How Long?

How long appears eighteen times in twelve passages. The first is found in Ps. 4. It begins with the L-rd asking of the sons of men…how long will you turn My glory into shame?
It is noteworthy that G-d, Himself, ask the question this first time – it is also the only time. In ever instance afterwards, the question emerges from an anguished soul.
History repeats itself because we are slow to learn from another's mistakes.
In 1906 the nations were moving furiously toward war, it will be the first global war of mankind.
Ps. 6:4 The devout wanted to know when they could expect deliverance. Political insanity ran rampant in 1913, setting a course for war – nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
Ps 13 David uses it to introduce the psalms – emphasizing its prophetic importance on the eve of World War 1. He wanted to know what the future held and when those events would occur the question resurface in Ps. 35:16-17. July 7, 1935: ‘Jewry must perish! At no time did the Nazis attempt to cover their crazed desire to destroy the Jews. On September 15, 1935, the Nuremberg Racial Laws declared, ‘…anyone with as much as one-quarter Jewish blood was not to be considered German and was to be ejected from Germany national life.’ 39:6 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
There is no How long? At this point for that contains hope for deliverance. Certain death approaches for six million of the world’s Jewish population. There is no deliverance ahead for them – no need for a query draped in hope, only the pitiful prayer, to know mine end.
Ps. 62:3This compares with Arab attacks in the early 1960’s which led to the formation of the PLO in 1964. Their mischief-making has become a thorn in the side of Israel. The Jeduthun,’ an instrument upon which this psalm was played, suggested a chant of the victim of persecution and oppression. So it was in 1962 with innocent civilians becoming the target of terrorism.
Ps. 74:9-10 1974 is the results of the Yom Kippur War. We see not our signs; there is no more any prophet; neither is there among us any that knows how long. The people seem to despair; they greatly desired a negotiated peace treaty.
Ps. 80: 4 1980 Prime Minister begin and President Sadat were trying to trash out a peace treaty. Things weren’t going well. It look hopeless for awhile, until President Jimmy Carter broke the deadlock.
Ps. 82:2 1982, Israel grew tired of PLO attacks and launched an offensive called ‘Peace for Galilee’.
Ps. 89:46-47 The Intifada – a Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories. It is a descriptive phrase indicative of heartache and trouble.
Ps. 90:12-13 is posed by Moses. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. The People are digging into the Word. They are trying to number their days, and from all indications their question is about to be answered.
Ps. 94:3-6 How long, is asked first by the L-rd, then was taken up by G-d’s chosen people and repeated over and over until the question reaches a heart-rending climax. The Jews are the Chosen People, though they have suffered as no other people, they have not been forever forsaken. The promise of deliverance will come. Messiah will appear to establish a millennium of peace. G-d will keep His promise.
Are you looking for the return, awaiting for the bridegroom, or praying it back?
How Long before I see your face, L-rd?