What is the meaning of Psalm 90:17? May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us • The psalmist looks for more than a passing blessing; he longs for God’s steady, abiding goodwill to “rest upon” His people—an enduring state rather than a fleeting moment (Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 5:12). • “Favor” speaks of grace we do not earn. Just as Noah “found favor in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8), we rely entirely on God’s undeserved kindness. • Inviting that favor is an act of humility, acknowledging that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17). • When the Lord’s favor settles on a life, security and joy follow, even in hardship (Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 41:10). Establish for us the work of our hands • To “establish” means to make firm, lasting, and fruitful. Without God’s intervention, even our best efforts are temporary (Psalm 39:5-6). • The cry echoes Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” We ask God to transform ordinary tasks into enduring kingdom service. • Everyday labors—raising children, serving at church, managing a business—find eternal significance when God secures the outcome (1 Corinthians 15:58). • The request is not for personal glory but for God’s purposes to prevail in what we create and cultivate (Colossians 3:23-24). Yes, establish the work of our hands! • Repetition highlights urgency and faith. The psalmist doubles down because he knows only God can anchor our efforts in permanence (Deuteronomy 32:3-4). • By repeating, he shifts from petition to confidence: the God who began a good work will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). • This second appeal also reminds us that fruitful labor is meant to reflect God’s own creative work; we partner with Him as stewards of His world (Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 2:10). • Ultimately, He alone turns temporal deeds into treasures that survive the fire of judgment (1 Corinthians 3:13-14). summary Psalm 90:17 invites believers to rest in God’s ongoing favor and to depend on Him to give lasting value to everything we undertake. When His grace settles upon us, our daily work—offered back to Him—becomes secure, significant, and eternally meaningful. |
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