Chapter commentary
Psalms Chapter 90
1
Ps 90:1-17.
2
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2. brought forth [and] formed--both express the idea of production by birth.
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3. to destruction--literally, "even to dust"
(Ge 3:19),
which is partly quoted in the last clause.
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4. Even were our days now a thousand years, as Adam's, our life would be but a moment in God's sight
(2Pe 3:8).
a watch--or, third part of a night (compare
Ex 14:24).
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5, 6. Life is like grass, which, though changing under the influence of the night's dew, and flourishing in the morning, is soon cut down and withereth
(Ps 103:15; 1Pe 1:24).
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7, 8. For--A reason, this is the infliction of God's wrath.
troubled--literally, "confounded by terror"
(Ps 2:5).
Death is by sin
(Ro 5:12).
Though "secret," the light of God's countenance, as a candle, will bring sin to view
(Pr 20:27; 1Co 4:5).
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9. are passed--literally, "turn," as to depart
(Jer 6:4).
spend--literally, "consume."
as a tale--literally, "a thought," or, "a sigh"
(Eze 2:10).
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10. Moses' life was an exception
(De 34:7).
it is . . . cut off--or, "driven," as is said of the quails in using the same word
(Nu 11:31).
In view of this certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow.
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11. The whole verse may be read as a question implying the negative, "No one knows what Thy anger can do, and what Thy wrath is, estimated by a true piety."
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12. This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
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13. (Compare
Ps 13:2).
let it repent--a strong figure, as in
Ex 32:12,
imploring a change in His dealings.
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14. early--promptly.
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15. As have been our sorrows, so let our joys be great and long.
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16. thy work--or, providential acts.
thy glory--
(Ps 8:5; 45:3),
the honor accruing from Thy work of mercy to us.
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17. let the beauty--or sum of His gracious acts, in their harmony, be illustrated in us, and favor our enterprise.
Ps 90:1-17.
Contrasting man's frailty with God's eternity, the writer mourns over it as the punishment of sin, and prays for a return of the divine favor. A Prayer [mainly such] of Moses the man of God--
(De 33:1; Jos 14:6);
as such he wrote this (see on
Ps 18:1,
title, and
Ps 36:1,
title).
1. dwelling-place--home (compare
Eze 11:16),
as a refuge
(De 33:27).