Psalm 67:5
Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.
praise You
The call for the peoples to "praise You" is an invitation to acknowledge and worship God. The Hebrew word "יְהַלְלוּךָ" (yehallelukha) is derived from "הלל" (halal), meaning to boast or celebrate. This is not a mere acknowledgment but an exuberant, joyful declaration of God's greatness. In the context of the Psalms, praise is often linked to God's mighty acts and His steadfast love. Theologically, it reflects the ultimate purpose of creation—to glorify God. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

O God
The address "O God" is a direct invocation of the divine, emphasizing a personal relationship with the Creator. The Hebrew word "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim) is a plural form, often used to denote the majesty and fullness of God's nature. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power, as well as His covenantal faithfulness to His people. In the historical context of Israel, calling upon God was an act of trust and dependence, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings and the ultimate authority over all nations.

let all the peoples
The repetition of "let all the peoples" reinforces the universality of the call to worship. It underscores the psalmist's vision of a world united in the worship of the one true God. This reflects the eschatological hope found throughout Scripture, where all nations will come to worship God in the new creation (Revelation 7:9-10). It is a call to the Church to engage in mission work, spreading the Gospel to every tribe and tongue, fulfilling God's desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

praise You
The reiteration of "praise You" at the end of the verse serves as a bookend, emphasizing the central theme of worship. It is a call to action, urging believers to live lives that reflect God's glory and to invite others into this joyful expression of faith. Theologically, it points to the transformative power of worship, which not only honors God but also changes the worshiper, aligning their heart with God's purposes. This is a reminder of the eternal nature of worship, which will continue in the presence of God forever (Revelation 22:3-5).

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, God is the one to whom all praise is directed. The psalmist emphasizes the universality of God's sovereignty and worthiness of praise.

2. Peoples
This term refers to all nations and ethnic groups. The psalmist's call for all peoples to praise God highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom and His desire for all humanity to acknowledge His greatness.

3. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, who expresses a desire for global recognition of God's glory.

4. Israel
While not mentioned directly in this verse, Israel is the context from which the psalmist writes, representing God's chosen people through whom He reveals His plan for all nations.

5. Nations
The broader context of the psalm includes a vision for the nations to come to know and worship God, reflecting the missional aspect of Israel's calling.
Teaching Points
Universal Praise
The call for all peoples to praise God emphasizes the universal nature of God's kingdom. Believers are encouraged to see beyond cultural and national boundaries and recognize the global scope of God's redemptive plan.

Mission and Evangelism
This verse underscores the importance of mission work and evangelism. Christians are called to share the gospel so that all peoples may come to know and praise God.

Unity in Worship
The psalmist's vision of all peoples praising God together highlights the unity that is found in worship. Believers are reminded of the power of collective worship and the breaking down of barriers through shared faith.

God's Worthiness
The repeated call to praise God serves as a reminder of His worthiness. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of praise, acknowledging God's greatness in all circumstances.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The psalmist's vision is part of the larger biblical account of God's plan for the nations. Believers can find hope and assurance in the fulfillment of God's promises throughout Scripture.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call for all peoples to praise God challenge our understanding of God's kingdom?

2. In what ways can we participate in the fulfillment of this vision of universal praise in our daily lives?

3. How does the theme of unity in worship found in Psalm 67:5 relate to the New Testament church?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote mission and evangelism in our communities?

5. How does recognizing God's worthiness of praise impact our personal worship and relationship with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that all peoples on earth will be blessed through him connects to the psalmist's vision of universal praise.

Revelation 7:9-10
This passage describes a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne, echoing the psalmist's call for all peoples to praise God.

Isaiah 56:7
The prophecy that God's house will be a house of prayer for all nations aligns with the psalmist's desire for universal worship.
A Missionary PsalmC. Short Psalm 67:1-7
A Plea for MissionsJ. Morison, D. D.Psalm 67:1-7
A Universal New Year's PrayerHomilistPsalm 67:1-7
Conditions of Spiritual GrowthHarvey Phillips, B. A.Psalm 67:1-7
Illumining the LifeJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 67:1-7
Our Duties in Regard to MissionsJohn Tucker, B. D.Psalm 67:1-7
Saving HealthJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 67:1-7
The Church's Missionary PsalmAndrew Thomson, D. D.Psalm 67:1-7
The Conversion of the WorldJ. A. James.Psalm 67:1-7
The Extension of the Word of God AbroadOutlines of Four Hundred SermonsPsalm 67:1-7
The Greatest Need of Foreign MissionsJ. D. Jones, M. A.Psalm 67:1-7
The Missionary PrayerJ. O. Keen, D. D.Psalm 67:1-7
This is a Song of SalvationW. Forsyth Psalm 67:1-7
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Confess, O, Peoples, Praise, Thanks
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 67:5-6

     4208   land, divine responsibility

Library
God of Mercy, God of Grace
[1188]Heathlands: Henry Smart, 1866 Psalm 67 Henry F. Lyte, 1834 DOXOLOGY God of mercy, God of grace, Show the brightness of thy face; Shine upon us, Savior, shine, Fill thy Church with light divine; And thy saving health extend Unto earth's remotest end. Let the people praise thee, Lord; Be by all that live adored; Let the nations shout and sing Glory to their Savior King; At thy feet their tribute pay, And thy holy will obey. Let the people praise thee, Lord; Earth shall then her fruits afford;
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA

Twenty-Seventh Day that God's People May Realise their Calling
WHAT TO PRAY.--That God's People may Realise their Calling "I will bless thee; and be thou a blessing: in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."--GEN. xii. 2, 3. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations."--PS. lxvii. 1, 2. Abraham was only blessed that he might be a blessing to all the earth. Israel prays for blessing, that God may be known among all nations.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should Return to Himself, Lest Either his Life or his Preaching Lift Him Up.
But since often, when preaching is abundantly poured forth in fitting ways, the mind of the speaker is elevated in itself by a hidden delight in self-display, great care is needed that he may gnaw himself with the laceration of fear, lest he who recalls the diseases of others to health by remedies should himself swell through neglect of his own health; lest in helping others he desert himself, lest in lifting up others he fall. For to some the greatness of their virtue has often been the occasion
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter Xlii to the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey De Perrone, and his Comrades.
To the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey de Perrone, and His Comrades. He pronounces the youths noble because they purpose to lead the religious life, and exhorts them to perseverance. To his beloved sons, Geoffrey and his companions, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes the spirit of counsel and strength. 1. The news of your conversion that has got abroad is edifying many, nay, is making glad the whole Church of God, so that The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad (Ps. xcvi. 11), and every tongue
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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