Life is short—our constant awareness of that truth should spur us toward wisdom, gratitude, and reliance on the Lord.
Psalm 90 is traditionally attributed to Moses, a key figure in the historical timeline of ancient Israel who lived around 1526-1406 BC. This Psalm provides a reflective meditation on the brevity of human life in comparison to God’s timeless nature. Within that context, the author points out, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away” (v.10). Moses, who led the Israelites from Egypt toward the Promised Land, would have written these words likely during or after the wilderness journey, highlighting the fleeting nature of life as he and his people wandered without permanent settlement.
When he says, “they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years” (v.10), Moses is addressing the general lifespan of humanity. It does not imply a strict limit but illustrates how short even a relatively long life can be when placed against the backdrop of eternity. This phrase underscores that, despite the best human efforts, our earthly existence has inherent limitations. Moses was intimately aware of life’s hardships, having led a nation through desert conditions with constant challenges and trials.
In observing that, “Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away” (v.10), the passage suggests that even accomplishments ultimately fall short of satisfying the deeper longing of the soul outside of God’s eternal purpose. This teaching connects to New Testament passages that remind believers to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). By recognizing how quickly life fades, the faithful are reminded to seek the enduring things of God’s kingdom.
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Psalms 90:10 meaning
Psalm 90 is traditionally attributed to Moses, a key figure in the historical timeline of ancient Israel who lived around 1526-1406 BC. This Psalm provides a reflective meditation on the brevity of human life in comparison to God’s timeless nature. Within that context, the author points out, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away” (v.10). Moses, who led the Israelites from Egypt toward the Promised Land, would have written these words likely during or after the wilderness journey, highlighting the fleeting nature of life as he and his people wandered without permanent settlement.
When he says, “they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years” (v.10), Moses is addressing the general lifespan of humanity. It does not imply a strict limit but illustrates how short even a relatively long life can be when placed against the backdrop of eternity. This phrase underscores that, despite the best human efforts, our earthly existence has inherent limitations. Moses was intimately aware of life’s hardships, having led a nation through desert conditions with constant challenges and trials.
In observing that, “Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away” (v.10), the passage suggests that even accomplishments ultimately fall short of satisfying the deeper longing of the soul outside of God’s eternal purpose. This teaching connects to New Testament passages that remind believers to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). By recognizing how quickly life fades, the faithful are reminded to seek the enduring things of God’s kingdom.