Psalm 90: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 90 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist begins by declaring that God has been a dwelling place for all generations (vv. 1-2). He reflects on human mortality, stating that God turns man to destruction and compares human life to grass that withers quickly (vv. 3-6). The psalmist acknowledges the impact of God’s wrath on humanity, noting that their iniquities are set before God, and their days are filled with trouble (vv. 7-10). He questions the power of God's anger and seeks wisdom to understand the brevity of life (vv. 11-12). The psalmist petitions God for compassion, asking how long He will withhold relief while desiring joy and gladness in their days (vv. 13-15). He closes with a request for God’s work to be evident and a plea for the establishment of their efforts (vv. 16-17).

Key verse

“So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalms 90:12 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 90:1–2 God's Eternal Nature
Psalm 90:3–6 Human Mortality and Frailty
Psalm 90:7–10 God's Wrath and Human Sin
Psalm 90:11–12 Seeking Wisdom
Psalm 90:13–15 Petition for Compassion
Psalm 90:16–17 Desire for God's Work

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalmist say God has been for all generations?
What is the image used in v6 to describe human life?
In vv. 7-8, how do the concepts of 'anger' and 'iniquities' relate to human accountability?
In v12, what does the request to 'count our days' suggest about the psalmist's understanding of life?
When have you felt the need for God's 'loving kindness' as described in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 90: Psalm 39, Psalm 91, Hebrews 13.

Before next time: read Psalm 91.