Psalm 90 (89):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The psalm begins with the recognition: "O Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another" (Psalm 89:1), which can refer to every generation, or specifically the old and new. As previously mentioned, Moses was a servant of the Old Covenant, representing what belonged to the old generation, and the Prophet of the New Covenant, which belongs to the new. Jesus Himself, the Mediator of that covenant and the Bridegroom of that generation, declared, "If ye had believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me" (John 5:46).

It’s important to note that this psalm was not wholly authored by Moses, as it lacks distinctive phrases found in his other songs; rather, his name is invoked to draw attention to the prayer's significance. The psalm expresses that the Lord has been our refuge since we turned to Him.

Next, it elaborates on how He became our refuge. The phrase “before the mountains were brought forth” (Psalm 89:2) holds profound meaning. It signifies God's eternal existence prior to the creation of the earth and everything within it. The mountains symbolize the heights of creation, while the earth represents human humility. This contrast suggests that although all creation originated with God, He existed even before the mountains or earthly realms, encompassing both heavenly and earthly beings. In this context, angels signify the heavens while humanity's frailty is embodied by the earth.

The psalmist reminds us that “a thousand years in Thy sight are as yesterday when it is past” (Psalm 89:4), thereby urging us to seek refuge in God’s unchanging nature amidst the transient world. Despite our longing for the temporal, a thousand years appear as fleeting as yesterday before God. This theme highlights a focus on eternal rather than earthly aspirations, as articulated by Paul in Philippians 3:13, where he encourages a concentration on eternal realities over temporal concerns.

Moreover, the psalmist reflects on the reality of earthly existence and its troubles: “Their years are as a fleeting thought; in the morning, let them wither like grass” (Psalm 89:5). The brevity of life is underscored, emphasizing that most lives consist of labor and sorrow, “for we are brought to an end by Thy wrath” (Psalm 89:9).

He goes on to express the fears borne from divine displeasure, not merely physical weakness, but a trembling fear of mortality, encapsulated by Christ’s own experiences leading to the ultimate sacrifice. The psalm recognizes the weight of sin’s consequences, revealing our lives as ephemeral and subject to the divine order established by God, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, particularly in Isaiah 40:6-8.

The psalmist acknowledges that true understanding of God's wrath is scarce among humans, and the hardships they face are often teaching experiences rather than mere punishment. Recognition of God’s mercy is crucial, acknowledging that His chastisement leads to wisdom and salvation, as seen in Hebrews 12:6.

He beseeches God to manifest His right hand, which represents Christ, urging that the faithful learn to rely on Him, not on the superficial rewards promised in the Old Covenant. The desire is for believers to align their hopes on eternal rather than earthly gains, as they witness the fleeting fortunes of the unrighteous.

The prayer concludes by requesting a return of divine favor, emphasizing the need for God’s grace to sustain them amid trials. The imagery of being nourished by God’s mercy in the morning (Psalm 89:14) draws a parallel to the anticipation of future grace and the everlasting joy that comes from being in God's presence.

The petition for God to bless and guide His people reflects the inherent connection between servanthood and His creative will, as reiterated in Ephesians 2:10. The psalm encapsulates the duality of our earthly journey as fraught with suffering yet filled with the promise of eternal life, culminating in the hope of restoration, faithfully echoed throughout Scripture, culminating in our ultimate satisfaction in Him.

Additionally, Moses likely reflects on the sins of Adam’s heirs, which have multiplied, further diminishing the longevity of human life. Before the flood, people could live nearly nine hundred years; following it, they lived two to three hundred years, then down to one hundred twenty in Moses' time, and eventually to eighty in David’s era. Moses succinctly illustrates the ephemeral nature of humanity, concluding that it is indeed expected for God, vexed by sin, to remove the lives of those He punishes in His displeasure.

In the subsequent phrases, “Thou hast laid our iniquities before Thee,” and “our secret things before the light of Thy countenance,” there exists a striking contrast between hidden sins and the radiance of God's presence. This contrast signifies that when God conceals human sins from His sight, individuals tend to dwell in darkness, succumbing to various false illusions. Conversely, when He brings these hidden transgressions into the open, revealing them despite human attempts at hypocrisy, individuals are overwhelmed with fear and dread, leading them to humble themselves.