What is the meaning of Psalm 90:16? May Your work Psalm 90:16 begins with the plea, “May Your work….” Moses, the human author, longs for the unmistakable acts of God to be front-and-center in the lives of His people. • God’s deeds announce His character—“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). • From creation (Genesis 1) to redemption (Exodus 15:11) and sustaining providence (John 5:17), every “work” testifies that “Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2). • Believers today echo Moses’ request: “Show us Your steadfast love” (Psalm 90:14) so that faith rests on what God actually does, not on mere sentiment. be shown The verb highlights revelation. It is not enough that God works; His people must perceive it. • When Moses asked, “Please show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18-19), the LORD obliged, demonstrating His willingness to reveal Himself. • “The LORD has made His salvation known; He has revealed His righteousness to the nations” (Psalm 98:2); God delights in unveiling what would otherwise remain hidden (Isaiah 40:5). • Romans 1:19-20 affirms that creation gives everyone a glimpse of God, but Psalm 90:16 seeks a deeper, covenantal unveiling reserved for those who love Him. to Your servants The audience is defined: “Your servants.” • Israel witnessed the Red Sea crossing and “feared the LORD and believed…His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31). That posture—humble, obedient, reliant—marks all true servants. • Being called “servant” is a badge of honor (Psalm 119:125; Revelation 1:1). • Jesus elevated His followers even further: “No longer do I call you servants… but friends” (John 15:15). Yet the servant-hearted attitude remains foundational, keeping us receptive to divine instruction. and Your splendor The second request widens the lens: “and Your splendor….” • “Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary” (Psalm 96:6). • God’s “splendor” (or glory) is the visible radiance of His nature—seen in the cloud above the tabernacle (Exodus 16:10), in Christ’s transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), and in the gospel’s light: “God…shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). • The petition unites God’s deeds (“work”) with His dazzling presence, because His works are never separated from who He is. to their children Moses thinks generationally: “to their children.” • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God’s words diligently to their offspring. • “We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might” (Psalm 78:4). • Joel 1:3 and Acts 2:39 underline the same call. God’s works and glory must not become museum pieces; they are living truths to be relayed firsthand so that each new generation experiences them personally. summary Psalm 90:16 is a two-fold, generational prayer: “Lord, let Your mighty deeds and radiant glory be unmistakably displayed to us who serve You, and then carry that revelation forward to our children.” It invites every believer to: • look expectantly for God’s active hand, • remain humbly positioned as His servants, • delight in His revealed majesty, and • pass on firsthand testimony so that coming generations know, not just hear about, the living God. |
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