Finding Refuge in the Eternal and Unchangeable God

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.

What is God's Eternity?

The concept of eternity stretches beyond the limits of human comprehension. We live our lives bound by time—counting days, marking years, and planning for the future. Yet, the Bible reveals a God who exists outside these constraints, a God who is eternal. The word eternal means "everlasting, having no beginning and no end." This attribute of God is not a mere abstract idea; it is a cornerstone of our faith, shaping how we understand His character, His promises, and our relationship with Him.

From an evangelical perspective, God’s eternity is a truth that invites us into worship, trust, and hope. In this blog post, we’ll explore this divine attribute through key Scriptures: Psalm 90:2, Isaiah 40:28, and Psalm 102:25-28. We’ll also consider related passages like Genesis 1:1, Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, John 1:1, and Romans 1:20. By diving into the original languages and reflecting on the English Standard Version (ESV) text, we’ll uncover the depth of God’s timeless nature and its significance for our lives.

Psalm 90:2: From Everlasting to Everlasting

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2, ESV)

Psalm 90, a prayer attributed to Moses, begins with a profound declaration of God’s eternity. The phrase "from everlasting to everlasting" captures the essence of His timeless existence. In Hebrew, "everlasting" is ʿôlām (עוֹלָם), a word that can mean "a long time," "ancient times," or "eternity." Here, in the construction mēʿôlām wĕʿad ʿôlām ("from everlasting to everlasting"), it unmistakably points to an infinite span—God’s existence without beginning or end.

The verse sets this eternity against the backdrop of creation: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world." The Hebrew verb for "brought forth" (yālad, יָלַד) typically means "to give birth," suggesting the earth’s creation as a deliberate, personal act of God. Yet, before this act—before time as we know it began—God was. The phrase "you are God" uses ʾēl (אֵל), a title emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Unlike the created order, which has a starting point, God’s existence is unbounded.

For Moses, writing to a people wandering in the wilderness, this truth contrasted God’s eternal nature with human frailty (Psalm 90:5-6). For us today, it’s a reminder that our fleeting lives rest in the hands of an everlasting God. His eternity assures us that His plans and promises endure beyond our temporal struggles.

Isaiah 40:28: The Everlasting Creator

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? 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, ESV)

In Isaiah 40, the prophet delivers a message of comfort to Israel in exile, pointing them to God’s eternal power. The title "the everlasting God" combines ʿôlām with ʾĕlōhîm (אֱלֹהִים), the common Hebrew name for God, often linked to His creative authority. Here, God’s eternity is tied to His role as "the Creator of the ends of the earth," a phrase that underscores His dominion over all creation.

What sets this verse apart is the emphasis on God’s inexhaustible nature. "He does not faint or grow weary" contrasts human limitations with divine endurance. The Hebrew yāʿăp̄ (יָעַף, "faint") and yigăʿ (יִגַּע, "grow weary") depict physical exhaustion—states we know all too well. But God, as the everlasting One, transcends such weakness. His "understanding is unsearchable" (ʾên ḥēqer, אֵין חֵקֶר), meaning it’s beyond measurement or comprehension, further highlighting His infinite nature.

For the exiles, this was a lifeline: their God was not like the temporary idols of Babylon but an eternal Creator with limitless strength. For us, it’s a source of encouragement. When we feel worn out, we can turn to the One who never tires, trusting His eternal wisdom to guide us.

Psalm 102:25-28: The Unchanging Eternal God

"Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end." (Psalm 102:25-28, ESV)

Psalm 102 is a cry of distress, yet it rises to a majestic affirmation of God’s eternity. The psalmist contrasts the temporary nature of creation with God’s enduring existence. "Of old" (lĕp̄ānîm, לְפָנִים) refers to ancient times, pointing to God’s pre-existence as He "laid the foundation of the earth" (yāsad, יָסַד, "established"). The heavens, though vast, are merely "the work of your hands," subject to His will.

The imagery shifts to decay: "They will perish" (ʾābad, אָבַד, "be destroyed") and "wear out like a garment" (bālâ, בָּלָה, "become worn"). Creation is transient, like clothing that frays over time. Yet God "will remain" (ʿāmad, עָמַד, "stand firm"), and "you are the same" (ʾattâ hûʾ, אַתָּה הוּא) declares His immutability—He does not change. The phrase "your years have no end" poetically affirms that His existence stretches infinitely forward.

This contrast highlights God’s sovereignty and stability. He can "change them like a robe," yet He remains constant. For believers, this is a rock to cling to: while the world shifts, God’s eternal nature ensures His faithfulness never wavers.

Additional Scriptures: A Broader View of God’s Eternity

The Bible weaves God’s eternity throughout its narrative. Here are five related passages that enrich our understanding:

Genesis 1:1: Before Time Began

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, ESV)

The Bible opens with a simple yet profound statement. "In the beginning" (bĕrēʾšîṯ, בְּרֵאשִׁית) marks the start of time and creation, but God is already present. The verb "created" (bārāʾ, בָּרָא) is used exclusively of God’s creative acts, implying He existed before all things. His eternity precedes the universe itself.

Exodus 3:14: I AM WHO I AM

"God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to you.”’" (Exodus 3:14, ESV)

When Moses asks God’s name, He responds with ʾehyeh ʾăšer ʾehyeh (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה), "I AM WHO I AM." Rooted in hāyâ (הָיָה, "to be"), this name reveals God’s self-existence and timelessness. He is not defined by past or future but is eternally present, the source of all being.

John 8:58: Before Abraham Was, I AM

"Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’" (John 8:58, ESV)

Jesus’ bold claim uses the Greek egō eimi (ἐγώ εἰμι), "I am," echoing Exodus 3:14. By saying "before Abraham was, I am," He asserts not just pre-existence but eternal existence. The Jews’ reaction—attempting to stone Him (John 8:59)—shows they recognized this as a claim to deity, affirming His oneness with the eternal Father.

John 1:1: The Eternal Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)

John identifies Jesus as "the Word" (logos, λόγος), present "in the beginning" (en archē, ἐν ἀρχῇ). The imperfect tense of "was" (ēn, ἦν) indicates continuous existence—Jesus has always been, sharing God’s eternal nature. This verse ties the Trinity to eternity, showing Father and Son as co-eternal.

Romans 1:20: Eternal Power in Creation

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." (Romans 1:20, ESV)

Paul declares that God’s "eternal power" (aidios autou dynamis, ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις) is evident in creation. Aídios (ἀΐδιος) means "everlasting," and nature testifies to this truth—sunrises, seasons, and stars all reflect a power that endures beyond time.

Living in Light of God’s Eternity

God’s eternity is a thread that runs through Scripture, revealing a God who has no beginning or end, who is self-existent, unchanging, and sovereign over all. From Psalm 90:2’s "from everlasting to everlasting" to Isaiah 40:28’s tireless Creator, to Psalm 102:25-28’s immutable One, we see a consistent picture: God is eternal, and we are not. Yet, this truth is not meant to distance us but to draw us closer.

For evangelical believers, God’s eternity has practical implications:

Trust: His unchanging nature means His promises—salvation, grace, eternal life—are secure. We can rely on Him when all else fails.

Hope: In a world of constant change, God’s eternity is our anchor. Our trials are temporary; His presence is forever.

Worship: The grandeur of His timelessness calls us to awe. He is worthy of our praise, not just for what He does but for who He is.

Eternal Life: Through Christ, we share in His eternity. As John 3:16 promises, faith in Him grants us life everlasting.

Consider this: when life feels uncertain, God’s eternity offers stability. When we face loss, His endless years promise reunion. When we doubt, His timeless faithfulness steadies us. As those created in His image, redeemed by His Son, we’re invited into a relationship that transcends time—a relationship that begins now and stretches into eternity.

So, let’s marvel at the Eternal God. Let’s trust Him with today and rest in the hope of forever. For He is "from everlasting to everlasting," and in Him, we find our eternal home.