Psalms 90:6
“6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.”
Psalm 90:6 (KJV):In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, the man of God. In this particular verse, Moses uses a metaphor to illustrate the brevity and transitory nature of human life. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this verse.
Morning and Evening:The verse begins by mentioning morning and evening. These time markers represent the cycles of life. Morning symbolizes birth, youth, and the beginning of life’s journey, while evening symbolizes old age, decline, and the approach of death. The contrasting images of morning and evening capture the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human existence.
Flourishing and Withering:The metaphor used in the verse compares human life to a plant. In the morning, the plant flourishes and grows, representing the vigor and vitality of youth. However, in the evening, it is cut down and withers, depicting the aging process and the inevitability of death. Just as a plant has a finite lifespan, so do humans.
Transience of Life:By using this metaphor, Moses emphasizes the brevity and fragility of human life. Like a plant, our lives are temporary, and we are subject to the passage of time. This verse serves as a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we should make the most of it.
Reflection on God’s Eternity:The preceding verses in Psalm 90 highlight the eternal nature of God in contrast to the transitory nature of humanity. In verse 2, Moses declares, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." While humans experience the passing of time, God exists outside of time, unaffected by its limitations. This juxtaposition underscores the significance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance to navigate the brevity of life.
Overall, Psalm 90:6 encourages us to reflect on the passing of time and the temporary nature of human existence. It serves as a reminder to use our time wisely, seeking God’s guidance and living purposefully. Ultimately, the psalm directs our attention to the eternal nature of God, who transcends time and offers us hope and meaning in the midst of life’s transience.
