@Ps 90:1-17. 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--(@De 33:1 Jos 14:6); as such he wrote this (see on Ps 18:1, title, and Ps 36:1, title).
1. dwelling-place--home (compare @Eze 11:16), as a refuge (@De 33:27).
2. brought forth [and] formed--both express the idea of production by birth.
3. to destruction--literally, "even to dust" (@Ge 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 (@2Pe 3:8).
a watch--or, third part of a night (compare @Ex 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 (@Ps 103:15 1Pe 1:24).
7, 8. For--A reason, this is the infliction of God's wrath.
troubled--literally, "confounded by terror" (@Ps 2:5). Death is by
sin (@Ro 5:12). Though "secret," the light of God's countenance, as a
candle, will bring sin to view (@Pr 20:27 1Co 4:5).
9. are passed--literally, "turn," as to depart (@Jer 6:4).
spend--literally, "consume."
as a tale--literally, "a thought," or, "a sigh"
(@Eze 2:10).
10. Moses life was an exception (@De 34:7).
it is . . . cut off--or, "driven," as is said of the quails in using
the same word (@Nu 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 @Ps 13:2).
let it repent--a strong figure, as in @Ex 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--(@Ps 8:5 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.