Counter-Hyperbole

(Psa 90:4 KJV)  For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

What is the opposite of hyperbole?  We are used to hyperbole.  Think of the camel going through the eye of a needle.  It is exaggeration for effect.  Here we have a statement that on the surface seems like it illustrates the point but underneath is counter-hyperbole.  Think of something that represents a long time.  Will a thousand years do it for you?  Notice the second example, a night watch.  If you have never had guard duty you may not understand how long that feels.  It is even longer than waiting for a pot to boil or your wife to get ready.

Many of the examples in the Bible are meant to get a point across, not to be taken as the final word.  I ran into this in the account of the flood.  God said He was going to do away with all flesh but evidently that did not include Noah and his family.  

So?  Try to see the point God is making.  I tend to get off on tangents and chasing squirrels.  The Holy Spirit has to keep pulling me back.  Another attribute of God is patience.