Psalms 90
Read Psalms 90 (WEB)+
1Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations. 2Before the mountains were born, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. 3You turn man to destruction, saying, “Return, you children of men.” 4For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night. 5You sweep them away as they sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass. 6In the morning it sprouts and springs up. By evening, it is withered and dry. 7For we are consumed in your anger. We are troubled in your wrath. 8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9For all our days have passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh. 10The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away. 11Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you? 12So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 13Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants! 14Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil. 16Let your work appear to your servants; your glory to their children. 17Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.
World English Bible (public domain)
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Psalms 90:12
Summary
Psalm 90 is a prayer attributed to Moses, introducing a contemplative reflection on the nature of God and the human condition. The chapter begins by extolling God's eternal nature, contrasting it with the transience of human life. Humans are described as returning to dust, emphasizing life's brevity in comparison to God's unchanging presence through generations. The Psalm highlights that a thousand years are but a moment to God, underscoring God's sovereignty and timelessness. The text presents a somber meditation on human mortality, underscored by God's wrath against sin. It vividly depicts life as fleeting, likened to grass that flourishes in the morning and withers by evening. In their frailty, humans are urged to seek wisdom by numbering their days, acknowledging their dependency on God's mercy and compassion. The petition seeks God's favor and guidance to bring meaning and joy amidst the struggles of life. Ultimately, Psalm 90 calls for God to satisfy His people with His steadfast love, that they may rejoice after enduring trials. The chapter concludes with a plea for God's work to be revealed to His servants, asking Him to establish the work of their hands, grounding human endeavors in divine blessing and purpose. This Psalm encapsulates essential themes of divine eternity, human frailty, the need for divine mercy, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Key Themes
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