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Psalms 90

17 verses

TL;DR

A meditation on human mortality and the eternal nature of God, urging humility and gratitude.

Summary

The psalm opens by declaring God as the dwelling place for all generations, emphasizing His eternal existence before the earth was formed. It then contrasts human mortality—life likened to a fleeting breath or grass that grows and withers—with God's unchanging power. The psalmist laments the brevity of life, the wrath that brings swift judgment, and the uncertainty of how long God will endure humanity. He implores God to help count days, to turn toward wisdom, and to grant mercy so that people may rejoice. The prayer culminates in a desire for God’s works to be revealed, His glory to be seen by future generations, and for the beauty of the Lord to be manifest in human efforts. Throughout, the psalm balances a sobering view of human frailty with a hopeful plea for divine favor.

Outline
  1. 1. Exaltation of God’s eternity and human mortality
  2. 2. Lament over wrath and the brevity of life
  3. 3. Petition for mercy, wisdom, and divine revelation
Themes
Eternal vs. temporalMortality and divine judgmentHope for mercy and revelation
Keywords
eternalmortalitywrathmercywisdomglorybeautytime
People
Godthe psalmist
Places
Mountainsworldearth
Things
dwelling placewrathcountenanceyearswisdombeauty of the LORDglory
Key Verses
  • Psalm 90:1: Introduces God as everlasting dwelling place
  • Psalm 90:10: Highlights human lifespan and its fragility
  • Psalm 90:12: Calls for counting days and seeking wisdom
Questions
  • How does the psalmist reconcile God's eternity with human mortality?
  • In what ways does the lament for divine wrath transition to a hopeful petition for mercy?
  • What does the plea for God’s works to be revealed suggest about the relationship between human effort and divine glory?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm alternates between lamentation and hopeful petition