In the Scriptures, the brevity and transience of human life are often emphasized through vivid imagery and metaphor. One such metaphor is the comparison of natural life to a "hand-breadth." This imagery is used to convey the fleeting nature of human existence in contrast to the eternal nature of God.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 39:5 : "You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah." In this verse, David reflects on the shortness of life, acknowledging that God has measured his days as a mere hand-breadth. The hand-breadth, a small unit of measurement, underscores the limited span of human life. David's meditation leads to the realization that even at his best, man's existence is ephemeral, like a breath.

2. Psalm 90:9-10 : "For all our days decline in Your fury; we finish our years with a sigh. The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Although not directly mentioning a hand-breadth, this passage complements the imagery by highlighting the brevity and toil of human life. The psalmist, traditionally Moses, contrasts the fleeting nature of human years with the eternal nature of God, urging a heart of wisdom in light of life's transience.

Theological Implications:

The metaphor of life as a hand-breadth serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the sovereignty of God. It calls believers to recognize the temporal nature of earthly life and to focus on eternal values. This perspective encourages a life of humility, dependence on God, and a prioritization of spiritual over temporal pursuits.

Practical Applications:

1. Wisdom in Living: Recognizing the brevity of life should lead individuals to seek wisdom in their daily decisions, aligning their lives with God's purposes and values. As the psalmist prays in Psalm 90:12 , "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom."

2. Eternal Perspective: The comparison to a hand-breadth encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, investing in what is lasting and eternal rather than what is temporary and fleeting. This perspective is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

3. Urgency in Mission: Understanding the shortness of life can instill a sense of urgency in fulfilling the Great Commission, sharing the gospel, and living out one's faith actively and intentionally.

In summary, the biblical metaphor of life as a hand-breadth serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human existence, urging believers to live wisely, with an eternal focus, and with a sense of urgency in their spiritual mission.Psalm 39:5
Behold, you have made my days as an handbreadth; and my age is as nothing before you: truly every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Physical Basis of Life.
... the imaginary substrata of groups of natural phaenomena ... and with this further
disadvantage, as compared with the ... the energies and destroy the beauty of a life. ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vii on the physical basis.htm

The First Disciples: v. Believing and Seeing
... knowledge was imperfect, and his creed incomplete as compared with ours ... a course
to which there is no natural end. ... because He lives for ever, and my life is but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples v believing.htm

In Death and after Death
... while the sweetest and gentlest, which was compared to drawing ... that of reproof; after
five days', a natural death ... it shall live and subsist as the tree of life. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... to men who are still in the prime of life. ... to another, and would have found, as compared
with the ... its continuance architecture ceased to be a natural mode of ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

Is there life after death? | GotQuestions.org

Life: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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