90:3 to destruction. “Destruction” is literally “crumbling” or “dust.” “Children of men” is actually “children of Adam,” and the reference is to God’s judgment on men because of sin (Genesis 3:19).

90:4 thousand years. This verse (like II Peter 3:8) has often been misinterpreted to justify taking the days of creation as equivalent to geological ages. In this context, however, Moses is referring to the ancient descendants of Adam. Even though they had lived almost a thousand years, by the time of Moses they were all but forgotten.

90:5 with a flood. These children of Adam, who lived a thousand years, were finally destroyed in the Flood and soon forgotten like the actors in a dream.