Psalm 90: Teach Us to Number Our Days
Best for: New Year, birthdays, funerals, reflection
Psalm 90 ("Teach Us to Number Our Days") is a wisdom psalm best read for new year, birthdays, funerals, reflection. The oldest psalm, attributed to Moses, Psalm 90 contrasts God's eternity with human frailty.
Overview
The oldest psalm, attributed to Moses, Psalm 90 contrasts God's eternity with human frailty. A thousand years are like yesterday to God, while human life is like grass that springs up in the morning and withers by evening. Moses prays for wisdom to number our days and for God's favor to establish the work of our hands, finding meaning in the midst of mortality.
Key Verses
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."— Psalm 90:2 (KJV)
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."— Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Life is breathtakingly brief. Moses doesn't despair at this truth — he asks God for the wisdom to live accordingly. Numbering your days isn't morbid; it's the beginning of real wisdom. How would you live differently if you truly grasped how short life is?
Historical Context
The oldest psalm, attributed to Moses—making it perhaps the oldest piece of Hebrew poetry in existence. Written during the 40 years of wilderness wandering as an entire generation died in the desert, it contains the famous prayer 'Teach us to number our days.' Moses, who lived 120 years, understood time's weight.
How to Apply This Today
Calculate roughly how many days you've lived and how many might remain. Not morbidly, but wisely. 'Numbering our days' means assigning weight and purpose to each one. If today were your last, would you spend it the way you're spending it? Apply your heart to wisdom now, not later.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 90
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, You are God. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 90 about?
The oldest psalm, attributed to Moses, Psalm 90 contrasts God's eternity with human frailty. A thousand years are like yesterday to God, while human life is like grass that springs up in the morning and withers by evening. Moses prays for wisdom to number our days and for God's favor to establish the work of our hands, finding meaning in the midst of mortality.
What does Psalm 90 teach us?
Life is breathtakingly brief. Moses doesn't despair at this truth — he asks God for the wisdom to live accordingly. Numbering your days isn't morbid; it's the beginning of real wisdom. How would you live differently if you truly grasped how short life is?
What are the key themes of Psalm 90?
The key themes of Psalm 90 include: Mortality, Eternity, Wisdom, God's Faithfulness.
When should I read Psalm 90?
Psalm 90 is especially meaningful for: New Year, birthdays, funerals, reflection. The overall mood is solemn, wise.
How can I apply Psalm 90 to my life?
Calculate roughly how many days you've lived and how many might remain. Not morbidly, but wisely. 'Numbering our days' means assigning weight and purpose to each one. If today were your last, would you spend it the way you're spending it? Apply your heart to wisdom now, not later.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 90
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Deuteronomy 31:6 — Meaning & Devotional
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Lamentations 3:22-23 — Meaning & Devotional
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