1. laus cantici David qui habitat in adiutorio Altissimi in protectione Dei cæli commorabitur
2. dicet Domino susceptor meus es tu et refugium meum Deus meus sperabo in eum
3. quoniam ipse liberabit me de laqueo venantium et a verbo aspero
4. in scapulis suis obumbrabit te et sub pinnis ejus sperabis
5. scuto circumdabit te veritas ejus non timebis a timore nocturno
6. a sagitta volante in die a negotio perambulante in tenebris ab incursu et dæmonio meridiano
7. cadent a latere tuo mille et decem milia a dextris tuis ad te autem non adpropinquabit
8. verumtamen oculis tuis considerabis et retributionem peccatorum videbis
9. quoniam tu Domine spes mea Altissimum posuisti refugium tuum
10. non accedent ad te mala et flagellum non adpropinquabit tabernaculo tuo
11. quoniam angelis suis mandabit de te ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis
12. in manibus portabunt te ne forte offendas ad lapidem pedem tuum
13. super aspidem et basiliscum ambulabis et conculcabis leonem et draconem
14. quoniam in me speravit et liberabo eum protegam eum quia cognovit nomen meum
15. clamabit ad me et exaudiam eum cum ipso sum in tribulatione eripiam eum et clarificabo eum
16. longitudine dierum replebo eum et ostendam illi salutare meum
Footnotes:
90:1-2 - This psalm, attributed to Moses, begins by acknowledging God's eternity and immutability. He is the refuge of all generations, present since before the creation of the world (see also Deuteronomy 33:27 and Hebrews 13:8).
90:3-6 - The transience of human life is contrasted with the eternity of God. Man is like the dust of the earth, his life is brief, like grass that grows and then disappears (see also Genesis 3:19 and James 4:14).
90:7-12 - The psalmist reflects on God's wrath against sin and asks for wisdom to live each day with purpose and fear of God. Seeking divine wisdom is crucial to facing life's brevity (see also Proverbs 9:10 and Ephesians 5:15-16).
90:13-15 - God's request for restoration and compassion reveals the hope of redemption and a joyful life in His presence. The prayer that days of affliction be replaced by years of joy is highlighted (see also Psalm 126:5 and Isaiah 61:3).
90:16-17 - The psalmist calls for the manifestation of God's works and divine favor upon His people. The desire is that actions performed with God's help will have a lasting impact (see also Numbers 6:24-26 and John 15:5).
Verses related to Liber Psalmorum, 90:
Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, meditates on the eternity of God and human frailty. How should we live in light of our mortality? This profound psalm contrasts the eternal nature of God with the brevity of human life. The text reflects on sin, divine judgment and the need for wisdom. Themes such as God's sovereignty over time, the importance of a life well lived and the longing for divine grace are central. Psalm 90 teaches us to “number our days.” Ponder with us five biblical passages that illuminate the themes of this reflective psalm.
2 Peter 3:8: "Do not forget this, beloved: with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." - It reflects God's eternal perspective mentioned in Psalm 90:4.
Job 14:1-2: "Man, born of woman, lives a short time and goes through many difficulties. It sprouts like a flower and withers, it flees like a shadow and does not remain." - It echoes the theme of Psalm 90 about the brevity and fragility of human life.
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance, that we should walk in them." - It relates to the request in Psalm 90:17 for God to establish the work of our hands.
Isaiah 40:6-8: "A voice says: 'Cry out'. And I ask, 'What shall I cry out?' 'That all mankind are as grass, and all their glory as the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" - It reflects the contrast between God's eternity and human transience, the central theme of Psalm 90.
Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death, nor sadness, nor crying, nor pain, for the old order has passed away." - It offers a perspective of hope that contrasts with the reality of human mortality described in Psalm 90.
FAQ:
What does the psalmist say about the brevity of human life?
The psalmist compares human life to grass that blossoms and quickly withers, highlighting the fragility and ephemerality of existence. (Psalm 90:5-6)
What does Psalm 90 teach about God's eternity?
Psalm 90 teaches that God is eternal, without beginning or end, and that He exists beyond time, being the creator of all things. (Psalm 90:1-2)
How does the psalmist ask for wisdom regarding time?
The psalmist asks God to teach us to number our days, so that we may live wisely and make the most of our time. (Psalm 90:12)
What does the psalmist desire for the future of his people?
The psalmist asks God to look upon His people with mercy, restoring joy and prosperity to their land. (Psalm 90:13-17)
How does Psalm 90 teach us about trusting God during hardships?
It teaches that we should trust God in all circumstances, recognizing His sovereignty over time and seeking His grace in times of affliction. (Psalm 90:14-17)
