Introduction
Psalm 67 is a beautiful prayer asking for God’s blessing and for the knowledge of His salvation to spread to all the nations. It expresses a desire for God’s favor to be poured out on His people, not for their own benefit alone, but so that all people may come to know and praise Him. It highlights God’s mercy, justice, and the universal scope of His salvation.
Background of Psalm 67
Psalm 67 is a short, but powerful prayer of blessing, often considered a missionary psalm. Its call for God’s grace and salvation to be known to all nations is both personal and communal, extending beyond Israel to the entire world. It is a prayer that reflects the heart of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. This psalm was likely used in liturgical worship, emphasizing God’s blessings on His people and the global spread of His salvation.
What Does Psalm 67 Mean?
Psalm 67 is divided into two parts: a prayer for God’s blessing on His people (verses 1-2) and a proclamation of praise for the spread of God’s glory (verses 3-7). It calls for God’s blessing to be extended so that His ways may be known throughout the world. The psalmist envisions a time when all nations will praise God and acknowledge His salvation.
Verse Mapping Psalm 67:1-2
“May God be gracious to us and bless us; may He make His face shine upon us. Selah. So that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” (CSB)
- Word Study
- Gracious – A reminder of God’s unmerited favor and kindness.
- Bless – To confer favor, benefits, and divine approval.
- Shine upon us – A phrase representing God’s favor and presence.
- Selah – A pause for reflection, often used to allow time for contemplation of the verse.
- Cross-References
- Numbers 6:24-26 – The priestly blessing asking for God’s face to shine upon His people.
- Psalm 80:3 – “Restore us, God; make Your face shine on us, and we will be saved.”
- Paraphrase May God show us His favor and pour out His blessings on us. May His presence shine brightly upon us, that the world may come to know His ways and experience His salvation.
- Application God’s blessings are not just for our benefit—they are meant to be shared with the world. As we experience God’s grace, we are called to make His salvation known to others, extending His light to the nations.
How Can We Apply Psalm 67 Today?
- Seek God’s Blessing and Favor Just as the psalmist prays for God’s blessing, we should seek His favor and guidance in our lives. His blessings equip us to fulfill His purposes and to be a witness to others.
- Make God’s Salvation Known The psalmist desires that God’s ways and salvation be known throughout the world. As Christians, we are called to share the good news of salvation with others, making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Live as a Light to the Nations Our lives should reflect the light of God’s salvation. In a world filled with darkness, we are called to be the light, pointing others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the Nations Just as Psalm 67 prays for the nations to come to know God, we should intercede on behalf of those who have not yet heard the gospel, asking God to open their hearts and draw them to Himself.
Reflection Questions
- How can you seek God’s blessing and favor in your daily life?
- In what ways can you share God’s salvation with others around you?
- How do you reflect God’s light in a world that often feels dark?
- Are you praying for people and nations who have not yet encountered the gospel?
A Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your grace and blessings in our lives. We ask that You shine Your face upon us so that we may reflect Your love and salvation to the world. Help us to be faithful witnesses of Your greatness and to make Your name known among the nations. May Your salvation be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 67 reminds us that God’s blessings are not just for us—they are meant to be shared with the world. We are called to live in such a way that others will see God’s goodness and come to know His salvation. As we experience His favor, let us extend His love to those around us, sharing the hope of the gospel with all nations.
