He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
Human life is brief and passing, fleeing without continuance like a shadow that disappears and does not last. A person is short-lived and frail, coming forth like a flower that is cut down, like tender grass. In contrast to that fleeting shadow, the word of God stands forever and remains when flesh fails.
In contrast to fleeting life, the mercy and righteousness of God are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him, keep His covenant, and remember His commandments to do them. In contrast to what does not continue, whatever God does lasts forever. Set against the failure of David's house to be as it should be with God, this brevity highlights God's everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure, as all salvation and all desire.
Human life is brief and passing, fleeing without continuance like a shadow that disappears and does not last. A person is short-lived and frail, coming forth like a flower that is cut down, like tender grass. In contrast to that fleeting shadow, the word of God stands forever and remains when flesh fails.
In contrast to fleeting life, the mercy and righteousness of God are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him, keep His covenant, and remember His commandments to do them. In contrast to what does not continue, whatever God does lasts forever. Set against the failure of David's house to be as it should be with God, this brevity highlights God's everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure, as all salvation and all desire.