As believers, we have a deep desire to know the One we worship. Although our comprehension is limited, understanding as much as we can about God’s character helps us deepen our relationship with Him and share our faith with others. The Bible reveals God’s attributes in countless ways, but four stand out as foundational: He is a person, a spirit, eternal, and unchangeable. In this post, we’ll explore these attributes, focusing particularly on God’s eternal and unchangeable nature as described in Psalm 90:1-2. Through careful exegesis of this passage from the English Standard Version (ESV), we’ll uncover the richness of God’s character and the incredible privilege we have of knowing Him personally.
Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses, offers a timeless reflection on God’s eternity and His role as a refuge for His people. Let’s dive into these two verses and see what they reveal about the God we serve.
Exegesis of Psalm 90:1-2
Psalm 90:1-2 (ESV)
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
A Prayer from the Wilderness
Psalm 90 is unique in that it is the only Psalm attributed to Moses. Most scholars believe it was written during the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, a time of uncertainty, hardship, and dependence on God. The people lived in tents, facing threats from enemies, hunger, and the harsh desert environment. In this context, Moses begins his prayer not with a complaint, but with a profound declaration of God’s faithfulness and eternal nature. This sets the stage for understanding the significance of God as a refuge and His timeless existence.
Verse 1: God as Our Dwelling Place
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in Josephus wrote in his Antiquities of the Jews that Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness, relying on God’s provision and protection. In Psalm 90:1, Moses affirms this reality: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Let’s break this down:
“Lord”: The Hebrew word here is Adonai, meaning “Sovereign Lord.” Unlike Elohim (emphasizing God’s might) or Yahweh (God’s covenant name), Adonai highlights God’s supreme authority and rulership. Moses addresses God as the One who reigns over all creation, establishing His sovereignty as the foundation of the psalm.
“Dwelling place”: The Hebrew term ma’on can also mean “refuge” or “habitation.” It evokes the image of a home, a place of safety, rest, and belonging. For a nomadic people like the Israelites, God was their true shelter, more reliable than any tent or army. This concept resonates deeply: God Himself is our home, where we find peace and security.
“In all generations”: This phrase extends God’s faithfulness beyond the wilderness years. From the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to Moses’ day and even to us today, God has been a constant refuge. His care spans history, unchanging and unending.
Moses’ point is clear: in every age, God has been the ultimate source of protection and stability for His people. Spiritually, we are never homeless when we dwell in Him.
Verse 2: The Eternal God
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” This verse shifts focus to God’s eternal nature, using vivid imagery and profound theology.
“Before the mountains were brought forth”: Mountains, in biblical imagery, symbolize permanence and strength. As Moses gazed at the rugged peaks on the horizon during the wilderness journey, he recognized that even these ancient formations had a beginning. God, however, predates them. The phrase “brought forth” uses birth imagery, suggesting creation as an intentional act of God’s power.
“Or ever you had formed the earth and the world”: The Hebrew verbs here (yatsar for “formed” and tevel for “world”) emphasize God as the Creator who shaped the habitable earth. Before anything existed, God was.
“From everlasting to everlasting”: The Hebrew phrase me’olam ad olam means “from eternity past to eternity future.” It’s a poetic way of saying God has no beginning or end. He exists outside of time, independent of His creation.
“You are God”: This simple statement is a bold declaration of God’s unique identity. In a polytheistic world, Moses affirms that Yahweh alone is God, unchanging, sovereign, and supreme.
Together, these verses paint a picture of a God who is both intimately near (our dwelling place) and infinitely transcendent (eternal and unchangeable). This dual reality is the heart of our faith.
God’s Attributes
Psalm 90:1-2 highlights God’s eternal and unchangeable nature, but Scripture reveals other attributes that deepen our understanding of who He is. Let’s explore four key aspects of God’s character:
God as a Person (Exodus 20:1-6)
In Exodus 20, God introduces Himself: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). This personal address shows God is not an impersonal force but a relational being.
Made in His Image: Genesis 1:26 tells us that God created humans in His likeness, with the capacity to feel, reason, and make choices. If we have these abilities, so does He. The Bible frequently mentions God’s emotions, anger at sin (Exodus 32:10), love for the world (John 3:16), and compassion for the hurting (Psalm 103:13).
Relational Nature: Because God is a person, we can know Him intimately. He speaks to us (Exodus 3:4), listens to us (Psalm 66:19), and desires a relationship with us. Through Jesus, this becomes possible (John 14:6).
Implication: Prayer isn’t just a ritual, it’s a conversation with a personal God who cares about our joys and sorrows.
God as Spirit (John 4:22-24)
Jesus declares, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). This attribute frees God from physical limitations.
Omnipresence: As a spirit, God isn’t confined to a body or place. He’s everywhere, accessible at all times. We can worship Him in a church, a car, or a quiet forest.
Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit dwells within every believer (Romans 8:9), offering guidance, comfort, and power. We carry God’s presence with us.
Implication: We’re never alone. God’s Spirit is our constant companion, enabling us to live out our faith wherever we are.
God as Eternal (Isaiah 40:28)
Isaiah proclaims, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28). Psalm 90:2 echoes this truth.
Before All Things: God existed before creation. He’s the uncaused cause, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13). Time doesn’t bind Him; He transcends it.
Hope in Eternity: Our lives are fleeting (James 4:14), but God’s eternal nature assures us He’s in control. He sees the end from the beginning, weaving all things for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
Implication: When life feels chaotic, we can rest in the eternal God who holds our future secure.
God as Unchangeable (Malachi 3:6)
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). God’s immutability is a rock-solid foundation.
Constant Character: Unlike humans, who waver, God’s nature, His love, justice, mercy, and truth, remain steady. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Reliable Promises: Because God doesn’t change, His Word stands firm. “God is not man, that he should lie… Has he said, and will he not do it?” (Numbers 23:19).
Implication: In a shifting world, we can trust God’s unchanging character and promises without fear.
Knowing God Personally
What a blessing that God reveals His character to us! Even more amazing, He invites us into a personal relationship through Jesus Christ. Psalm 90:1-2 isn’t just theology, it’s an invitation to know the eternal, unchangeable God intimately.
Through His Word
The Bible is God’s self-revelation. In it, we discover His attributes, His works, and His will. Psalm 90 is one of many passages that unveil His heart.
Study Scripture to learn more about who God is. Tools like concordances or lexicons (to explore words like Adonai or ma’on) can enrich your understanding.
Meditate: Reflect on what you read, letting God’s truth shape your mind and soul.
Practice: Set aside time daily to read a passage, like Psalm 90:1-2, and ask, “What does this teach me about God?”
Through Prayer
Prayer is our direct line to God. It’s not just asking for things but communing with Him.
Worship: Praise God for His eternity and faithfulness, as Moses did.
Listen: Be still and let His Spirit speak to your heart.
Practice: Try a prayer of adoration: “Lord, you are my dwelling place, eternal and unchanging. I praise you for your steadfast love.”
Through Obedience
Knowing God involves living out our faith. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Trust: Obedience flows from trust in God’s good character.
Action: Step out in faith where God calls you, relying on His strength.
Practice: Identify one area of obedience to God’s prompting you toward, forgiveness, generosity, or sharing your faith, and act on it.
Through Community
God often reveals Himself through His people. In fellowship, we grow together.
Encouragement: Share how God’s attributes have impacted you.
Worship: Join others in praising the eternal God.
Practice: Join a Bible study or small group to explore God’s character collectively.
Finding Refuge in the Eternal God
Psalm 90:1-2 unveils a God who is both our refuge and our eternal, unchangeable King. Moses, amid the wilderness, found solace in this truth, and so can we. As a person, God relates to us personally. As a spirit, He’s always near. As eternal, He holds all time in His hands. As unchangeable, He’s our firm foundation.
In a world of uncertainty, we have the privilege of knowing this God. Through Jesus, we’re welcomed into His presence, invited to dwell in Him as our home. What greater refuge could we ask for?
May we praise Him for who He is, Adonai, Sovereign Lord, from everlasting to everlasting. May we seek Him daily through His Word, prayer, obedience, and community. And may we rest in the eternal, unchangeable God who calls us His own.
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