Psalm 90 is a unique and profound piece of scripture within the Psalter, standing out not only for its content but also for its attributed authorship. Unlike most of the Psalms, which are traditionally ascribed to King David, Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses. This attribution is significant and provides a unique perspective on the themes and messages contained within the Psalm.
The superscription of Psalm 90 reads, "A prayer of Moses, the man of God." This superscription is crucial because it links the Psalm to Moses, who is a central figure in the Old Testament narrative. Moses is known as the great leader who led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God, and the prophet who spoke directly with God. His life and ministry are chronicled in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Therefore, a Psalm attributed to Moses carries with it the weight of his profound experiences and deep relationship with God.
Psalm 90 is often considered one of the oldest Psalms, given its connection to Moses. It reflects the themes of human frailty, the eternal nature of God, and the need for divine compassion and wisdom. These themes are consistent with the life and experiences of Moses, who witnessed the transient nature of human life during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness and who deeply understood the everlasting nature of God.
The opening verses of Psalm 90 set the tone for the entire Psalm by contrasting the eternal nature of God with the fleeting existence of humanity:
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2, NIV)
These verses acknowledge God as the eternal refuge and creator, a theme that resonates with the experiences of Moses. Throughout his life, Moses witnessed God's enduring presence and faithfulness, from the burning bush to the parting of the Red Sea, and through the provision of manna in the wilderness.
The Psalm then shifts to a reflection on the brevity and frailty of human life:
"You turn people back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, you mortals.' A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night." (Psalm 90:3-4, NIV)
These verses emphasize the transient nature of human existence compared to the eternal nature of God. Moses, who saw an entire generation pass away in the wilderness due to their disobedience, would have had a profound understanding of the brevity of life. The imagery of returning to dust echoes the creation narrative in Genesis, where humanity is formed from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7) and returns to it after death (Genesis 3:19).
The Psalm continues with a somber reflection on the consequences of sin and the reality of God's righteous judgment:
"We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan." (Psalm 90:7-9, NIV)
Moses, who interceded for the Israelites numerous times when they faced God's judgment for their disobedience, would have been acutely aware of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. The Psalm's acknowledgment of God's anger and the consequences of sin serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of living righteously and seeking God's mercy.
Despite the somber tone, Psalm 90 also contains a plea for God's compassion and a desire for renewal and restoration:
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:12-14, NIV)
These verses reflect a yearning for divine wisdom and a recognition of the need for God's unfailing love and compassion. Moses, who received the wisdom of God's laws and experienced His mercy, would have deeply understood the importance of seeking God's guidance and love. The plea to "number our days" highlights the need for living with an awareness of life's brevity and the importance of making each day count in service to God.
The Psalm concludes with a prayer for God's favor and the establishment of the work of His people:
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:17, NIV)
This closing verse encapsulates the desire for God's blessing and the hope that the efforts of His people will have lasting significance. Moses, who led the Israelites in their formative years as a nation, would have understood the importance of seeking God's favor and the desire for the work of one's hands to endure.
In summary, Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, offers a profound reflection on the nature of God and humanity. It contrasts God's eternal nature with the fleeting existence of humans, acknowledges the reality of sin and God's righteous judgment, and expresses a heartfelt plea for divine wisdom, compassion, and favor. The themes and messages of the Psalm resonate deeply with the life and experiences of Moses, making it a unique and significant piece of scripture within the Psalter.
