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1
Life's Short Measure
Commentators unanimously highlight the image of a "handbreadth" (the width of four fingers) to illustrate the shocking brevity of human life. The psalmist sees his entire existence as a tiny, fixed measure set by God. This perspective is meant to humble us and shift our focus from our limited time on earth to the eternal God who measures it.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 39:5
18th Century
Theologian
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth—literally, “Look, you have given my days as handbreadths.” The word translated “handbread…
Charles Ellicott
On Psalms 39:5
19th Century
Bishop
Handbreadth. —Better, some spans long. The plural without the article has this indefinite sense.
My age.
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 39:4–5
19th Century
Preacher
And the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth;
That is, …
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John Gill
On Psalms 39:5
17th Century
Pastor
Behold, you have made my days [as] an handbreadth
These words, with the following clause, are the psalmist's answer …
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 39:1–6
17th Century
Minister
If an evil thought should arise in the mind, suppress it. Watchfulness as a habit is the bridle upon the head; watchfulness in actions is the hand …