---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 90"
description: "PSALM 90   :-. Contrasting man"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/90"
---

PSALM 90

. 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*— ([Deuteronomy 33:1](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/33/1);
[Joshua 14:6](../../../kjv/joshua/14/6)); as such he wrote this
(see on [Psalms 90:1](../../../kjv/psalms/90/1), title, and [Psalms 90:1](../../../kjv/psalms/90/1), title).

**1. dwelling-place**—home
(compare [Ezekiel 11:16](../../../kjv/ezekiel/11/16)), as a
refuge ([Deuteronomy 33:27](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/33/27)).

**2. brought forth** [and]
**formed**—both express the idea of production by birth.

**3. to destruction**—literally,
"even to dust" ([Genesis 3:19](../../../kjv/genesis/3/19)),
which is partly quoted in the last clause.

**4.** Even were our days now a
thousand years, as Adam's, our life would be but a moment in God's
sight ([2 Peter 3:8](../../../kjv/2-peter/3/8)).
**a watch**—or, third part
of a night (compare [Exodus 14:24](../../../kjv/exodus/14/24)).

**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 ([Psalms 103:15](../../../kjv/psalms/103/15);
[1 Peter 1:24](../../../kjv/1-peter/1/24)).

**7, 8. For**—A reason, this is
the infliction of God's wrath.
**troubled**—literally,
"confounded by terror" (). Death is by sin (). Though "secret," the light of God's countenance,
as a candle, will bring sin to view ([Proverbs 20:27](../../../kjv/proverbs/20/27);
[1 Corinthians 4:5](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/4/5)).

**9. are passed**—literally,
"turn," as to depart ().
**spend**—literally,
"consume."
**as a tale**—literally, "a
thought," or, "a sigh" ().

**10.** Moses' life was an exception
([Deuteronomy 34:7](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/34/7)).
**it is . . . cut off**—or,
"driven," as is said of the quails in using the same word
([Numbers 11:31](../../../kjv/numbers/11/31)). In view of this
certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow.

**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."

**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.

**13.** (Compare ).
**let it repent**—a strong
figure, as in [Exodus 32:12](../../../kjv/exodus/32/12),
imploring a change in His dealings.

**14. early**—promptly.

**15.** As have been our sorrows, so
let our joys be great and long.

**16. thy work**—or, providential
acts.
**thy glory**— ([Psalms 8:5](../../../kjv/psalms/8/5);
[Psalms 45:3](../../../kjv/psalms/45/3)), the honor accruing
from Thy work of mercy to us.

**17. let the beauty**—or sum of
His gracious acts, in their harmony, be illustrated in us, and favor
our enterprise.

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