Psalms 90:16
Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
Psalms 90:16
Verse 16 pleads for God’s work to appear to His servants and for His glory to be evident to their children: “Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.” After the stock-taking of life’s brevity, the psalmist longs to see God’s deeds in visible form among His people. In the ancient context, “work” refers to acts of deliverance, provision, and covenant faithfulness—public signs of God’s favor. The phrase about glory to the next generation underscores the hope that faith will be transmitted through familial lines and cultural memory. God’s mighty deeds aren’t for private reassurance but public proclamation that shapes faith communities and future leaders. The verse frames life as a relay of witness: what God has done becomes the foundation for what is taught, celebrated, and passed on.
This verse highlights the transmission of faith—divine activity witnessed by one generation shaping the next. It asserts God’s desire to demonstrate power and mercy in observable ways, reinforcing the covenantal narrative. Glory in the Bible often signals God’s visible, transformative presence; here it is anticipated to be contagious across generations. It also invites a theology of collective memory: telling and retelling God’s deeds sustains faith across households and communities, forming an identity anchored in God’s faithfulness.
Parents, mentors, and leaders: be intentional about sharing stories of God’s faithfulness with younger people. Create family or community rituals—testimonies, Bible readings, or Sunday school lessons—that explicitly connect God’s past acts to present-facing trust. In the church, plan services or small groups that celebrate God’s works and invite younger participants to contribute, fostering intergenerational faith. In personal life, keep a “God at work” journal: note times when you discern God’s activity, then recount them to your children or friends. The goal is to model and pass on a life shaped by seeing and sharing the works of God.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 78:1-7; Psalm 105:1-5; Joel 2:28