Psalms 144:5

"Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away."

Key Reflection

Psalm 144:5 compares man to a breath and his days to a passing shadow, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human life and the impermanence of earthly existence. This metaphor underscores the transient quality of our lives under God's sovereignty.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Bow thy heavens, O Lord ... -Come to my aid “as if” the heavens were bent down; come down with all thy majesty and glory. See the notes atPsalms 18:9: “He bowed down the heavens also, and came down.” What it is there declared that the Lord “had” done, he is here implored to do again. Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke -See the notes atPsalms 104:32: “He toucheth the hills, and they smoke.” It is there affirmed as a characteristic of God that he “does” this; here the psalmist prays that, as this belonged to God, or was in his power, he “would” do it in his behalf.

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