◄ Psalm 67 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
May God Cause His Face to Shine upon Us For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. 4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah 5Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. 6The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 7God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 67 Summary May God Cause His Face to Shine upon Us Verses 1–2 – Blessing for Israel and the World The psalm opens with a plea: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us”. The purpose is outward-looking—so that God’s “ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Verse 3 – Call to Praise from All Nations A refrain breaks in: “Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” What Israel seeks for itself it immediately shares with the whole world. Verses 4–5 – Joyful Nations under God’s Just Rule Nations are invited to sing for joy because God “judges the peoples with equity and guides the nations of the earth.” The earlier refrain repeats, stressing worldwide worship. Verses 6–7 – Harvest Blessings and Worldwide Reverence “The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.” Material bounty points to the greater goal: “All the ends of the earth will fear Him.” Psalm 67, nestled in the heart of the Psalter, offers a vibrant blend of gratitude, blessing, and hope. As an inspirational expression of universal blessing and praise, this psalm resonates with a collective call to all nations to celebrate God's goodness and mercy. The message of this Psalm is as pertinent today as it was when first penned, encouraging us to consider God's presence in our lives and the transformative impact of His benevolence on a global scale. Author and Musical Notes The superscription reads, “For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.” No human author is named, but the structure and priestly vocabulary resemble works attributed to David or his circle. The mention of strings suggests temple use, likely during a feast when choirs and instruments filled the courts (1 Chronicles 25:1–6). Setting in Israel’s Worship Jewish tradition links Psalm 67 to the harvest season. The psalm’s talk of earth’s produce fits the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) when firstfruits were offered (Deuteronomy 16:9-12). As worshipers held baskets of grain before the priests, they would naturally pray for continued blessing and for Gentiles to notice the goodness of Israel’s God. Echoes of the Aaronic Blessing Psalm 67:1 deliberately echoes Numbers 6:24-26: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you…”. By adapting that priestly blessing, the psalm extends it beyond Israel. The inner logic is simple: if God shines on His people, outsiders will see the light (Isaiah 60:1-3). A Mission Statement for Israel Genesis 12:3 promises that “all the families of the earth will be blessed” through Abraham. Psalm 67 stands in that stream: • Israel receives grace (v. 1). • Israel becomes a showcase of God’s ways (v. 2). • Nations respond with praise (vv. 3-5). This flow—grace received, grace shared—runs throughout Scripture (1 Kings 8:41-43; Isaiah 49:6; Jonah 4:11). Harvest Imagery and Firstfruits Verse 6, “The earth has yielded its harvest,” would have been vividly real when the threshing floors were full. Throughout the Bible, physical harvest pictures spiritual harvest. Proverbs 11:30 calls a righteous person “a tree of life,” and Jesus speaks of fields “white for harvest” (John 4:35). Psalm 67 anticipates a day when a global harvest of worshipers will rise to God. Prophetic Glimpses of the Messiah While the psalm never names the Messiah, its hope in a righteous ruler who guides the nations matches later prophecies. Isaiah 9:7 speaks of endless, just government; Zechariah 9:10 envisions worldwide peace. Christians see these fulfilled in Jesus, the light to Gentiles (Luke 2:32). New Testament Connections • The Great Commission—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)—echoes Psalm 67’s longing for universal praise. • Paul and Barnabas quote Isaiah 49:6 about being “a light for the Gentiles” (Acts 13:47), which pairs naturally with this psalm. • Revelation 7:9 pictures “a great multitude…from every nation” praising God, an end-time scene that answers Psalm 67’s refrain. God’s Global Plan Unfolding in History From Pentecost to present missions, believers have read Psalm 67 as a charter for reaching the nations. William Carey cited it when urging the modern missionary movement. Countless missionary societies have adopted verse 2 as a motto. Archaeological Insights Excavations of second-temple Jerusalem reveal wide courts and public steps where Gentile “God-fearers” could hear Israel’s songs. Ostraca (inscribed potsherds) list tithes of grain and wine, affirming the agricultural rhythm behind harvest psalms. At Megiddo and Lachish, carved grain silos show how central food production was to communal life—and how striking the phrase “The earth has yielded its harvest” would sound. Key Words and Literary Features • “Bless” (Hebrew barak) appears three times, framing the psalm (vv. 1, 6, 7). • “Peoples” (ʿamîm) and “nations” (gôyim) alternate, stressing universality. • The structure is chiastic: A (1-2) / B (3) / C (4) / B′ (5) / A′ (6-7). The central verse (4) highlights God’s just rule. • Refrain repetition gives the feel of antiphonal singing—choirs answering each other in the temple. Personal and Corporate Application • Receiving and Reflecting: We ask God to bless us not as an end in itself but as a witness. • Praise as Outreach: Joyful worship attracts outsiders; grumbling repels them (Philippians 2:14-15). • Confidence in God’s Fairness: Verse 4’s picture of an unbiased Judge steadies believers when earthly courts fail. • Hope for the Whole Earth: Current events may look bleak, yet Psalm 67 anchors hope in a future where “all the ends of the earth will fear Him.” Summary Thought Psalm 67 is a seven-verse bridge between temple courts and the ends of the earth, between ancient harvest fields and a coming global chorus. Its simple request—“Bless us so others will see You”—remains the heartbeat of God’s people today. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 12:2-3 God's promise to Abraham that through him all nations will be blessed. Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission, calling believers to make disciples of all nations. Revelation 7:9-10 A vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God. Teaching Points God's Blessing and Purpose Psalm 67:1-2 begins with a plea for God's grace and blessing, May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. This highlights the purpose of God's blessing: to make His ways and salvation known globally. Universal Praise Verses 3-5 emphasize the desire for all nations to praise God. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. This reflects the psalmist's vision of a world united in worship. God's Righteous Rule Verse 4 speaks of God's just governance, Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah. God's righteous rule is a cause for joy and celebration among the nations. Harvest and Provision Verses 6-7 acknowledge God's provision, The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. The physical blessings of harvest are seen as a means to inspire reverence for God worldwide. Practical Applications Reflect on Blessings Regularly take time to reflect on how God has blessed you and consider how these blessings can be used to further His kingdom. Pray for the Nations Incorporate prayers for different nations into your daily prayer life, asking God to reveal His salvation to them. Engage in Mission Work Whether locally or globally, find ways to participate in mission work, sharing the love and message of Christ with others. Promote Unity in Worship Encourage and participate in worship that brings together diverse groups of people, reflecting the universal call to praise God. People 1. God The central figure in the psalm, God is the one who blesses and causes His face to shine upon His people. The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a common term for God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His power and majesty. 2. The Peoples This term refers to the nations or ethnic groups of the world. The psalm expresses a desire for all peoples to praise God and experience His salvation. The Hebrew word "עַמִּים" (amim) is used, indicating various groups or nations. 3. The Nations Similar to "the peoples," this term emphasizes the global scope of God's rule and the universal call to worship Him. The Hebrew word "גּוֹיִם" (goyim) is used, often referring to non-Israelite nations. 4. The Earth While not a "person" in the traditional sense, the earth is personified in the psalm as receiving God's blessings and yielding its harvest. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of the earth as part of God's creation that responds to His providence. Places 1. The Earth The psalm begins with a call for God's grace and blessing to be upon His people so that His ways may be known "on earth" (Psalm 67:2). The Hebrew word used here is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which generally refers to the land or the world as a whole. This indicates a global scope for God's salvation and praise. 2. The Nations The psalm repeatedly mentions "the nations" (Psalm 67:2, 4, 5), using the Hebrew word "גּוֹיִם" (goyim), which refers to non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. This highlights the universal reach of God's salvation and the call for all peoples to praise Him. 3. The Peoples Similar to "the nations," the term "the peoples" (Psalm 67:3, 4, 5) is used, derived from the Hebrew word "עַמִּים" (amim). This term emphasizes the diverse groups of individuals across the earth who are called to rejoice and be glad in God's righteous rule. 4. The Ends of the Earth The psalm concludes with a reference to "the ends of the earth" (Psalm 67:7), using the Hebrew phrase "קְצֵה־אֶרֶץ" (ketzeh erets). This phrase signifies the farthest reaches of the world, underscoring the comprehensive extent of God's blessing and the reverence due to Him from all corners of the globe. While Psalm 67 does not specify particular locations, its language and themes emphasize the universal nature of God's blessing and the call for all people everywhere to acknowledge and worship Him. Events 1. Invocation of God's Blessing The psalm begins with a plea for God's grace and blessing. The psalmist asks, "May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us" (Psalm 67:1). The phrase "cause His face to shine" is a Hebrew idiom for showing favor or approval. 2. Purpose of Blessing The psalmist explains the purpose of God's blessing: "that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations" (Psalm 67:2). The Hebrew word for "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) often refers to God's path or manner of life, indicating a desire for God's will to be recognized globally. 3. Call for Global Praise The psalmist calls for all peoples to praise God: "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You" (Psalm 67:3). This reflects a universal call to worship, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's salvation. 4. Joy and Gladness Among Nations The psalmist envisions nations rejoicing: "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth" (Psalm 67:4). The Hebrew root for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) implies governance with fairness and righteousness. 5. Repetition of Praise The call for praise is reiterated: "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You" (Psalm 67:5). This repetition underscores the importance of universal worship. 6. Blessing of the Earth The psalmist acknowledges God's provision: "The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us" (Psalm 67:6). The Hebrew word for "harvest" (יְבוּל, yebul) signifies the produce of the land, symbolizing God's tangible blessings. 7. Anticipation of Global Reverence The psalm concludes with an anticipation of reverence for God: "God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him" (Psalm 67:7). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) can mean awe or reverence, indicating a respectful acknowledgment of God's power and authority. Lessons from Psalm 67 1. The Source of Blessings Psalm 67:1 begins with a heartfelt plea: "May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us." This verse reminds us that all blessings originate from God. Recognizing Him as the source of our prosperity and joy encourages us to live with gratitude and humility, acknowledging His hand in every good thing we experience. 2. The Purpose of Blessings The psalmist continues in verse 2, "that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." Our blessings are not just for personal enjoyment; they serve a greater purpose. They are meant to showcase God's goodness and spread His message of salvation to the world. By sharing our blessings, we become conduits of His love and truth. 3. The Call to Praise Verse 3 declares, "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." Praise is a natural response to God's goodness. It aligns our hearts with His and draws others to Him. When we live lives of praise, we reflect His glory and invite others to join in the celebration of His greatness. 4. The Joy of Nations In verse 4, we read, "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples with equity and lead the nations of the earth." God's justice and leadership bring joy to the nations. His fair and righteous rule is a source of hope and happiness. As we trust in His sovereignty, we find peace and joy, even amidst life's challenges. 5. The Universality of God's Rule The psalm emphasizes that God's rule extends to all corners of the earth. Verse 5 repeats, "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." This repetition underscores the universal nature of God's dominion. His love and authority are not limited by geography or culture, inviting everyone to experience His grace. 6. The Fruitfulness of the Earth Verse 6 proclaims, "The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us." This imagery of a fruitful harvest symbolizes the abundance that comes from God's blessings. When we align ourselves with His will, we experience spiritual and material fruitfulness, reflecting His provision and care. 7. The Assurance of God's Blessing The psalmist confidently states in verse 7, "God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." This assurance of blessing is not just for our benefit but serves a greater purpose. It inspires reverence and awe for God among all people, drawing them closer to Him. 8. The Global Impact of God's Blessing The blessings we receive have a ripple effect, reaching "all the ends of the earth." Our lives, when lived in alignment with God's will, can have a global impact. By living out our faith authentically, we become beacons of hope and instruments of His peace in a world in need. 9. The Invitation to Participate Psalm 67 invites us to actively participate in God's mission. We are called to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and truth with those around us. This participation is not a burden but a privilege, allowing us to partner with the Creator in His redemptive work. 10. The Eternal Perspective Finally, Psalm 67 encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective. Our lives are part of a grand narrative that extends beyond our immediate circumstances. By focusing on God's eternal purposes, we find meaning and direction, knowing that our efforts contribute to His everlasting kingdom. In conclusion, Psalm 67 is a powerful reminder of God's blessings and our role in His divine plan. As we embrace these lessons, we are inspired to live lives of gratitude, praise, and purpose, reflecting His glory to the world. Topics 1. Invocation of God's Blessing (Verse 1) The psalm begins with a plea for God's grace and blessing: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us." This echoes the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, emphasizing the desire for God's favor and presence. The Hebrew word for "gracious" (חָנַן, chanan) conveys the idea of showing favor or mercy. 2. Purpose of Blessing: Global Knowledge of God (Verse 2) The psalmist expresses the purpose of God's blessing: "that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." This highlights the missional aspect of God's blessings, aiming for His ways and salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) to be recognized worldwide. 3. Call for Universal Praise (Verse 3) A call for all peoples to praise God: "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." The repetition underscores the desire for universal worship, reflecting the Hebrew root הָלַל (halal), meaning to praise or boast in God. 4. Joy and Equity in God's Rule (Verse 4) The psalmist celebrates God's just governance: "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth." The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) implies fair and righteous judgment, bringing joy to the nations. 5. Reiteration of Universal Praise (Verse 5) The call for praise is repeated: "Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." This repetition emphasizes the psalmist's longing for global worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. 6. Blessing of the Earth and God's Provision (Verse 6) The psalm acknowledges God's provision: "The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us." This reflects gratitude for God's tangible blessings and provision, with the Hebrew word for "harvest" (יְבוּל, yebul) indicating the produce of the land. 7. Anticipation of Global Reverence (Verse 7) The psalm concludes with an anticipation of reverence for God: "God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) conveys a sense of awe and reverence, suggesting that God's blessings lead to a global acknowledgment of His majesty. Themes 1. Divine Blessing and Favor Psalm 67 opens with a plea for God's grace and blessing: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us" (Psalm 67:1). The Hebrew word for "gracious" (חָנַן, chanan) implies a deep, compassionate favor, reflecting God's benevolent nature towards His people. 2. Universal Praise The psalm emphasizes the desire for all nations to praise God: "May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You" (Psalm 67:3). The repetition underscores the theme of universal worship, highlighting the inclusivity of God's call to all humanity. 3. God's Righteous Judgment The psalm acknowledges God's just governance: "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth" (Psalm 67:4). The Hebrew root for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) conveys the idea of fair and righteous decision-making, affirming God's role as the ultimate judge. 4. Harvest and Provision The psalm reflects on God's provision through the earth's bounty: "The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us" (Psalm 67:6). This theme of harvest symbolizes God's faithfulness in providing for His creation, linking physical sustenance with spiritual blessing. 5. Global Recognition of God's Sovereignty The psalm concludes with a vision of global acknowledgment of God's authority: "God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him" (Psalm 67:7). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) encompasses reverence and awe, suggesting a recognition of God's supreme power and majesty by all nations. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Blessings Thank God for His grace and blessings in your life. Intercession for the Nations Pray for the salvation and spiritual awakening of nations around the world. Guidance in Mission Ask for wisdom and opportunities to share God's love and message with others. Unity in the Church Pray for unity among believers, that we may collectively reflect God's glory to the world. As we study Psalm 67, let us be reminded of the broader purpose of God's blessings in our lives and be inspired to actively participate in His mission to reach the nations. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 67:1, how can we reconcile the idea of God’s “face” literally shining on people with scientific understanding of light and natural phenomena? 2. In Psalm 67:2, does history or archaeology support the claim that all nations will know God’s ways through Israel’s blessings? 3. In Psalm 67:4, how can we reconcile the statement that God “guides the nations on earth” with the widespread historical evidence of injustice and suffering? 4. Does Psalm 67 conflict with other biblical texts that portray God’s blessings as conditional on obedience, rather than simply bestowed on anyone who prays? 5. Given the global diversity of religious beliefs, how could the psalm’s vision in Psalm 67:7 realistically be fulfilled if it demands universal reverence for Israel’s God? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 67 encourage us to view God's blessings? Are they personal, communal, or global? 2. How can understanding God's sovereignty, as depicted in this psalm, affect your daily life and interactions? 3. In what ways does this Psalm promote unity among nations? 4. How can you apply the principle of universal praise in your personal life? 5. How does the psalmist's plea in verses 1-2 resonate with your personal prayers? 6. How can you contribute to making God's way known on Earth as suggested in verse 2? 7. How can we express gratitude for God's blessing, like the bounty of the Earth mentioned in verses 6-7? 8. How does Psalm 67 emphasize the role of God's guidance in our lives? 9. How does this Psalm challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's salvation for all nations? 10. In what ways does Psalm 67 depict the response of the nations to God’s rule? 11. How can the vision of universal praise in Psalm 67 inspire your personal worship? 12. How does Psalm 67 foster a sense of global community and shared experience? 13. What does this Psalm teach us about acknowledging God's righteousness and justice? 14. How can the message of universal salvation impact our relationships and interactions with people from different cultures and faiths? 15. How does Psalm 67 encourage a posture of praise and thanksgiving? 16. How can you practically use the themes of Psalm 67 to foster unity in your community? 17. How does this psalm inspire you to approach challenges or difficult times in your life? 18. What role does the repeated call to praise play in the overall message of the psalm? 19. How does the Psalm's message of God's universal blessing influence your view of His providence? 20. How can the message of Psalm 67 help guide your actions in promoting peace and unity in today's world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions