Meaning of Psalms 90:12

This verse, found in Psalm 90, is a profound prayer attributed to Moses, reflecting on the brevity of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God. The plea to "number our days" is not a call for a morbid obsession with mortality, but rather a request for divine illumination to grasp the finite nature of our earthly existence. Understanding this finitude is presented as the crucial precursor to acquiring a "heart of wisdom." Wisdom, in this context, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, practical understanding of life's true priorities, leading to righteous living and a proper orientation towards God. It is a prayer for a transformed perspective that values the present moment and lives it with eternal significance.

Context and Background

Psalm 90 is a lament and a prayer, originating from a period where the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness underscored the transience of human life. Moses, as the author, likely composed it during this time, reflecting on the generation that would not enter the Promised Land due to their disobedience. The psalm contrasts God's enduring existence ("Before the mountains were brought forth... from everlasting to everlasting you are God") with the swift passage of human life, which is likened to "a dream," "grass," and "a sigh." This stark contrast sets the stage for the request in verse 12, emphasizing the need for divine help in navigating a fleeting existence.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Brevity of Human Life: The central theme is the undeniable shortness of our earthly days. This is not a pessimistic outlook but a realistic assessment that serves as a catalyst for a more meaningful life.
• The Pursuit of Wisdom: The verse explicitly links the understanding of life's brevity to the attainment of wisdom. This wisdom is practical, God-centered, and leads to discerning choices.
• Dependence on God: The prayer itself highlights human dependence on God for understanding and wisdom. It acknowledges that true insight into life's meaning comes from divine revelation.
• The Importance of Perspective: "Numbering our days" is about gaining a proper perspective on time, eternity, and our place within God's grand plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to live with intentionality. Recognizing that our time on earth is limited should motivate us to:

• Prioritize Eternal Values: Invest our time and energy in activities and relationships that have eternal significance, rather than solely focusing on fleeting earthly pursuits.
• Cultivate a Godly Fear: A healthy awareness of mortality can foster a reverent fear of God, leading to obedience and a desire to please Him.
• Live with Urgency and Purpose: The limited time we have should spur us to fulfill God's calling on our lives with diligence and passion.
• Practice Gratitude: Appreciating each day as a gift from God, rather than taking it for granted.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This sentiment resonates throughout Scripture. The Old Testament frequently emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life and the need for wisdom from God (e.g., Proverbs, Ecclesiastes). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of the urgency of the present moment for repentance and faith (e.g., Mark 1:15). The Apostle Paul also exhorts believers to "make the most of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16), echoing the spirit of Psalm 90:12. The ultimate biblical narrative culminates in eternity, where believers will spend it with God, making the wise use of our earthly time all the more critical.

Analogies

• A Watchmaker and a Grandfather Clock: Imagine a master watchmaker who creates an intricate, beautiful, but ultimately temporary clock. The clock's value is not in its eternal existence, but in its precise functioning during its lifespan, reflecting the watchmaker's skill. Similarly, our lives, though finite, are designed by God to fulfill His purposes during our allotted time.
• A Traveler on a Journey: Life can be likened to a journey. A wise traveler doesn't linger aimlessly at every stop but recognizes the destination and the limited time to reach it. They pack accordingly, make efficient use of their travel time, and focus on reaching their final objective.
• A Sand Timer: The steady flow of sand in a timer visually represents the unstoppable passage of time. Each grain represents a moment, and once it has fallen, it cannot be retrieved. This stark imagery underscores the need to be mindful of how our "sand" is falling and to use it wisely.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 6:3: "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for in his wandering he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.'" This verse also speaks to the limited lifespan of humanity, setting a context for understanding our temporality.
• Job 14:1-2: "Man, born of woman, is of few days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and does not continue." This passage in Job shares the lament of human frailty and the swiftness of life's end.
• Proverbs 3:13-18: "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit than finer than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; blessed are all who keep her fast." This section from Proverbs highlights the immense value of wisdom, aligning with the psalm's assertion that understanding our days leads to its attainment.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: This famous passage emphasizes that "for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," underscoring the cyclical yet finite nature of human experience and the importance of recognizing the appointed times.