A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com
dwelling-place--home (compare Eze 11:16), as a refuge (Deu 33:27).
brought forth [and] formed--both express the idea of production by birth.
to destruction--literally, "even to dust" (Gen 3:19), which is partly quoted in the last clause.
Even were our days now a thousand years, as Adam's, our life would be but a moment in God's sight (Pe2 3:8).
a watch--or, third part of a night (compare Exo 14:24).
Life is like grass, which, though changing under the influence of the night's dew, and flourishing in the morning, is soon cut down and withereth (Psa 103:15; Pe1 1:24).
For--A reason, this is the infliction of God's wrath.
troubled--literally, "confounded by terror" (Psa 2:5). Death is by sin (Rom 5:12). Though "secret," the light of God's countenance, as a candle, will bring sin to view (Pro 20:27; Co1 4:5).
are passed--literally, "turn," as to depart (Jer 6:4).
spend--literally, "consume."
as a tale--literally, "a thought," or, "a sigh" (Eze 2:10).
Moses' life was an exception (Deu 34:7).
it is . . . cut off--or, "driven," as is said of the quails in using the same word (Num 11:31). In view of this certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow.
The whole verse may be read as a question implying the negative, "No one knows what Thy anger can do, and what Thy wrath is, estimated by a true piety."
This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
(Compare Psa 13:2).
let it repent--a strong figure, as in Exo 32:12, imploring a change in His dealings.
early--promptly.
As have been our sorrows, so let our joys be great and long.
thy work--or, providential acts.
thy glory-- (Psa 8:5; Psa 45:3), the honor accruing from Thy work of mercy to us.
let the beauty--or sum of His gracious acts, in their harmony, be illustrated in us, and favor our enterprise.