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Psalms 90:12
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So teach us to number our days,.... Not merely to count them, how many they are, in an arithmetical way; there is no need of divine teachings for that; some few instructions from an arithmetician, and a moderate skill in arithmetic, will enable persons not only to count the years of their lives, but even how many days they have lived: nor is this to be understood of calculating or reckoning of time to come; no man can count the number of days he has to live; the number of his days, months, and years, is with the Lord; but is hid from him: the living know they shall die; but know not how long they shall live, and when they shall die: this the Lord teaches not, nor should we be solicitous to know: but rather the meaning of the petition is, that God would teach us to number our days, as if the present one was the last; for we cannot boast of tomorrow; we know not but this day, or night, our souls may be required of us: but the sense is, that God would teach us seriously to meditate on, and consider of, the shortness of our days; that they are but as a shadow, and there is no abiding; and the vanity and sinfulness of them, that so we may not desire to live here always; and the troubles and sorrows of them, which may serve to wean us from the world, and to observe how unprofitably we have spent them; which may put us upon redeeming time, and also to take notice of the goodness of God, that has followed us all our days, which may lead us to repentance, and engage us in the fear of God: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom; to consider our latter end, and what will become of us hereafter; which is a branch of wisdom so to do; to seek the way of salvation by Christ; to seek to Christ, the wisdom of God, for it; to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom; and to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise; to all which an application of the heart is necessary; for wisdom is to be sought for heartily, and with the whole heart: and to this divine teachings are requisite, as well as to number our days; for unless a man is taught of God, and by his Spirit convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, he will never be concerned, in good earnest, about a future state; nor inquire the way of salvation, nor heartily apply to Christ for it: he may number his days, and consider the shortness of them, and apply his heart to folly, and not wisdom; see Isa 22:21.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
These are the petitions of this prayer, grounded upon the foregoing meditations and acknowledgments. Is any afflicted? Let him learn thus to pray. Four things they are here directed to pray for: - I. For a sanctified use of the sad dispensation they were now under. Being condemned to have our days shortened, "Lord, teach us to number our days (Psa 90:12); Lord, give us grace duly to consider how few they are, and how little a while we have to live in this world." Note, 1. It is an excellent art rightly to number our days, so as not to be out in our calculation, as he was who counted upon many years to come when, that night, his soul was required of him. We must live under a constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity. We must so number our days as to compare our work with them, and mind it accordingly with a double diligence, as those that have no time to trifle. 2. Those that would learn this arithmetic must pray for divine instruction, must go to God, and beg of him to teach them by his Spirit, to put them upon considering and to give them a good understanding. 3. We then number our days to good purpose when thereby our hearts are inclined and engaged to true wisdom, that is, to the practice of serious godliness. To be religious is to be wise; this is a thing to which it is necessary that we apply our hearts, and the matter requires and deserves a close application, to which frequent thoughts of the uncertainty of our continuance here, and the certainty of our removal hence, will very much contribute. II. For the turning away of God's anger from them, that though the decree had gone forth, and was past revocation, there was no remedy, but they must die in the wilderness: "Yet return, O Lord! be thou reconciled to us, and let it repent thee concerning thy servants (Psa 90:13); send us tidings of peace to comfort us again after these heavy tidings. How long must we look upon ourselves as under thy wrath, and when shall we have some token given us of our restoration to thy favour? We are thy servants, thy people (Isa 64:9); when wilt thou change thy way toward us?" In answer to this prayer, and upon their profession of repentance (Num 14:39, Num 14:40), God, in the next chapter, proceeding with the laws concerning sacrifices (Num 15:1, etc.), which was a token that it repented him concerning his servants; for, if the Lord had been pleased to kill them, he would not have shown them such things as these. III. For comfort and joy in the returns of God's favour to them, Psa 90:14, Psa 90:15. They pray for the mercy of God; for they pretend not to plead any merit of their own. Have mercy upon us, O God! is a prayer we are all concerned to say Amen to. Let us pray for early mercy, the seasonable communications of divine mercy, that God's tender mercies may speedily prevent us, early in the morning of our days, when we are young and flourishing, Psa 90:6. Let us pray for the true satisfaction and happiness which are to be had only in the favour and mercy of God, Psa 4:6, Psa 4:7. A gracious soul, if it may but be satisfied of God's lovingkindness, will be satisfied with it, abundantly satisfied, will take up with that, and will take up with nothing short of it. Two things are pleaded to enforce this petition for God's mercy: - 1. That it would be a full fountain of future joys: "O satisfy us with thy mercy, not only that we may be easy and at rest within ourselves, which we can never be while we lie under thy wrath, but that we may rejoice and be glad, not only for a time, upon the first indications of thy favour, but all our days, though we are to spend them in the wilderness." With respect to those that make God their chief joy, as their joy may be full (Jo1 1:4), so it may be constant, even in this vale of tears; it is their own fault if they are not glad all their days, for his mercy will furnish them with joy in tribulation and nothing can separate them from it. 2. That it would be a sufficient balance to their former griefs: "Make us glad according to the days wherein thou has afflicted us; let the days of our joy in thy favour be as many as the days of our pain for thy displeasure have been and as pleasant as those have been gloomy. Lord, thou usest to set the one over-against the other (Ecc 7:14); do so in our case. Let it suffice that we have drunk so long of the cup of trembling; now put into our hands the cup of salvation." God's people reckon the returns of God's lovingkindness a sufficient recompence for all their troubles. IV. For the progress of the work of God among them notwithstanding, Psa 90:16, Psa 90:17. 1. That he would manifest himself in carrying it on: "Let thy work appear upon thy servants; let it appear that thou hast wrought upon us, to bring us home to thyself and to fit us for thyself." God's servants cannot work for him unless he work upon them, and work in them both to will and to do; and then we may hope the operations of God's providence will be apparent for us when the operations of his grace are apparent upon us. "Let thy work appear, and in it thy glory will appear to us and those that shall come after us." In praying for God's grace God's glory must be our end; and we must therein have an eye to our children as well as to ourselves, that they also may experience God's glory appearing upon them, so as to change them into the same image, from glory to glory. Perhaps, in this prayer, they distinguish between themselves and their children, for so God distinguished in his late message to them (Num 14:31, Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness, but your little ones I will bring into Canaan): "Lord," say they, "let thy work appear upon us, to reform us, and bring us to a better temper, and then let thy glory appear to our children, in performing the promise to them which we have forfeited the benefit of." 2. That he would countenance and strengthen them in carrying it on, in doing their part towards it. (1.) That he would smile upon them in it: Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; let it appear that God favours us. Let us have God's ordinances kept up among us and the tokens of God's presence with his ordinances; so some. We may apply this petition both to our sanctification and to our consolation. Holiness is the beauty of the Lord our God; let that be upon us in all we say and do; let the grace of God in us, and the light of our good works, make our faces to shine (that is the comeliness God puts upon us, and those are comely indeed who are so beautified), and then let divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances, and that also will be the beauty of the Lord upon us, as our God. (2.) That he would prosper them in it: Establish thou the work of our hands upon us. God's working upon us (Psa 90:16) does not discharge us from using our utmost endeavours in serving him and working out our salvation. But, when we have done all, we must wait upon God for the success, and beg of him to prosper our handy works, to give us to compass what we aim at for his glory. We are so unworthy of divine assistance, and yet so utterly insufficient to bring any thing to pass without it, that we have need to be earnest for it and to repeat the request: Yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it, and, in order to that, establish us in it.
Psalms 90:12
From Everlasting to Everlasting
11Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due. 12So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.3K1:00:03Book ReviewsPSA 90:12PRO 29:18MAT 6:332CO 6:2EPH 2:6HEB 4:12HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living a life of disbelief in heaven. The speaker also discusses the powerful sermon by Jonathan Edwards called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and how it impacted the congregation. He emphasizes the need for preachers to weep over people going to hell and highlights the importance of studying the lives of great preachers and church history to be moved towards revival.
God's Bloodhound
By Rolfe Barnard5.0K45:31MisconceptionsGEN 3:19PSA 39:4PSA 90:12PRO 27:1ECC 12:1MAT 6:33LUK 16:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person financing this project and emphasize the importance of reaching young preachers before they develop incorrect preaching methods. The speaker then shares a personal story about receiving an urgent message about their sick child during a preaching event. Despite the urgency, they finished the sermon and rushed home to find their child quoting Proverbs 27:1. The sermon concludes with a story about a 16-year-old girl who confidently declares that she will be saved the next night, only to tragically pass away the following day. The speaker reflects on the unpredictability of life and the need to seize the opportunity for salvation.
Eternity
By Leonard Ravenhill4.6K28:52EternityPSA 90:12ACT 9:4ROM 1:14ROM 3:23PHP 3:7HEB 11:33The sermon transcript discusses the urgency of preaching the gospel of the kingdom in every land before the glorious day of the son of Manuel's appearance. It emphasizes the need to save the souls of the lost, as a thousand million souls are being lost every day. The sermon also highlights the concept of eternity and its impact on motivating believers to work for God. The theme of judgment is explored through a poem that depicts the consequences faced by different individuals, including the rich, the great, the gambler, and the model man, in the afterlife. The sermon concludes with a plea for repentance and salvation before it is too late.
"Stamp Eternity on My Eye Balls"
By Leonard Ravenhill4.4K00:24PSA 90:12MAT 25:462CO 4:18HEB 9:272PE 3:11This sermon emphasizes the profound impact that a true understanding of eternity and judgment can have on our lives, suggesting that if we truly grasped these concepts, we would be transformed as God's people. The speaker reflects on the power of having eternity and judgment imprinted on our hearts, highlighting the potential for a radical shift in perspective and behavior.
(John - Part 42): Life After Death - the Death and Raising of Lazarus
By A.W. Tozer4.0K53:36ExpositionalPSA 90:12ECC 12:7ISA 65:17LUK 16:9ROM 8:181TI 6:191JN 3:2The video is a summary of a sermon by a German theologian named von Hügel. He emphasizes that the only things that seem to move people's emotions in this world are worldly things like business, sports, travel, and pleasure. However, von Hügel argues that the only things worthy of moving our emotions are those related to the world to come, to eternity. He encourages the audience to use their money wisely, knowing that even small acts of generosity can have eternal significance. Lastly, von Hügel reminds the listeners that the knowledge of life after death can help us endure difficult times.
(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills
By John Piper3.7K36:02PSA 37:5PSA 90:12PRO 3:5PRO 16:9PRO 27:1ECC 3:1ISA 55:8MAT 6:33ROM 12:2JAS 4:13In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without considering God's will and the brevity of life. James is upset with those who make plans without acknowledging the truth that life is like a vapor, here for a little while and then gone. Pastor Piper emphasizes the need to have a Christian worldview and to always include God's will in our plans, recognizing that our lives are in His hands.
Making Each Day Count
By David Wilkerson3.1K1:02:59PSA 90:9PSA 90:12MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making every day count. He shares a personal reflection on how time seems to be passing quickly as he approaches 60 years of age. The preacher also references a vision from the book of Daniel, suggesting that the fulfillment of this vision is happening in the present day. He urges the congregation to be prepared for the coming of Jesus and to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly distractions.
Hell
By Ian Paisley2.8K59:27PSA 49:10PSA 90:12PRO 27:1ECC 8:10MAT 6:331TH 4:16REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher describes the death of a soul who did not heed the warning of the trumpet. The sermon references the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter 8 verse 10, to illustrate the vanity of a wicked person who attends church but remains in a state of wickedness. The preacher recounts the deathbed scene of a church attender who realizes the urgency of discussing the state of his soul with the preacher, but it is too late. The sermon emphasizes the importance of placing hope in Christ and the consequences of rejecting the gospel message. The preacher warns against complacency and highlights the privilege of hearing the gospel alarm, contrasting it with those in paganism or churches where the message is diluted. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the eternal torment of hell for those who refuse to heed the warning.
The Use of Your Time
By Steven J. Lawson2.8K1:02:48JOB 14:5PSA 90:12PSA 139:16LUK 14:13JHN 15:5JHN 19:301CO 10:312CO 4:18EPH 5:16This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his preparation for death. Edwards' resolutions focused on living with an eternal perspective, making the most of time, and considering the pains of martyrdom and hell. His life exemplified a dedication to pursuing God's will and maximizing every moment for God's glory, culminating in his faithful death at a young age.
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) the Cross and Our Self-Will
By Zac Poonen2.7K56:13ChristianityPSA 90:12PRO 3:13MAT 6:33JHN 12:25GAL 6:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. He criticizes the exaggerated and artificial way some preachers speak, urging for a more genuine and authentic approach. The preacher highlights the division between the soul and spirit, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:12, and challenges the audience to understand and embrace this concept. He also emphasizes the significance of Jesus' repeated statement about being born again, suggesting that the devil tries to make people ignore it.
(Christian Leadership) Faith to Fulfill All of God's Will
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:26:15PSA 90:12PRO 3:5JOL 3:10MAT 11:28JHN 5:3JHN 17:101JN 5:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trying and failing in order to learn valuable lessons. He draws parallels to the Israelites who tried and failed for fifteen hundred years before God sent his son, Jesus. The preacher explains that Jesus waits for us to come to the end of ourselves before intervening in our lives. He also highlights the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who tried for thirty-eight years to be healed but always missed the opportunity. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to surrender everything to God and to maintain a good conscience and humility.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 7
By Bakht Singh2.6K06:00PSA 90:12ECC 7:2JHN 11:25HEB 9:27This sermon reflects on the somber moment of a funeral procession arriving at the cemetery, highlighting the reality of death and the brevity of life. It emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and living a life that honors God, as death is a reminder of our mortality and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
The End of the Line
By Chuck Smith2.1K40:20BabylonDEU 28:1PSA 90:1PSA 90:12PSA 90:14PSA 90:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current conditions in the Middle East and the world, stating that they indicate that we are coming to the end of the line. He mentions the development of a chip that can be implanted in people, which he sees as a part of the final end times scenario. The preacher also talks about the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and how they initially made a covenant with God but became fearful and rebellious when they reached the border. He emphasizes the need for people to get right with God and live a life of full commitment to Jesus Christ, as time is short and the end is near.
When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House
By Carter Conlon2.1K40:42ReligionDEU 32:15JDG 15:15PSA 90:12PRO 24:5ISA 40:29MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fails to truly understand and appreciate Jesus. Jesus tries to get Simon to see something in his own heart, but Simon's estimation of Jesus is shallow. The preacher references a verse from Deuteronomy 32 to emphasize how Simon has forsaken God and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. The main message of the sermon is that true love for Jesus is shown through forgiveness and a willingness to serve others.
In Defense of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival
By J. Edwin Orr2.0K24:05Welsh RevivalPSA 78:2PSA 85:6PSA 90:12PSA 119:11PSA 126:4MAT 6:33ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his intention to share a story and reveal hidden truths. He emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's glorious deeds and wonders to future generations. The speaker then shares a personal testimony of answered prayers and the positive social impact of revival, including reduced alcohol consumption and decreased crime rates. The sermon concludes with the speaker discussing the current spiritual slump in Wales and the need for revival in the country.
Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.9K56:16PSA 90:12ISA 11:2MAT 25:4LUK 2:52JAS 3:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom in our lives, drawing insights from Psalms 90 and the life of Jesus. It highlights the need to submit to imperfect authority, resist sin, meditate on God's word, and seek wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy.
Memento Mori
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K00:00DeathEternal LifeDEU 32:29PSA 90:12ECC 3:2MAT 24:44JHN 11:25ROM 6:232CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 9:27C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. He emphasizes that while society often avoids the topic of death, true wisdom lies in acknowledging its certainty and preparing for it. Spurgeon warns that our earthly possessions and pleasures are fleeting, and that thoughts of death can lead to a deeper understanding of sin and a greater appreciation for salvation through Christ. He encourages believers to view death as a transition to eternal life, while imploring the unconverted to recognize the urgency of their spiritual state. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a heartfelt response to the gospel, reminding all that the way to salvation is simple and accessible.
(Daniel) a Powerful Pernicious Personality
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:08:09PersonalityPSA 90:12DAN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 13:34EPH 4:11REV 16:12In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the second part of the chapter, which is prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled. He explains that the first 20 verses of the chapter discuss the historical context and the rise of Persian kings. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the land of Palestine being at the center of powerful nations and suggests that God has a plan for the unbelieving Jews in that region. The sermon concludes with a call to love and study God's word, as well as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the future events prophesied in the Bible.
Don't Waste Your Life - Part 3
By John Piper1.5K07:59PSA 90:12ECC 3:1MAT 16:24PHP 1:20COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and the urgency to live a life that is dedicated to Christ and His gospel. It warns against the temptation to waste time and resources on worldly pursuits like retirement, highlighting the need for radical decisions and commitments to avoid a life of waste. The speaker shares personal stories and reflections on the significance of making every moment count for Christ, as the river of life flows swiftly towards eternity.
Anabaptist History - Part 3
By Walter Beachy1.4K1:18:35Anabaptist HistoryPSA 90:1PSA 90:12MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the influence of persuasive speakers who teach new things and how easily we succumb to their influence. He then briefly reviews the timeline of church history, focusing on the Constantinian change in 313 which brought about four theological issues that changed the nature of the church. The speaker also mentions the eight marks of the fallen church, but doesn't go into detail about them. Towards the end, the speaker refers to Psalm 90, written by Moses, and highlights God's sovereignty and his role as our dwelling place throughout generations.
I Wish I Was 18 Again by K P Yohannan
By K.P. Yohannan1.3K04:07PSA 90:12MAT 6:19JAS 4:14This sermon reflects on the passage of time and the importance of making each day count for God's honor and glory. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of worldly pursuits in the grand scheme of eternity, urging listeners to focus on serving others and living a life that reflects God's love and kindness.
Make Me to Know My End
By Joshua Daniel1.3K31:58PSA 90:12This sermon reflects on the importance of understanding the measure of our days and living each day as if it were our last, emphasizing the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life. It delves into the concept of spiritual surplus, urging believers to pray for abundance and prophetic insight to navigate the challenges ahead. The message highlights the significance of stopping leaks in our character, avoiding mischievous madness in speech, and embracing a life filled with righteousness and love.
Funeral Sermon Message
By Erlo Stegen1.3K43:41PSA 90:12JHN 4:16JHN 11:25PHP 1:21REV 20:12This sermon reflects on the reality of death and the importance of being prepared to meet God at any moment. It shares stories of individuals facing death, highlighting the peace and triumph that can come with a strong faith in Christ. The message emphasizes the need to examine one's life in light of eternity, ensuring reconciliation with God and others before it's too late.
A Parable That Confuses Many
By Erlo Stegen1.3K52:21PSA 90:12PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 6:24MAT 25:21LUK 5:17LUK 12:15LUK 16:1LUK 16:19JAS 1:5This sermon delves into the parable of the unjust steward, exploring the confusion it causes as the man's actions are commended by the Lord despite being perceived as unjust. It emphasizes the importance of considering one's future and eternity, contrasting the mindset of the rich man who did not think ahead with the actions of the steward who planned for his future. The sermon highlights the need for discernment in understanding God's perspective on right and wrong, drawing lessons from various biblical examples and urging listeners to align their hearts and spirits with the Lord's.
Living in Light of Eternity
By Steven J. Lawson1.2K1:14:12EternityPSA 90:1PSA 90:12MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding four attributes of God in order to live a strategic and impactful life. The first attribute is the eternality of God, which is highlighted in verses one and two of the psalm. The speaker emphasizes that human life is fleeting and short in comparison to God's eternal perspective. The second attribute is the sovereignty of God, discussed in verses three through six. The speaker emphasizes that recognizing God's sovereignty is crucial for developing a heart of wisdom. The third attribute is the severity of God, discussed in verses seven through twelve. Understanding God's severity is essential for learning to number our days wisely. The final attribute is the brevity of life, emphasized in the latter part of the sermon. The speaker reminds the audience that life is short and death is certain, urging them to make the most of the time they have. The sermon references Job 14:5 to support the idea that the number of our days is determined by God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So teach us to number our days,.... Not merely to count them, how many they are, in an arithmetical way; there is no need of divine teachings for that; some few instructions from an arithmetician, and a moderate skill in arithmetic, will enable persons not only to count the years of their lives, but even how many days they have lived: nor is this to be understood of calculating or reckoning of time to come; no man can count the number of days he has to live; the number of his days, months, and years, is with the Lord; but is hid from him: the living know they shall die; but know not how long they shall live, and when they shall die: this the Lord teaches not, nor should we be solicitous to know: but rather the meaning of the petition is, that God would teach us to number our days, as if the present one was the last; for we cannot boast of tomorrow; we know not but this day, or night, our souls may be required of us: but the sense is, that God would teach us seriously to meditate on, and consider of, the shortness of our days; that they are but as a shadow, and there is no abiding; and the vanity and sinfulness of them, that so we may not desire to live here always; and the troubles and sorrows of them, which may serve to wean us from the world, and to observe how unprofitably we have spent them; which may put us upon redeeming time, and also to take notice of the goodness of God, that has followed us all our days, which may lead us to repentance, and engage us in the fear of God: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom; to consider our latter end, and what will become of us hereafter; which is a branch of wisdom so to do; to seek the way of salvation by Christ; to seek to Christ, the wisdom of God, for it; to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom; and to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise; to all which an application of the heart is necessary; for wisdom is to be sought for heartily, and with the whole heart: and to this divine teachings are requisite, as well as to number our days; for unless a man is taught of God, and by his Spirit convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, he will never be concerned, in good earnest, about a future state; nor inquire the way of salvation, nor heartily apply to Christ for it: he may number his days, and consider the shortness of them, and apply his heart to folly, and not wisdom; see Isa 22:21.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
These are the petitions of this prayer, grounded upon the foregoing meditations and acknowledgments. Is any afflicted? Let him learn thus to pray. Four things they are here directed to pray for: - I. For a sanctified use of the sad dispensation they were now under. Being condemned to have our days shortened, "Lord, teach us to number our days (Psa 90:12); Lord, give us grace duly to consider how few they are, and how little a while we have to live in this world." Note, 1. It is an excellent art rightly to number our days, so as not to be out in our calculation, as he was who counted upon many years to come when, that night, his soul was required of him. We must live under a constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity. We must so number our days as to compare our work with them, and mind it accordingly with a double diligence, as those that have no time to trifle. 2. Those that would learn this arithmetic must pray for divine instruction, must go to God, and beg of him to teach them by his Spirit, to put them upon considering and to give them a good understanding. 3. We then number our days to good purpose when thereby our hearts are inclined and engaged to true wisdom, that is, to the practice of serious godliness. To be religious is to be wise; this is a thing to which it is necessary that we apply our hearts, and the matter requires and deserves a close application, to which frequent thoughts of the uncertainty of our continuance here, and the certainty of our removal hence, will very much contribute. II. For the turning away of God's anger from them, that though the decree had gone forth, and was past revocation, there was no remedy, but they must die in the wilderness: "Yet return, O Lord! be thou reconciled to us, and let it repent thee concerning thy servants (Psa 90:13); send us tidings of peace to comfort us again after these heavy tidings. How long must we look upon ourselves as under thy wrath, and when shall we have some token given us of our restoration to thy favour? We are thy servants, thy people (Isa 64:9); when wilt thou change thy way toward us?" In answer to this prayer, and upon their profession of repentance (Num 14:39, Num 14:40), God, in the next chapter, proceeding with the laws concerning sacrifices (Num 15:1, etc.), which was a token that it repented him concerning his servants; for, if the Lord had been pleased to kill them, he would not have shown them such things as these. III. For comfort and joy in the returns of God's favour to them, Psa 90:14, Psa 90:15. They pray for the mercy of God; for they pretend not to plead any merit of their own. Have mercy upon us, O God! is a prayer we are all concerned to say Amen to. Let us pray for early mercy, the seasonable communications of divine mercy, that God's tender mercies may speedily prevent us, early in the morning of our days, when we are young and flourishing, Psa 90:6. Let us pray for the true satisfaction and happiness which are to be had only in the favour and mercy of God, Psa 4:6, Psa 4:7. A gracious soul, if it may but be satisfied of God's lovingkindness, will be satisfied with it, abundantly satisfied, will take up with that, and will take up with nothing short of it. Two things are pleaded to enforce this petition for God's mercy: - 1. That it would be a full fountain of future joys: "O satisfy us with thy mercy, not only that we may be easy and at rest within ourselves, which we can never be while we lie under thy wrath, but that we may rejoice and be glad, not only for a time, upon the first indications of thy favour, but all our days, though we are to spend them in the wilderness." With respect to those that make God their chief joy, as their joy may be full (Jo1 1:4), so it may be constant, even in this vale of tears; it is their own fault if they are not glad all their days, for his mercy will furnish them with joy in tribulation and nothing can separate them from it. 2. That it would be a sufficient balance to their former griefs: "Make us glad according to the days wherein thou has afflicted us; let the days of our joy in thy favour be as many as the days of our pain for thy displeasure have been and as pleasant as those have been gloomy. Lord, thou usest to set the one over-against the other (Ecc 7:14); do so in our case. Let it suffice that we have drunk so long of the cup of trembling; now put into our hands the cup of salvation." God's people reckon the returns of God's lovingkindness a sufficient recompence for all their troubles. IV. For the progress of the work of God among them notwithstanding, Psa 90:16, Psa 90:17. 1. That he would manifest himself in carrying it on: "Let thy work appear upon thy servants; let it appear that thou hast wrought upon us, to bring us home to thyself and to fit us for thyself." God's servants cannot work for him unless he work upon them, and work in them both to will and to do; and then we may hope the operations of God's providence will be apparent for us when the operations of his grace are apparent upon us. "Let thy work appear, and in it thy glory will appear to us and those that shall come after us." In praying for God's grace God's glory must be our end; and we must therein have an eye to our children as well as to ourselves, that they also may experience God's glory appearing upon them, so as to change them into the same image, from glory to glory. Perhaps, in this prayer, they distinguish between themselves and their children, for so God distinguished in his late message to them (Num 14:31, Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness, but your little ones I will bring into Canaan): "Lord," say they, "let thy work appear upon us, to reform us, and bring us to a better temper, and then let thy glory appear to our children, in performing the promise to them which we have forfeited the benefit of." 2. That he would countenance and strengthen them in carrying it on, in doing their part towards it. (1.) That he would smile upon them in it: Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; let it appear that God favours us. Let us have God's ordinances kept up among us and the tokens of God's presence with his ordinances; so some. We may apply this petition both to our sanctification and to our consolation. Holiness is the beauty of the Lord our God; let that be upon us in all we say and do; let the grace of God in us, and the light of our good works, make our faces to shine (that is the comeliness God puts upon us, and those are comely indeed who are so beautified), and then let divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances, and that also will be the beauty of the Lord upon us, as our God. (2.) That he would prosper them in it: Establish thou the work of our hands upon us. God's working upon us (Psa 90:16) does not discharge us from using our utmost endeavours in serving him and working out our salvation. But, when we have done all, we must wait upon God for the success, and beg of him to prosper our handy works, to give us to compass what we aim at for his glory. We are so unworthy of divine assistance, and yet so utterly insufficient to bring any thing to pass without it, that we have need to be earnest for it and to repeat the request: Yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it, and, in order to that, establish us in it.