Psalms 90:6 – “In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.”

Psalm 90:6 is a striking illustration of the fleeting nature of human life. It likens our lives to grass that flourishes in the morning but quickly withers away by the end of the day. This vivid metaphor captures the brevity of our time on earth and urges us to live with a sense of purpose.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse uses the image of grass to symbolize the shortness and fragility of human life. In ancient times, grass was a common metaphor for things that are temporary. The Psalmist describes how grass springs up fresh and vibrant in the morning but fades and dries up by the evening. This symbolizes how quickly life can change — one moment we may feel full of life and energy, but it doesn’t take long for that to fade away. The imagery here emphasizes the contrast between God’s eternal nature and our brief existence. It reminds us that, like grass, our lives are temporary and vulnerable to the harsh conditions of this world.

Historical Context

Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, written during the Israelites’ time of wandering in the wilderness. Moses observed many people live and die during that period, often seeing an entire generation pass away before his eyes. In the harsh conditions of the desert, life was indeed fragile, much like the grass that could easily wither under the scorching sun. For the Israelites, who had faced the consequences of their disobedience and were reminded of their mortality daily, this verse would have resonated deeply, reminding them of God’s timeless presence compared to their own fleeting lives.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Psalm 90:6 highlights the contrast between the eternal nature of God and the temporary nature of human life. It shows us that while we might think of our days as long and significant, from God’s perspective, they are like a breath that comes and goes. This verse invites us to recognize that our time on earth is limited and precious. It challenges us to use our lives wisely, not taking for granted the moments we have. It also speaks to the consequences of sin, which brought death and decay into the world. Without God’s intervention, human life is like grass that is here one moment and gone the next.

Literary Analysis

The poetic language in this verse creates a vivid picture that is easy to understand. The contrast between morning and evening highlights how quickly life can change. The grass that seems so full of life at sunrise is dried up and withered by sunset. This poetic device serves to emphasize the brevity of life. The repetition of natural imagery throughout Psalm 90, such as references to dust, grass, and the passing of time, serves to illustrate the frailty of human existence against the backdrop of God’s eternal nature.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 40:6-7 – “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them.” This passage mirrors the imagery of Psalm 90:6, emphasizing human frailty.
• James 1:10-11 – “The rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant.” This New Testament passage echoes the idea that earthly life is temporary.
• 1 Peter 1:24-25 – “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” This reinforces the theme that only God’s word and His promises are everlasting.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Psalm 90:6 is a powerful reminder to live intentionally. It calls us to reflect on how we spend our time, knowing that our lives are brief. Instead of getting caught up in things that are ultimately temporary, this verse encourages us to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God, loving others, and living out our faith. In a world obsessed with productivity and success, this verse brings us back to the reality that our time is limited, and we should make it count for God’s purposes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Though this verse focuses on the brevity of life, it also points to God’s loving nature. By reminding us that our lives are short, God is inviting us to turn to Him and find our purpose in Him. In His love, He offers us not just a fleeting life here on earth, but eternal life through faith in Him. The realization of our mortality can be a pathway to a deeper relationship with God, as we learn to depend on Him for meaning and hope beyond the temporary.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Psalm 90:6 finds its deeper fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While human life is like grass that withers, Jesus offers the promise of eternal life. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus not only acknowledged the brevity of earthly life but also overcame death itself, giving us the hope of eternal life with God. In John 6:40, Jesus promises, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Through Christ, our lives are no longer defined by their brevity but are filled with the hope of eternity.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the imagery of grass that withers change your perspective on the value of your time?
2. In what ways can you focus more on eternal priorities rather than temporary concerns?
3. How does this verse challenge you to think differently about what really matters in your life?
4. How does the promise of eternal life through Jesus shape the way you live each day?
5. How can acknowledging the brevity of life draw you closer to God and deepen your faith?

Psalm 90:6 reminds us of our mortality, but it also points us to the eternal God who is the source of all life. By living with an awareness of how brief our lives are, we are inspired to seek God, invest in what truly matters, and hold onto the hope that, through Christ, we are promised a life that goes beyond the limits of this world.