Psalms for Protection of Soldiers (IDF)
Which Psalms do you say for a soldier?
For the protection of a soldier, the main chapters are: 20, 91, 121, 144. Chapter 91 ("He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High") is the most widely recited, known as the "Song against Evil Spirits" — a protection psalm. The Israel Defense Forces Chief Rabbinate recommends these chapters for recitation on behalf of soldiers.
For the protection of soldiers and the success of Israel's defense forces, special Psalm chapters have been recited in Jewish communities since the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and in subsequent conflicts. Chapter 20 ("May the Lord answer you in your day of trouble") is the classic war prayer. Chapter 91 ("He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High") is known as the "Song against Evil Spirits" and is commonly placed as a protection for soldiers. The IDF Chief Rabbinate has recommended Chapters 20, 91, 121, and 144 for recitation on behalf of soldiers. During military operations and wars, Jewish communities open communal "Tehillim books" and divide the 150 chapters among worshippers. These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities and authorities may use slightly different chapter sets.
Based on traditional sources
Traditional Chapters
These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities may use slightly different chapter sets.
שאלות נפוצות
Which Psalms do you say for a soldier?+
For the protection of soldiers, the main chapters are: 20, 91, 121, 144. Chapter 91 ("He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High") is the most widely used and known as the "Song against Evil Spirits" — a protection psalm.
Is there a special prayer for a soldier?+
The IDF Chief Rabbinate has published a "Traveler's Prayer for a Soldier" recited before going on a mission. Many prayer books also include a "Prayer for the Peace of IDF Soldiers" recited on Shabbat in synagogues.
What do you do when a soldier goes on a mission?+
The common practice is to open a communal Tehillim book and divide the 150 chapters among family and community members — all reading together for the protection of the soldiers. Chapters 20, 91, and 121 are particularly focused on protection.
Sources
- • הרבנות הצבאית הישראלית — המלצות לאמירת תהילים לחיילים
- • מנהג קהילות ישראל בעת מלחמה
- • Westminster Leningrad Codex (Public Domain) — openscriptures/morphhb
Based on traditional sources — not a substitute for rabbinic guidance