The first Psalm in Book IV of the Psalms (Psalm 90) begins with a heading that labels it the “Prayer of Moses, the Man of God.” In his notes on the Psalm, Professor Collins makes this intriguing comment,
Those who sing this should see themselves as the heirs of [Moses'] generation, seeking like them the blessing of God so that they can carry out their mission (ESV Study Bible Notes).
That generation had seen the awful results of sin and disobedience firsthand (“For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed” vs.. 7) Now they faced a challenge and test of obedience. They stood before the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land. Would they fare any better than their parents?
To enter the land, and enjoy the fulfillment of God’s promise would require trust in God (faith). Read from this perspective, the Psalm seems to come alive. While you, God, are eternal, we are not (vss 1-11). Our lives are like the grass of the field that sprouts up, glistens, and then withers away (vss 5-10).
Will anything last from our years here on earth? Will we finish the mission God has given us to accomplish? Will we pass on anything to the next generation? That’s what the second half (vv 12-17) of the Psalm is about.
Moses’ prayer in this section asks God for three things: Wisdom (vs. 12), Joy in God (vs. 13-15), and God’s blessing on our Work (vs. 16-17).
So what about us? Are we singing this song, and praying this prayer as “heirs of Moses” generation?
- Are we asking God to give us a heart of wisdom that comes from numbering our days? (cf. Col 1:9, “asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding”)
- Are we praying for God go make us so satisfied in his steadfast love that we are filled with rejoicing and gladness of heart? (cf. Col 1:10,12, “growing in the knowledge of God… joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light”)
- Are we asking God for his favor – that he would “establish the work of our hands” that that our children would see evidence of his “work” and “glorious power”? (cf. Col 1:11, ” [living] a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work”)
