Psalm 90
Qui habitat in adjutorio Altissimi
[1] He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
[2] He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.
[3] For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.
[4] He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust.
[5] His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
[6] Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil.
[7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee.
[8] But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked.
[9] Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge.
[10] There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
[11] For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.
[12] In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
[13] Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
[14] Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name.
[15] He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
[16] I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.
Contexte Historique
Psalm 90 (numbered 91 in the Hebrew Masoretic text and most Protestant Bibles) is a powerful hymn of trust in God’s protection. Known by its Latin incipit, Qui habitat, it has been a cornerstone of Christian piety for centuries. Traditionally, it is the great prayer of the office of Compline (Night Prayer) in the Liturgy of the Hours, recited by monks and clergy before retiring to rest, entrusting themselves to God’s care through the night’s perils. Throughout history, the faithful have invoked this psalm for deliverance from plagues, warfare, spiritual assaults, and all manner of dangers, seeing in its verses a divine promise of unfailing guardianship for those who make the Lord their refuge.