Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 90:4

"For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night." — Psalms 90:4 (ASV)

A thousand years. —This verse, which, when 2 Peter was written (see New Testament Commentary), had already begun to receive an arithmetical treatment, and to be made the basis for Millennarian computations, merely contrasts the unchangeableness and eternity of the Divine existence and purpose with the vicissitudes of the brief life of man. To One who is from the infinite past to the infinite future, and Whose purpose runs through the ages, a thousand years are no more than a yesterday to man:

“And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death;”

or even as a part of the night passed in sleep:
“A thousand years, with You they are no more
Than yesterday, which, before it is, is spent.
Or, as a watch by night, that course does keep,
And goes and comes, unawares to those who sleep.”

FRANCIS BACON.

The exact rendering of the words translated in the Authorized Version, when it passeth, is doubtful. The Septuagint has, “which has passed;” and the Syriac supports this rendering. For the night watches, see Note, Psalms 63:6.