A prayer of Moses the man of God.
This introduction identifies the psalm as a prayer attributed to Moses, a unique feature since most psalms are linked to David. Moses, known as the "man of God," is a central figure in the Old Testament, leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Law at Sinai. His designation as "man of God" underscores his role as a prophet and leader. This psalm is considered one of the oldest, possibly written during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It reflects Moses' intimate relationship with God and his role as an intercessor for the people.

Lord, You have been our dwelling place
The term "dwelling place" suggests a place of refuge and safety. For the Israelites, who wandered in the desert for 40 years, the concept of God as a dwelling place would have been particularly poignant. It implies a sense of permanence and stability amidst their transient existence. This phrase connects to other scriptures where God is described as a refuge, such as Psalm 91:1-2. It also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of believers finding their home in Christ (John 15:4).

through all generations.
This phrase emphasizes God's eternal nature and faithfulness across time. It reassures the Israelites of God's unchanging presence and support, despite their changing circumstances. Historically, this reflects the continuity of God's covenant with His people, from Abraham through Moses and beyond. It also points to the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who is the same "yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). This continuity assures believers of God's enduring presence and faithfulness throughout all ages.

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 Israel, who experienced God's provision and protection throughout their history, especially during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

3. Wilderness
The period of wandering in the desert, where the Israelites learned to rely on God as their refuge and sustainer.God as Our Eternal Refuge
The Hebrew word for "dwelling place" (ma'on) signifies a place of refuge and safety. God is not just a temporary shelter but an eternal refuge for His people.

Generational Faithfulness
The phrase "through all generations" emphasizes God's unchanging nature and faithfulness. Reflect on how God has been a refuge for past generations and continues to be for us today.

Finding Rest in God
In a world of uncertainty, believers can find peace and rest in God, who is our constant dwelling place. This calls us to trust in His provision and protection.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Recognizing God as our dwelling place encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on our relationship with Him rather than temporary earthly concerns.(1) Dwelling place.--LXX. and Vulg., "refuse," possibly reading maoz (as in Psalm 37:39) instead of maon. So some MSS. But Deuteronomy 33:17 has the feminine of this latter word, and the idea of a continued abode strikes the key-note of the psalm. The short duration of each succeeding generation of men on the earth is contrasted with the eternity of God and the permanence given to Israel as a race by the covenant that united them with the Eternal. But we may give extension to the thought. Human history runs on from generation to generation (so the Hebrew; comp. Deuteronomy 32:7); one goes, another comes; but in relation to the unchanging God, who rules over all human history, even the transient creatures of an hour may come to feel secure and at home.

Verse 1. - Lord, thou hast been our Dwelling place in all generations; or, "our habitation" (see Psalm 91:9); comp. Psalm 32:7, "Thou art my Hiding place." For well nigh forty years Moses had had no fixed material dwelling place.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A prayer
תְּפִלָּה֮ (tə·p̄il·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8605: Intercession, supplication, a hymn

of Moses,
לְמֹשֶׁ֪ה (lə·mō·šeh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

the man
אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God.
הָאֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Lord,
אֲ‍ֽדֹנָ֗י (’ăḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

You
אַ֭תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

have been
הָיִ֥יתָ (hā·yî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

our dwelling place
מָע֣וֹן (mā·‘ō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4583: An abode, of God, men, animals, a retreat

through all
בְּדֹ֣ר (bə·ḏōr)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling

generations.
וָדֹֽר׃ (wā·ḏōr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling


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OT Poetry: Psalm 90:1 A Prayer by Moses the man (Psalm Ps Psa.)