Psalms 90:13

“Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.”

Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 90:13 (KJV):Verse: “Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.”

1. Historical Context:Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, the great leader of Israel, and is the only psalm ascribed to him. It is known as a prayer of Moses, reflecting on the eternal nature of God and the frailty of human life. The psalm contrasts the everlasting nature of God with the brevity of human existence.

2. Understanding the Verse:

• a) “Return, O LORD”:The word “return” here expresses a longing for God’s favour and intervention. It implies a desire for God to turn His attention toward His people and show them mercy and compassion. It reflects the recognition of the psalmist that the people need God’s intervention in their lives.
• b) “How long?”:This phrase indicates the psalmist’s impatience and longing for God’s presence and intervention. It suggests a plea for God to act quickly and come to the aid of His people, acknowledging the need for His help and guidance.
• c) “Let it repent thee concerning thy servants”:The psalmist is asking God to have compassion and mercy on His servants. The term “repent” here doesn’t imply that God has done something wrong but rather emphasizes a change in His dealings with His people. It is an appeal for God to show compassion, relent from judgment, and extend His mercy to His servants.

3. Key Themes and Application:

• a) Trusting in God’s Timing:The psalmist’s plea of “How long?” reveals a sense of impatience, but it also demonstrates the psalmist’s trust in God’s timing. It reminds us that we can bring our concerns and desires before God, expressing our longing for His intervention, while ultimately trusting in His perfect timing.
• b) Recognizing Human Dependence:By referring to themselves as “servants,” the psalmist acknowledges the dependence of humanity on God. It reminds us of our need for God’s guidance, mercy, and compassion. We are called to humbly submit ourselves to God, recognizing that He is the source of all wisdom and provision.
• c) The Nature of God’s Compassion:The psalmist’s request for God to “repent” concerning His servants highlights God’s compassion and willingness to relent from judgment. It reminds us of God’s loving and merciful nature, encouraging us to approach Him with our burdens and seek His forgiveness and grace.
• d) Persistence in Prayer:This verse serves as a reminder to persistently seek God in prayer. Just as the psalmist continues to cry out to the Lord, we are encouraged to persistently bring our requests, concerns, and desires before God. It demonstrates the importance of a consistent and ongoing relationship with Him.