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.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 90:12?

2. How can we "number our days" to gain a heart of wisdom daily?

3. What practical steps help us apply Psalm 90:12 in our daily lives?

4. How does Psalm 90:12 connect with Ephesians 5:15-16 about living wisely?

5. In what ways does understanding life's brevity influence our spiritual priorities?

6. How can Psalm 90:12 guide our decisions in time management and stewardship?

7. What does "teach us to number our days" mean in Psalm 90:12?

8. How does Psalm 90:12 influence our understanding of life's brevity?

9. What historical context surrounds the writing of Psalm 90:12?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 90?

11. How do I measure the days of my life?

12. How can we effectively manage and prioritize our time?

13. What does "seize the day" truly mean?

14. How can we gain wisdom to number our days?So teach us

Moses opens with the language of request. After meditating on God’s eternity and humanity’s frailty (Psalm 90:1-11), he turns to the Lord for instruction.

• Only God can impart the right perspective; human insight is not enough (Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths”).

• Dependence on divine teaching is the pattern for every generation (Psalm 119:33-34; James 1:5).

• The verb “teach” underscores an ongoing process—growth in godly understanding never stops this side of heaven (Proverbs 4:18).

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to number our days

The prayer moves from request to purpose: learning our life’s brevity.

• “O LORD, make me know my end and the measure of my days” (Psalm 39:4-5).

• God has already fixed our span (Job 14:5), so wisdom begins by admitting limits.

• Practical implications:

– Prioritize what matters eternally (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Ephesians 5:15-16).

– Hold plans loosely, knowing every breath is a gift (James 4:13-15).

• Numbering does not foster anxiety but stewardship—each day becomes an entrusted coin to invest for God’s glory (Matthew 25:14-30).

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that we may present

The goal of counting our days is presentation, not mere calculation.

• Life is headed toward an audience with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• “Therefore I urge you… to present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

• Daily choices are offerings laid before God; numbering time sharpens the quality of those offerings.

• Faithful servants long to stand before Him “unashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15), their lives an acceptable act of worship (Hebrews 13:15-16).

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a heart of wisdom

What God seeks is not simply informed minds but transformed hearts.

• Biblical wisdom begins with reverence (Proverbs 1:7) and is proved in obedient living (Matthew 7:24-25).

• It blends insight and integrity—“walk circumspectly… understanding what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

• A wise heart discerns eternal values, loves God above all, and serves others sacrificially (Colossians 3:16-17; James 3:17).

• Such wisdom is the fruit of the Spirit’s work (Ephesians 1:17) and the answer to Moses’ ancient prayer.

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summary

Psalm 90:12 is a humble plea for God-taught realism. Recognizing life’s brevity drives us to steward every day as a divine trust, aiming to stand before the Lord with a heart shaped by His wisdom. Counting days is not morbid mathematics; it is the pathway to a life that counts.

(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.)