemies shall perish: and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

11But my horn shall be exalted like that of the unicorn: and my old age in plentiful mercy.

12My eye also hath looked down upon my enemies: and my ear shall hear of the downfall of the malignant that rise up against me.

13The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.

14They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God.

15They shall still increase in a fruitful old age: and shall be well treated,

16That they may shew, That the Lord our God is righteous, and there is no iniquity in him.

Important Verses in Psalms 91

“To shew forth thy mercy in the morning, and thy truth in the night:”

Psalms 91:3

“O Lord, how great are thy works! thy thoughts are exceeding deep.”

Psalms 91:6

“But my horn shall be exalted like that of the unicorn: and my old age in plentiful mercy.”

Psalms 91:11

“That they may shew, That the Lord our God is righteous, and there is no iniquity in him. ”

Psalms 91:16

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 91 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 begins: "A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day." It concludes: "That they may shew, That the Lord our God is righteous, and there is no iniquity in him. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around 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

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 3: "To shew forth thy mercy in the morning, and thy truth in the night:" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1965).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 91 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

Reflection for Today

Psalm 91 is treasured in Catholic tradition as a powerful prayer of protection and trust in God's providence. The Catechism teaches that God's providence extends to every aspect of our lives, and this psalm expresses confident faith in His protective care (CIC 302-314). The Church prays this psalm at Compline (Night Prayer), entrusting the hours of darkness to God's watchful care.

The imagery of shelter under God's wings recalls the maternal aspect of divine love that Catholic theology affirms. The promise of angelic protection—"He will command his angels concerning you"—grounds the Catholic devotion to guardian angels. The Catechism teaches that "from infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession" (CIC 336).

Satan's misuse of this psalm to tempt Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6) reminds us that Scripture can be distorted. Catholic interpretation emphasizes that trust in God does not mean testing Him or presuming on His protection while acting recklessly. This psalm teaches us to rest in God's care while exercising prudent responsibility, confident that nothing can separate us from His love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 91 about?

Psalms 91 contains 16 verses. It opens with "A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day." and closes with "That they may shew, That the Lord our God is righteous, and there is no iniquity in him. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 91?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "To shew forth thy mercy in the morning, and thy truth in the night:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

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.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏The Confiteor

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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