1 A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.
3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.
5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are [as] a sleep: in the morning [they are] like grass [which] groweth up.
6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret [sins] in the light of thy countenance.
9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale [that is told].
10 The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.
12 So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.
13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days [wherein] thou hast afflicted us, [and] the years [wherein] we have seen evil.
16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Overview of Psalm 90
Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses and is unique among the Psalms as it reflects a deep understanding of human mortality, the eternal nature of God, and the brevity of life. This chapter serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human existence in contrast to the everlasting nature of God.
Thematic Elements
- The Eternity of God:
The Psalm opens with a declaration of God’s eternal nature, emphasizing that He has been a refuge for generations.
- The Fragility of Human Life:
Moses contrasts God’s eternal existence with the fleeting nature of human life, highlighting the inevitability of death and the limited lifespan of humanity.
- The Consequences of Sin:
The Psalm acknowledges the impact of sin on human life, suggesting that it leads to suffering and a shortened lifespan.
- Request for Wisdom:
Moses implores God for wisdom to understand the brevity of life, so that people may live meaningfully and with purpose.
Structure of Psalm 90
- Verses 1-2: The Eternal Refuge
These opening verses establish God as a protective presence throughout time, affirming His role as a refuge for His people.
- Verses 3-6: Human Mortality
This section reflects on the mortality of humans, illustrating how life is like grass that flourishes in the morning but withers by evening.
- Verses 7-11: The Weight of Sin
Moses addresses the consequences of human sinfulness, noting how it leads to God’s wrath and the recognition of human frailty.
- Verses 12-17: A Prayer for Wisdom and Favor
The chapter concludes with a plea for God’s compassion and a request for wisdom to live in a way that honors Him, alongside a desire for His favor upon the work of their hands.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”
This verse emphasizes God’s constancy and reliability as a refuge for His people.
- Verse 3: “You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals.'”
This highlights the reality of death and the cycle of life, reminding humanity of its origins and ultimate fate.
- Verse 10: “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures.”
This verse reflects on the typical lifespan, acknowledging both the blessing of longevity and the reality of mortality.
- Verse 12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
This is a central plea of the Psalm, emphasizing the importance of living wisely in light of life’s brevity.
Theological Implications
Psalm 90 presents significant theological themes, such as:
- The Nature of God:
The Psalm affirms God’s eternal nature and sovereignty over time, reinforcing the idea that He is unchanging amidst human frailty.
- The Human Condition:
It reflects on the reality of sin and its consequences, urging believers to recognize their limitations and the need for divine grace.
- The Call to Wisdom:
The request for wisdom underscores the importance of living a life that acknowledges God’s authority and the fleeting nature of existence.
Conclusion
Psalm 90 serves as a profound meditation on the relationship between humanity and God. It encourages readers to reflect on the brevity of life, the weight of sin, and the necessity of seeking divine wisdom. Through its themes and structure, the Psalm invites believers to find solace in God’s eternal nature while living purposefully in their temporal existence.
