Psalms 90:1-17

The title of this Ps. (A Prayer of Moses the man of God) ascribes it to Moses, but several considerations have been pointed out which suggest a later date for its composition. The average length of life in the time of Moses is supposed to have been greater than that mentioned in Psalms 90:10 (Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 24:29). Israel’s national life seems not to be just beginning, but to have lasted already for many generations (Psalms 90:1). The recent past has been a time of calamity rather than of deliverance (Psalms 90:15). The Ps. contains resemblances to the book of Deuteronomy, which is now generally regarded as much later than the time of Moses, and these resemblances may have suggested the title. At the same time, there is much in the Ps. Which is consistent with the title, and some scholars still maintain its Mosaic authorship. If not written by Moses it may most probably be assigned to the exile. The Ps. contrasts the eternity of God with the transience of human life (Psalms 90:1-6), traces the brevity and troublousness of man’s existence to God’s displeasure with sin (Psalms 90:7-12), and ends with a prayer for God’s forgiveness and favour (Psalms 90:13-17). It is appropriately used in the Burial Service.

1. See Deuteronomy 32:7.

2. Mountains] see Deuteronomy 33:15.

3. Return] to dust (Genesis 3:19).

4. A watch in the night] of which the sleeper is unconscious. There were three night-watches among the Israelites (Lamentations 2:19; Judges 7:19; 1 Samuel 11:11).

5. They are as a sleep] or, ’they fall asleep’ in death.

9. Spend] RV ’bring to an end.’

As a tale that is told] RM ’as a sigh,’ a breath.

10. Their strength] RV ’their pride.’

11b. RV ’and thy wrath according to the fear that is due unto thee? ’Who understands Thine anger against sin so as to give Thee fitting and holy reverence?

12. Apply.. wisdom] RV ’get us an heart of wisdom’: see Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 32:29.

13. Repent] see Deuteronomy 32:36.

14. Early] RV ’in the morning.’

15. According to] i.e. in proportion to.

17. The work of our hands] The phrase occurs in Deuteronomy seven times.