Thursday 21 June 2012

Background

Psalm 90 marks the beginning of the fourth book or collectionwithin the psalter. Although introduced as a prayer of Moses, itreflects the language and concerns of a later wisdom tradition. Byintroducing the psalm in this way, the wisdom teachers made aconnection with the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, whichare traditionally ascribed to Moses. The wisdom traditionencouraged reflection on the Torah, and this is what Psalm 90 doesalso.

Like other wisdom texts, such as Job and Qoheleth (orEcclesiastes), the psalm contrasts the lasting power and presenceof God with humanity's fleeting, fragile existence. Even beforecreation, God is; while humans are yet dust. This reference to dust(verse 3) links the psalm to one of the creation stories in whichGod forms humans out of dust and breath (Genesis2:7). It also recalls the description of mortality found in Genesis3:19: "you are dust, and to dust you shall return".

But there is another return that the psalm awaits: the return ofGod to God's people. Thus the psalm is also a lament, an indignantdemand that God end suffering. Acknowledgement of God's anger overinjustice does not diminish faith in God's steadfast love, and itis this faith which allows the psalmist to challenge God to remaininvolved in human struggles.

In the structure of the psalm, a number of key words are used bothto describe the futility of human life and to explore what afulfilled life might be like. Thus morning is used initially todescribe the rapid cycle of death and decay (verse 5), yet the sameword later carries with it the promise of a fresh start, warmed bythe morning light and steadfast love of God (verse 14). Thischanged perspective rests on the call for "a wise heart", at thecentre of the psalm. The psalmist comes to see that the goal ofwisdom is not to become like God, but to be consciously human, withall the limitations and possibilities that brings. Wisdom is areturning to God, and a willingness to live fully and generouslyall the days of life. The (wise) heart, to quote Augustine, isrestless till it finds its rest in God, who is home (verse 1).

To Ponder

Are you a morning or evening person? How does Godgreet you throughout the day?

What do you think are the outward signs of aheart full of wisdom?

What makes you feel 'at home', in a place, withanother person, and with God?