A thousand years. — This verse, which, when Peter II. 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 incident to 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 Thee they are no more
Than yesterday, which, ere it is, is spent.
Or, as a watch by night, that course doth keep,
And goes and comes, unwares to them that sleep.”
FRANCIS BACON.
The exact rendering of the words translated in the Authorised Version, “when it passeth,” is doubtful. The LXX. have, “which has passed;” and the Syriac supports this rendering. For the “night watches,” see Note, Psalms 63:6.