Metaphors of Human Longevity in Psalm 90.5: A Case of זמר/זרם Metathesis and ם = נו Ligature

Abstract

This paper suggests that the difficulties associated with the interpretation of Ps 90.5a (זְרַמְתָּם שֵׁנָה יִהְיוּ) can be resolved if a זמר/זרם metathesis and the ligature ם = נו is assumed. These assumptions result in the reading זְמַרְתָּן וְשֵׁנָה יִהְיוּ, meaning “You trimmed them [i.e., the years of life], and a sleep they are,” which provides a cogent grammatical text, making only minimal changes to the MT. The verse contains three metaphors that describe human longevity by comparing it to the shortness of a nap (שֵׁנָה), the dawn (בֺּקֶר), and the transience of a blade of grass (חָצִיר).