The Bible Says
Psalm 90:1-2 Meaning

A Prayer of Moses the man of God opens this sacred song by pointing to Moses, a pivotal figure in Israel’s history who lived around the 15th or possibly the 13th century BC. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt, a monumental event that shaped their identity as God’s chosen people. By naming Moses as the one who offers this request to the Lord, Psalm 90:1-2 sets a tone of reverence and humility from the outset.

A Prayer of Moses the man of God also highlights the character of Moses as a faithful servant, often seen interceding for Israel during its formative years in the wilderness (Exodus 32). His prayerful heart offers lessons to all who seek divine guidance, reminding us that sincere petitions to God are offered by those eager to listen and obey. This title underscores that human words expressed rightly become holy expressions when connected to the Father’s purposes.

A Prayer of Moses the man of God therefore sets the entire psalm in the context of both leadership and submission: a leader speaking on behalf of a community, and a man of God humbly acknowledging the almighty Creator. The emphasis on relationship with the Lord is an appropriate introduction to the verses that follow, which meditate on the eternality and power of God.

As the psalm continues, Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations (v. 1) proclaims a profound declaration of trust. The concept of God as a dwelling place suggests shelter, protection, and a stable home that transcends physical structures. In contrast to the shifting sands of mortal life, the Lord remains a steadfast refuge for His people.

When Moses and the Israelites wandered through the desert sands of the Sinai Peninsula after their deliverance from Egypt, they had no permanent residence or homeland of their own (Numbers 33). Yet they experienced God’s presence continually, reminding believers today that our truest home is not in earthly possessions or dwellings but in God Himself. His abiding care extends to every generation, from earlier patriarchs such as Abraham (Genesis 12) to the modern-day faithful who trust in Christ (Hebrews 13).

By calling upon God as the sanctuary of His people, Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations asserts that safety is not found in grand cities or fortresses but in the presence of the Almighty. This verse fosters a humble awareness of human weakness while celebrating the vast reach of God’s paternal care, which is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13).

The psalmist continues, Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God (v. 2), anchoring God’s nature in eternity. By referencing mountains and the formation of the earth, the passage conveys His role as Creator, sovereign over the whole expanse of the world. Though these mighty peaks stand as enduring symbols of stability, God predates and surpasses them in power and majesty.

The phrase Before the mountains were born underscores the eternity of God, beckoning humanity to realize that creation itself, with its venerable ridges and vast continents, is still younger than the One who brought it forth. Time and place submit to Him, emphasizing God’s unchanging character. In a cultural and historical context where nations rise and fall, God remains the single unshakeable foundation.

Moses’ plea that acknowledges God as existing from everlasting to everlasting reminds believers that while mortal life passes swiftly, our worship should be directed toward the One who transcends all limits. As the alpha and omega, God’s reign will persist long after earthly kingdoms have faded (Revelation 21). His eternal identity blurs the boundaries of past, present, and future, welding them into the fullness of His sovereign being.