Psalms 90:17
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
Acknowledging the Beauty of the Lord:The verse begins with a request, “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” Here, “beauty” refers to the pleasantness, splendor, and excellence of God’s character. It is an acknowledgment of God’s attributes such as His holiness, righteousness, love, and grace. The psalmist desires that the Lord’s beauty may rest upon the people, indicating a desire for the presence and favour of God in their lives.
Establishing the Work of Our Hands:The second part of the verse says, “and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” This is a plea for God’s blessing and guidance in their endeavours, particularly the work they engage in. The psalmist recognises that human efforts alone are insufficient, and they seek God’s intervention to establish and make their work successful. It reflects a dependence on God for provision, prosperity, and purpose in their endeavours.
Emphasis on God’s Active Involvement:The repetition of the phrase “the work of our hands” emphasises the importance of God’s active involvement in the affairs of humanity. It recognises that human effort, though necessary, is incomplete without God’s intervention and blessing. The psalmist is essentially praying for divine favour, guidance, and success in all their undertakings.
Overall, Psalm 90:17 teaches us the importance of recognising God’s beauty, seeking His presence, and relying on His guidance in our daily endeavours. It reminds us of our dependence on God for success and fulfilment in our work and encourages us to invite His active involvement in all aspects of our lives.
Remember that this analysis is based on the context and language of the verse within the book of Psalms. It is always beneficial to study the surrounding verses and consult other biblical commentaries for a more comprehensive understanding.
