For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.
Ver. 4. For a thousand years in thy sight, &c.] q.d. Live men a longer or shorter space, Serius aut citius, thou endest their days; and in comparison of thine eternity, Puncture est quod vivimus et puncto minus, it is a small span of time that the longest liver hath upon earth, 2Pe 3:8 Psalms 39:5. Non multum sane abest a nihilo. Some would hence infer, that the day of judgment shall last a thousand years; fides sit penes authores.
When it is past] We judge better of the shortness of time, when it is past.
And as a watch in the night] Which is but three hours' time; for soldiers divide the night into four watches, and our life is full of the darkness of error and terror.