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Psalms 39:5

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

Psalms 39:5 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 39:5

Theological / Devotional

As an handbreadth. Literally, “as handbreadths,” meaning, obviously, a few.

The handbreadth was one of the smaller measures, being equal to 1/6 cu., or approximately 2.9 in. or 7.4 cm. (see Vol. I, p. 165).

Age. Heb. cheled, here the duration of life. Compare Ps. 90:4–6.

At his best state. Literally, “standing firm.” Life is so short and we accomplish so little during our brief lives that it is natural for all of us at times to inquire why God made us so.

Selah. See p. 629.

By SdaBc