Definition: For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 90:4 – it’s a really beautiful and poetic verse! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse talks about God’s eternal presence and faithfulness. It suggests that God is always there, even when we can’t see him or feel him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “For a thousand years in thy sight” : This means that God has been with us for an incredibly long time – a thousand whole years! Think of it as a really, really long period of time. “[are but] as yesterday” : This is the key part. “Are but” means “are not really.” So, God isn’t just like yesterday, he's identical to him. It’s like saying, “Yesterday was a moment in your eyes, and you still see it exactly.” “[as] a watch in the night” : This is where the imagery comes in. Imagine a watch – it keeps time, it watches over you, and it's always there. God is like that watch. He’s watching over us, guiding us, protecting us, and always present throughout all of time. So, putting it all together: The verse says that when God looks at us for a thousand years, he is exactly the same as he was a thousand years ago. He's always there, watching over us, guiding us, and protecting us – just like a constant, unwavering watch in the night. Overall Meaning: It’s a powerful statement about God’s eternal presence and faithfulness. It emphasizes that God is not only present but also unchanging and steadfast throughout history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about what this verse might mean in terms of our relationship with God?