Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, was possibly composed during the Exodus period or in the wilderness. This poetic psalm uses parallelism, metaphors, and poetic imagery to contrast human nature with the divine, revealing God's communicable and incommunicable attributes.
The psalm begins by declaring God's eternity and immutability: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations" (v.1). Here, God is described as omnipresent and true. Following this, "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world" (v.2), God is depicted as self-existent and omnipotent, not depending on anything or anyone to exist. This statement continues with "From everlasting to everlasting you are God" (v.2b), highlighting God's eternity, infinity, and unchangeability.
Verse 3 introduces God's sovereignty: "You turn people back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, you mortals.'" This demonstrates His control over life and death. The concept of divine eternity is reinforced in "A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by" (v.4), emphasizing God's infinitude and sovereignty. Verses 5 and 6 illustrate the brevity of human life contrasted with God's eternity, highlighting human transience against divine sovereignty.
Verse 7 speaks of God's omnipotence and sovereignty, consuming with wrath, and emphasizes divine mercy. Following this, "You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence" (v.8), God is presented as omniscient, holy, and loving, deeply knowing humanity.
The passage continues reflecting on the fleeting nature of human life before God's eternity: "All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan" (v.9), reinforcing divine sovereignty and justice. In verse 11, the intensity of God's wrath is explored, once again highlighting His omnipotence and justice.
Finally, the Psalm calls for wisdom and compassion: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (v.12), emphasizing the human need for submission and the pursuit of divine wisdom. The final verses ask for the manifestation of divine goodness: "May your deeds be shown to your servants" (v.16), requesting that God's grace and work be evident and enduring.
Psalm 90, therefore, not only exalts God's attributes such as eternity, sovereignty, omnipotence, and mercy but also reflects on the human condition, inviting us to live a life of wisdom, submission, and constant pursuit of the divine presence. Understanding who God is shapes our identity and provides the principles for living a life that glorifies Him and reflects His will.
Eduardo Mendes
Founder and President
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