READ IT! - Introduction to Psalms 90-91

Introduction to Psalms 90-91

Book IV 

Psalm 90 

This psalm is introduced as “A prayer of Moses the man of God.” 

Unique among the Psalms, it is attributed to Moses, thus making it the first Psalm to be written chronologically. The Psalm is well known for its reference to human life expectancy being 70 or 80 years, although the Psalm's attributed author, Moses, lived to 120 years, according to Biblical tradition. 

The writer says, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place. All our days pass away under your wrath. Return, O LORD! Have compassion on your servants!”

Psalm 90 illustrates the pattern of a lament. It is congregational in nature in that it speaks to the situation of all people, not to that of any one individual. This psalm opens with an assertion that God is Israel’s refuge as the basis for an appeal of mercy. It laments the mortality and sinfulness of humans. It includes a short appeal for wisdom, recalling the wisdom psalms. It closes with an appeal for God’s compassion. 

Psalm 91 

Psalm 91 is known as the Psalm of Protection, commonly invoked in times of hardship. Though the author of this psalm is unknown, and no author is mentioned in the Hebrew text of this Psalm, the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament attributes the Psalm to David. 

The writer says, “I will say of the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress.’ His faithfulness will be your shield. He will command his angels to guard you.” 

The devil quotes verses 11 and 12 of this psalm during the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:10-11.