Psalms 90:5
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
Psalms 90:5
Verse 5 uses vivid agricultural and flood imagery to describe human mortality: “Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.” The metaphor presents life as fragile and transient, swept away like floodwaters that erase footprints. The phrase “they are as a sleep” suggests a peaceful but temporary state, as if life’s concerns vanish in sleep’s quiet oblivion. The morning grass growing up signals the brief resurgence of life—only to wither again. In the broader context, the psalm frames human beings as fragile and fleeting under God’s sovereignty, contrasting eternal divine life with human mortality. The imagery would have resonated with an agrarian audience who understood seasonal growth and vulnerability to floods, droughts, and disease. The verse is a sobering reminder of the brevity of earthly life.
This verse reinforces humility before God’s sovereignty and the frailty of human fortunes. Mortality is not random; it’s under the divine order that measures life in terms of vulnerability and dependence on God’s mercy. It also foreshadows the biblical pattern of lament that acknowledges life’s limits while clinging to God’s faithfulness. The interplay between sleep (death) and morning (renewal) introduces the biblical hope of resurrection and restoration that runs through the psalms and prophets, even if not explicitly here. It invites readers to place trust not in longevity but in God who grants vitality, even if brief, within His larger plan.
Use this image to frame priorities: if life is transient, what truly matters? Invest in relationships, generosity, and spiritual growth rather than chasing fleeting status. Consider a yearly “season of gratitude” where you reflect on God’s faithfulness during times of growth and renewal and acknowledge the fragility of life. For those facing illness or aging, this verse can offer language to pray for strength today while trusting God for tomorrow’s renewal. In ministry or parenting, teach younger generations about the brevity of life and the importance of aligning daily choices with God’s values.
Cross-References: James 4:14; Psalm 39:4-5; Isaiah 40:6-8; Job 14:5-7; Ecclesiastes 11:3