Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.
Historical Context
This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.
Questions for Reflection
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
- How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?