So teach us to number our days
This phrase reflects a plea for divine instruction, emphasizing the need for awareness of life's brevity. In the context of Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, it underscores the transient nature of human life compared to God's eternal existence. The request for teaching suggests humility and recognition of human limitations. Biblically, this echoes themes found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, where the seasons of life are acknowledged, and in James 4:14, which describes life as a mist. The phrase invites reflection on mortality, urging believers to live with purpose and intentionality.

that we may present a heart of wisdom
The desired outcome of numbering our days is to cultivate wisdom. In Hebrew thought, wisdom (chokmah) is not merely intellectual but practical, involving righteous living and reverence for God. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," linking wisdom to a relationship with God. This heart of wisdom is a metaphor for an inner transformation that aligns one's life with divine principles. The phrase suggests that understanding life's brevity should lead to a life marked by discernment and godly priorities, reminiscent of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:19-21 about storing treasures in heaven.

1. Moses
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 90, Moses is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God.

2. Israelites
The people of God who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. This context of wandering and reflection on life’s brevity is crucial to understanding the psalm.

3. Wilderness
The setting for much of Moses' leadership and the Israelites' journey, symbolizing both physical and spiritual testing and growth.The Brevity of Life
Recognize that life is short and uncertain. This awareness should lead us to live intentionally and purposefully.

Seeking Divine Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God. We should continually seek His guidance to live lives that honor Him.

Living with Eternity in Mind
Our daily choices should reflect an eternal perspective, prioritizing what has lasting value.

Heart Transformation
Wisdom is not just intellectual but involves a transformation of the heart. We should pray for God to shape our hearts according to His will.

Stewardship of Time
Be mindful of how we use our time, ensuring that it aligns with God’s purposes and priorities.(12) Number our days.--This verse as it stands literally gives to allot, or in allotting (see Isaiah 65:12), our days, so teach, and we will cause to come the heart wisdom. The last clause, if intelligible at all, must mean "that we may offer a wise heart," and the natural way to understand the verse is to make God, not man, as in the Authorised Version, the reckoner of the days. "In allotting our days thus make us know (i.e., make us know the power of Thine anger), in order that we may present a wise heart."

The verse must evidently be taken in close connection. with the preceding, or the point of the petition is lost, and though the ordinary rendering, "Teach us to number our days," has given birth to a number of sayings which might be quoted in illustration, it is neither in itself very intelligible, nor, except by one instance in later Hebrew, can it be supported as a rendering of the original.

Verses 12-17. - From complaint the psalmist, in conclusion, turns to prayer - prayer for his people rather than for himself. His petitions are,

(1) that God will enable his people to take to heart the lessons which the brevity of life should teach (ver. 12);

(2) that he will cease from his anger, and relent concerning them (ver. 13);

(3) that he will once more shower his mercies upon them, and cause their affliction to be swallowed up in gladness (vers. 14, 15); . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

So
כֵּ֣ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

teach
הוֹדַ֑ע (hō·w·ḏa‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

us to number
לִמְנ֣וֹת (lim·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4487: To weigh out, to allot, constitute officially, to enumerate, enroll

our days,
יָ֭מֵינוּ (yā·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3117: A day

that we may present
וְ֝נָבִ֗א (wə·nā·ḇi)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

a heart
לְבַ֣ב (lə·ḇaḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

of wisdom.
חָכְמָֽה׃ (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom


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OT Poetry: Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days (Psalm Ps Psa.)