1 Chronicles 29:15

For we [are] strangers before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers: our days on the earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding.

Ver. 15. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners.] How, then, can we do better than deposit what we have in thy hands, and lay up treasure in heaven by laying it (lavishing, some may think it) out upon thy holy house, and so laying hold on eternal life; 1Ti 6:19 for here, alas, we have no abiding place, Heb 13:14 and, as strangers, we are tenuis admodum fortunae, little worth.

As were all our fathers.] Who freely acknowledged it, Gen 47:9 Heb 11:13 and carried themselves accordingly.

Our days on the earth are as a shadow.] A shadow of smoke, a a dream of a shadow, b as the heathen could say. A shadow seemeth to be something, when indeed it is nothing; so is man's life: and the longer this shadow seemeth to be, the nearer their sun is to setting, who put far away from them the thoughts of death.

And there is none abiding.] Heb., Expectation of long life, or good days on earth.

a καπνου σκια. - AEschl.

b σκιας οναρ. - Pindar.