A deep longing exists for God's presence and care to be clearly seen in the world, creating a bridge between the present day and the future. The prayer expresses a hope that God's actions and the radiance of His face will not remain hidden, but will be felt in a real and constant way.
The primary approach among commentators is that God's work refers to His salvation and help, particularly for those returning from exile, which proves that He desires His people [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מאירי]. Similarly, it is a request to experience the goodness and joy that God brings through rest and peace [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, God's work can be understood as His constant, everyday involvement in maintaining creation and managing nature. In contrast to this daily maintenance, His beauty and splendor [מצודת ציון] refer to His miraculous and supernatural acts, through which He displays His greatness for all to see [מלבי״ם].
The distinction between the present servants and their children highlights a profound generational connection. One perspective views this as an unbroken chain, where God's actions are witnessed by His servants today, and His glory continues to guide their children in the future [מצודת דוד, מאירי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective reveals a desire to unite the generations. The fathers plead for the future salvation destined for their children to happen immediately, allowing parents and children to experience the redemption together [רד״ק]. Furthermore, this connection involves an educational and spiritual journey. As the children observe God's constant care in nature, they will eventually grasp His glory and understand the true purpose for which they were created [מלבי״ם].
A unique view connects this prayer to the resting of the Divine Presence and the structure of the Tabernacle. The servants represent the forefathers, who experience God's work as the higher, spiritual Tabernacle in heaven. The glory resting upon their children refers to the physical Tabernacle on earth, which serves as proof to the nations of the world that God dwells among the Israelites. On a deeper level, this glory does not refer to a physical building at all. Instead, it means that the Israelites themselves will transform into a living sanctuary and a chariot for the Divine Presence, with God's presence resting directly and intimately upon them [אלשיך].