Study notes

Psalms 90

Introducing PsalmsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

90:1

  • Moses led God's people from slavery in Egypt to Mount Sinai. There, he received the law and established God's covenant with Israel.

  • the man of God: Moses had a special relationship with God (Deuteronomy 33:1).

90:1–2

The Lord is the dwelling place for the godly. He has provided shelter for many generations. The word translated as dwelling place is rare in the Psalms. It describes a safe place where the Lord meets and cares for those in need (Psalms 68:5; 71:3).

90:1–17

Although the Lord’s people have lived in him for many generations, their sin creates distance between them and their eternal Lord. The Lord’s anger against human sin can seem to last a lifetime. Even then, it is only a small sign of his full displeasure with sin. This sad situation leads the community to seek the Lord’s light.

The first step is to ask the Lord to restore them because of his compassion and faithful love (Psalm 90:13–14). He alone can make his servants glad. He alone can bless the generations that come after them (Psalm 90:16–17).

90:2

  • The Lord is the eternal God.

  • The Lord created the earth.

90:3–6

Unlike God, humans are mortal and temporary.

90:7–10

Sinners cannot escape God’s anger against sin because the Lord sees their sins. Their lives pass quickly and are full of suffering.

90:9–10

  • A groan of sorrow (Ezekiel 2:10) represents a life facing the consequences of sin.

  • Humans create trouble (see Psalm 10:6) and receive pain as a result.

90:11–12

In the search for wisdom, no one can fully understand the Lord (see Isaiah 40:13). The right human response to the Lord is godly fear (see Psalm 60:4). The Lord alone can teach humans to follow the path of wisdom (Psalm 25:4–6).

90:13

The phrase Your servants refers to the community of those loyal to the Lord.

90:13–17

The psalmist prays for the Lord’s favor and restoration.

90:15

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

90:16

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

90:17

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

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources