Psalms 90:17 – “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90:17 is a heartfelt prayer for God’s blessing and favor. It expresses a desire for God to make the work of our hands meaningful and lasting. This verse reflects the hope that, with God’s help, our efforts will have a lasting impact beyond our short lives.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the Psalmist is asking God for His favor to rest on His people, meaning that they are seeking God’s blessing and approval in all they do. The phrase “establish the work of our hands” is repeated, emphasizing the deep desire for God to give meaning and permanence to their efforts. The Psalmist recognizes that without God’s blessing, even our best efforts can be in vain. The prayer is not just for success in a worldly sense, but for the assurance that what we do matters in the eyes of God and will have a lasting significance.
Historical Context
Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, written during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. They were living in a difficult and uncertain time, where much of their labor and struggle seemed fruitless. For Moses, who witnessed the challenges of leading a people who often strayed from God’s commands, this prayer reflects a desire for their efforts to be meaningful. The Israelites needed God’s favor to make their journey and the work of their hands count, especially as they faced the harsh conditions of the wilderness. This verse captures Moses’ plea for God to bring fruitfulness and purpose to their endeavors.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 90:17 emphasizes our dependence on God for the success and significance of our efforts. It shows that human labor, apart from God’s blessing, is ultimately fleeting and fragile. The verse acknowledges that while we can work hard, only God can ensure that our work has lasting value. This prayer is a reminder that all good things come from God, and it calls us to rely on Him to bless and guide our efforts.
This verse also speaks to the concept of stewardship. God has given us abilities, talents, and opportunities to do good work, but we must remember that it is His favor that ultimately establishes our work. It challenges us to align our actions with God’s will so that our work reflects His purposes.
Literary Analysis
The repetition in the verse, “establish the work of our hands,” is a poetic technique that emphasizes the Psalmist’s deep longing for God’s blessing. The phrase “favor of the Lord” conveys the idea of God’s grace and approval. The tone of the verse is one of humility, acknowledging that without God’s involvement, our efforts can be empty. The verse serves as a closing prayer for the entire Psalm, ending on a hopeful note that seeks God’s enduring presence in the lives of His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This echoes the idea of God making our efforts successful when we trust in Him.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” This encourages believers that work done for God has eternal significance.
- Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This shows that God is faithful to bring to fulfillment the work He starts in us.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 90:17 is a reminder to seek God’s guidance and blessing in all we do. In a culture that often glorifies self-effort and personal achievement, this verse brings us back to the reality that true success comes from God’s favor. It encourages us to dedicate our work — whether it’s in our jobs, our families, or our ministries — to God, trusting that He will make it fruitful.
This verse also invites us to reflect on what we are working toward. Are we pursuing things that align with God’s will, or are we focused on temporary, self-centered goals? By praying for God to establish the work of our hands, we are asking Him to guide our efforts so that they align with His eternal purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 90:17 reflects God’s love and care for His people. The desire for God’s favor is rooted in the understanding that He is a gracious and loving Father who wants to bless His children. God delights in seeing His people thrive in the work He has called them to do. By asking God to establish our work, we are acknowledging His goodness and our dependence on His love. It shows that God’s heart is not just to bless us temporarily but to give lasting significance to the things we do in His name.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Through Jesus, God’s favor is fully revealed. Jesus came to show us how to live in a way that pleases God, and through Him, we find the ultimate example of a life dedicated to doing God’s will. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” This aligns with the prayer in Psalm 90:17, emphasizing that without God’s blessing, our efforts are empty. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for all meaningful work. Because of Christ, we have the assurance that what we do in His name has eternal value.
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This shows that God has already planned meaningful work for us, and through Jesus, we are empowered to fulfill that purpose.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you dedicate your daily work to God and seek His blessing in it?
- What are some areas of your life where you need to ask God to establish the work of your hands?
- How does understanding that God gives lasting significance to our efforts change your approach to work and service?
- In what ways can you align your goals with God’s eternal purposes?
- How can you be more mindful of seeking God’s favor in your actions and decisions?
Psalm 90:17 is a powerful reminder that God is the source of all true success and meaning. By seeking His favor, we can trust that our efforts will not be in vain. Through Jesus, we are assured that the work we do in His name will have lasting impact, both now and for eternity.