Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

PSALMS 90:13KJV
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Psalms 90:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 90:13 mean?

Psalms 90:13 is a plea to God, asking Him to return and show compassion to His people, wondering how long His anger or distance will last. The verse expresses a longing for God to change His mind about the hardship facing His servants and to show mercy instead.

Moses is speaking to the LORD (God), praying on behalf of the people of Israel during a time of suffering or judgment. The verse uses honest, urgent language, reflecting the deep distress of those who feel abandoned or disciplined by God. The request is for God to "return" and to "repent" (change His course or show pity), highlighting the hope that God's compassion will replace His anger.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 90:13

  • Return (שׁוּב, shuv): This word often means to turn back or come again. Here, it is a request for God to turn back toward His people, suggesting they feel He has withdrawn His presence or favor.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship between God and His people.
  • Repent (נָחַם, nacham): In this context, "repent" does not mean God has sinned, but rather to be moved with pity or to change His approach. The word carries the sense of feeling sorrow or compassion, asking God to show mercy instead of continuing judgment.
  • Servants (עֶבֶד, eved): This term refers to those who serve God, highlighting the humility and dependence of the people in their appeal for mercy.

Why Psalms 90:13 matters

  • Psalms 90:13 clarifies that "repent" here is about God showing compassion, not admitting wrongdoing, which can clear up confusion about the word's meaning when applied to God.
  • The verse highlights the honest, direct way people in the Bible often spoke to God, showing that it is acceptable to question and plead with God during hard times.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which reflects on human frailty and God's eternity, emphasizing the need for God's mercy in the face of life's difficulties and the people's dependence on His compassion.