Select Language
AaSelect font sizeDark ModeSet to dark mode
Browse by Book

Psalms 90:15 meaning

This verse reminds believers that God can turn sorrow into joy.

Moses, who is traditionally credited with this psalm, lived around the 15th to 13th century BC and led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt into the Sinai wilderness. In this section of Scripture, he pleads with God by saying, “Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil” (v.15). The request arises from a deep place of humility, acknowledging how past suffering has weighed on God’s people and seeking His grace to restore them to joy. Moses’ awareness of hardship spans from the oppression of Egypt through the challenges faced in the wilderness—geographical regions marked by harsh deserts, forced labor, and nomadic wandering. By asking God to transform sorrow into gladness, Moses underscores the transformative power of divine compassion.

In “Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil” (v.15), we see a heartfelt prayer for hope and renewal. The afflictions recognized here are not mere chance misfortunes; they stem from both the natural hardships of life as well as moments of divine discipline. Moses, who had a unique relationship with the Lord, understood that people often grow through trials. This concept of perseverance aligning with God’s purpose resonates with the broader scriptural narrative (Romans 8:28). Israel’s timeline of enslavement in Egypt and their journey through the Sinai region stand as vivid reminders of human frailty, yet they also display God’s provision through miraculous moments such as the parting of the Red Sea and manna from heaven.

Furthermore, “Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil” (v.15) points toward the larger story of salvation that ultimately culminates in Christ (John 16:33). By longing for joy to match or surpass past sorrows, the psalmist anticipates a divine redemption that echoes throughout the Bible. Moses’ petition here not only addresses immediate deliverance for Israel but also symbolizes the universal hope of restoration from suffering. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this fulfillment, offering a promise of joy that overcomes adversity.

Psalms 90:15