Psalm 86:9

All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

Study Bible

All the nations
The phrase "All the nations" refers to the entirety of the world's peoples, transcending ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. In the Hebrew text, the word for "nations" is "goyim," which often denotes Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. This highlights the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the inclusivity of His divine plan. Historically, Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, and this verse prophetically envisions a time when all people, regardless of their origin, will recognize and worship the one true God. This aligns with the Great Commission in the New Testament, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

You have made
The acknowledgment that God has made all nations underscores His role as the Creator of all humanity. This phrase emphasizes God's omnipotence and the fact that every nation exists by His will and design. The Hebrew verb "asah" conveys the idea of crafting or fashioning, indicating intentionality and purpose in creation. This serves as a reminder that every nation and individual is part of God's sovereign plan, and it is His desire that all come to know Him.

will come and bow before You
The act of coming and bowing is a gesture of submission and reverence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing was a common practice to show respect and acknowledge authority. The Hebrew word "shachah" means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often in worship. This prophetic vision anticipates a future where all nations will recognize God's supreme authority and willingly submit to His lordship. It reflects the eschatological hope found in Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

O Lord
The title "O Lord" is a translation of the Hebrew "Adonai," a name that signifies God's lordship and authority. It is a term of respect and acknowledgment of God's position as the sovereign ruler. In the context of this psalm, it is a personal and relational address, indicating the psalmist's intimate knowledge of and trust in God. This title reminds believers of their relationship with God as both their Creator and their personal Lord.

and they will glorify Your name
To glorify God's name means to honor and exalt His character and attributes. The Hebrew word "kabad" conveys the idea of giving weight or significance, suggesting that God's name is to be held in the highest esteem. In biblical times, a name was more than just an identifier; it represented the essence and reputation of a person. Thus, glorifying God's name involves recognizing His holiness, righteousness, and love. This phrase anticipates a time when all people will acknowledge God's greatness and give Him the honor He is due, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of creation as described in Revelation 4:11.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel.

2. Nations
Refers to all the peoples and ethnic groups of the world. In the context of this verse, it emphasizes the universal recognition and worship of God.

3. God (Yahweh)
The one true God, Creator of all nations, who is worthy of worship and glorification by all peoples.

Teaching Points

Universal Worship
God's plan includes the worship of all nations, highlighting His sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is the Creator of all nations, and His authority extends over all the earth. This should inspire awe and reverence in our worship.

Mission and Evangelism
As believers, we are called to participate in God's mission by sharing the Gospel, so that all nations may come to know and worship Him.

Unity in Diversity
The vision of all nations worshiping together points to the unity that can be found in Christ, transcending cultural and ethnic differences.

Hope for the Future
This verse provides hope and assurance that God's plan will be accomplished, and His glory will be recognized by all.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of all nations worshiping God influence your understanding of God's sovereignty and His plan for the world?

2. In what ways can you participate in God's mission to bring the Gospel to all nations, as suggested by this verse?

3. How does the theme of unity in diversity, as seen in this verse, challenge you to engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of awe in worship. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's sovereignty in your daily life?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 15:4, enhance your understanding of the universal worship of God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 15:4
This verse echoes the theme of all nations coming to worship God, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan for universal worship.

Philippians 2:10-11
These verses speak of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, connecting to the idea of universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Isaiah 66:23
This prophecy speaks of all flesh coming to worship before God, reinforcing the theme of global worship.