Since this psalm emphasizes the transitoriness of human life, it was likely composed after the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage and during their 40 - year trek in the wilderness, when thousands of deaths brought a faithless generation to its end.
Kuna see laul rõhutab inimelu kaduvust, koostati see ilmselt pärast seda, kui iisraellased olid vabanenud Egiptuse orjusest – nende 40 aasta pikkuse kõrberännaku ajal, mil tuhanded sellesse ustavusetusse sugupõlve kuulujad surid.