Psalm 67:1

May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah

Study Bible

For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was directed to the leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in ancient Israelite worship, ensuring that the psalms were sung correctly and reverently. This highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where music played a significant role in expressing devotion to God.

With stringed instruments.
The use of stringed instruments suggests a rich musical tradition in ancient Israel. Instruments like the lyre and harp were common, and their inclusion in worship signifies the importance of music in praising God. This also reflects the cultural context of the time, where music was a vital part of both religious and social life.

A Psalm.
The term "Psalm" denotes a sacred song or hymn, part of the Hebrew Bible's Book of Psalms. These were often used in worship and personal devotion, reflecting a wide range of human emotions and experiences. The Psalms are poetic in nature, using parallelism and imagery to convey deep spiritual truths.

A song.
This designation emphasizes the psalm's lyrical quality, meant to be sung. Singing was a primary mode of worship in ancient Israel, and songs like this one were used to teach, encourage, and remind the community of God's faithfulness and promises.

May God be gracious to us and bless us,
This phrase is a prayer for divine favor and blessing, echoing the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. It reflects a deep dependence on God's grace and a recognition that all blessings come from Him. The request for grace and blessing underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God promises to be their provider and protector.

and cause His face to shine upon us,
The imagery of God's face shining upon His people signifies His approval, presence, and favor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a shining face was a metaphor for benevolence and kindness. This phrase also connects to the Aaronic blessing, where God's shining face represents peace and divine favor.

Selah
This term, often found in the Psalms, likely indicates a pause or interlude, inviting the reader or singer to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to meditate on the significance of God's grace and blessing, allowing the truths expressed to resonate deeply within the heart and mind.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, whose grace and blessing are sought by the psalmist. The psalmist desires God's favor and presence.

2. The Psalmist
The author of the psalm, who is expressing a communal prayer for God's grace and blessing upon the people.

3. Israel
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that the prayer is for the nation of Israel, seeking God's favor and blessing.

4. Selah
A term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, emphasizing the importance of the preceding request.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Grace and Blessing
As believers, we are encouraged to continually seek God's grace and blessing in our lives, recognizing our dependence on His favor.

The Importance of God's Presence
The request for God's face to shine upon us signifies a desire for His presence and approval, which should be central to our spiritual lives.

Reflecting on God's Goodness
The use of "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the magnitude of God's grace and the blessings He bestows upon us.

Communal Prayer and Intercession
This verse exemplifies the power of communal prayer, as the psalmist prays on behalf of the people, reminding us to intercede for others.

Living in the Light of God's Favor
Understanding that God's face shining upon us means living in His light, which should influence our actions and attitudes daily.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the request for God's grace and blessing in Psalm 67:1 relate to your personal prayer life?

2. In what ways can you seek to experience God's presence more fully, as suggested by the phrase "cause His face to shine upon us"?

3. How does the concept of "Selah" encourage you to pause and reflect on God's goodness in your life?

4. How can you incorporate communal prayer and intercession into your spiritual practices, following the example of the psalmist?

5. What practical steps can you take to live in the light of God's favor, and how does this influence your interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6:24-26
This passage contains the Aaronic blessing, which similarly asks for God's blessing and for His face to shine upon His people, highlighting a consistent theme of seeking divine favor.

Exodus 33:18-23
Moses asks to see God's glory, and God responds by allowing His goodness to pass before Moses. This connection emphasizes the desire for God's presence and favor.

2 Corinthians 4:6
Paul speaks of God shining in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory, connecting the idea of God's face shining upon us with the revelation of His glory in Christ.