Psalms 90

Ps 90 Although the Lord’s people have made their home in him for generations, their sin widens the gap between them and their infinite Lord. The Lord’s wrath against a person’s sin might last a lifetime and yet be only a taste of his displeasure with sin. This lamentable situation calls the community to seek the Lord’s light. Taking the first step means seeking restoration with the Lord on the basis of his compassion and love (90:13-14). He alone makes his servants glad and blesses their future generations (90:16-17).90:title Moses led God’s people from slavery in Egypt to Mount Sinai, where he received the law and established God’s covenant with Israel. • the man of God: Moses enjoyed a special relationship with God (Deut 33:1).90:1-2 The Lord becomes the home of the godly; he has provided shelter for countless generations. The word translated home is not used frequently in the Psalter. It describes a place of safety where the Lord meets his needy people and cares for them (68:5; 71:3).

90:2 The Lord is the eternal God. • The Lord gave birth to the earth by creating it.

90:3-6 Unlike God, humans are mortal and transitory.

90:7-10 Sinners cannot escape God’s wrath because the Lord sees their sins. Their fleeting lives are filled with afflictions.

90:9-10 A groan of sorrow (Ezek 2:10) sums up a life spent in facing the consequences of sin. • Humans cause trouble (see Ps 10:6) and receive pain in return.

90:11-12 In the search for wisdom, no one can comprehend the Lord (see Isa 40:13). The appropriate human response to the Lord is godly fear (see Ps 60:4). The Lord alone can teach humans to follow the path of wisdom (25:4-6).

90:13-17 The psalmist prays for the Lord’s favor and restoration.90:13 The phrase your servants refers to the community of those loyal to the Lord.

90:15 The psalmist calls upon the Lord to give the people gladness to replace their mourning (see 92:4-5).

90:16 The children represent future generations in contrast to the generations past (90:1).

90:17 Humans waste their efforts unless the Lord makes them successful (44:3).