Studies in Psalms A Prayer of Moses

Written by Moses The oldest psalm Written toward the conclusion of his life (and Israel’s wilderness wandering)

Eternity of God Lord, adonai – master, authority and majesty Our dwelling in all generations – YHWH was there when Israel began – He provided

Eternity of God Before the mountains were brought forth, He created the world (cf. Gen. 1) You turn man to destruction – “back to dust” (NASU) – Gen. 3:19

Eternity of God A thousand years in Your sight, time inconsequential to Him (2 Pet. 3:8) Like yesterday, like a watch, like a flood, like sleep Like grass 1 Pet. 1:24, Isa. 40:6, Jas. 1:10-11, Matt. 6:30

The Anger of the Lord We have been consumed, you cannot escape His wrath! Our iniquities before us, our secret sins – Rev. 2:10, 14:13, Lk. 9:62, 2 Pet. 2:20-22 We cannot hide from Him – Psa. 139:7-12

The Anger of the Lord All our days have passed away Our lives, 70 years, maybe 80, yet they are filled with sorrow. Jas. 4:14 Filled with sorrow and labor, and soon cut off

The Anger of the Lord So teach us to number our days – learn to think seriously of life. , Life is brief! Jas. 4:13-16, Eph. 5:16-17 That we may gain a heart of wisdom – Prov. 2:10-12, 3:5-6

Return O Lord Return, O Lord – the price was paid that God demanded. Now the request for God to renew His promise with them. Have compassion on Your servants – craving to again be in His presence

Return O Lord Satisfy us early – don’t wait. Quick resolution. How quickly do we take care of our spiritual inequities? That we may rejoice and be glad all our days – the more time to serve Him, the better!

Return O Lord According to the days we were afflicted – a request that their latter state be greater (or at least as great) than their former state. Consider Heb. 12:11

Return O Lord Let Your work appear to Your servants – a prayer that God’s goodness dwell with them. When we repent, may we find true comfort and consolation And your glory to their children – a lasting heritage Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6:4

Return O Lord Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us, establish the work of our hands. – established – a lasting legacy, perhaps within and beyond this life Rev. 14:13

When we make ourselves right with God, ONLY then can we turn to Him with hope, cf. Ac. 3:19

Is your heart right with God? If not, do what you need to do so that His favor may again be with you!