Psalm 90
From Theologica
Contents |
Overview
Outline
I. God in Light of Man (4:1-6)
II. Man in Light of God (4:7-12)
III. Supplication (4:13-17)
Study
God in Light of Man (4:1-6)
Observation
Interpretation
Application
4:1 - God: Our Dwelling Place
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Observation
- Moses is speaking, so it is safe to assume "our" refers to Israel, and "generations" refers to Israel's generations
- dwelling place, abode, domicile
- A place to seek shelter
- A place which gives shelter
- By calling up generations, Moses brings up history
- God has offered shelter throughout Israel's history.
- Israel has sought refuge in God throught their history
- Dwelling place offers up these thoughts
- Comfort, family, warmth, safety, peace, rest, security
- This verse links God's immortality with Israel seeking shelter in Him
- These are the two main themes in this psalm.
Interpretation
- God offers safety to His people
- God's people can seek comfort and security in Him
- with respect to the rest of the Psalm, this verse seems to offer a taste of what 13-17 are requesting
Application
4:2 - God Everlasting
Before the mountains were born
Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Observation
- God Existed before the mountains
- God created the earth and the world (assuming the universe)
- God is everlasting (infinite, immortal)
- He alone is God
- Continues to expand on Verse 1. Not only has God lived as long as Israel has had generations, but He is everlasting.
Interpretation
- God is timeless
Application Note:
- Key verse:
- God's timelessness
- References creation
4:3 - God the Sovereign
You turn man back into dust
And say, "Return, O children of men."
Observation
- Does the first line mean that God literally takes the life of men, or does it refer to His outliving them?
- I can see things from both sides
- But I think verse five argues that God takes the lives of men.
- Man is created from dust, to dust he eventually returns
- The Hebrews apparently understood that dirt is made by the decaying of living things
- God holds the lives of men in His hands
- He holds ultimate power over us.
- The Psalmist recognized God's complete sovereignty over him and his people
- He is not bitter or angry; he just pleads
Interpretation
- God is sovereign
- God is the root of life
- God is the determiner of destiny
Application
Ps 90:4 For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it passes by, Or {as} a watch in the night. Ps 90:5 You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep; In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew. Ps 90:6 In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew; Toward evening it fades and withers away. Ps 90:7 ¶ For we have been consumed by Your anger And by Your wrath we have bee dismayed. Ps 90:8 You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret {sins} in the light of Your presence. Ps 90:9 For all our days have declined in Your fury; We have finished our years like a sigh. Ps 90:10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is {but} labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. Ps 90:11 Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:13 ¶ Do return, O LORD; how long {will it be?} And be sorry for Your servnts. Ps 90:14 O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Ps 90:15 Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, {And} the years we have seen evil. Ps 90:16 Let Your work appear to Your servants And Your majesty to their children. Ps 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.
