Verse 1-2

1. God"s grace to His people67:1-2

The psalmist began by repeating part of Israel"s priestly blessing (cf. Numbers 6:24-26) to request God"s favor on His people. Causing one"s face to shine on others means smiling on them with favor and approval (cf. Psalm 4:6). The writer requested God"s blessing on Israel so that other nations would learn of His favor, turn to Him in faith, and experience His salvation themselves (v2).

Verses 1-7

Psalm 67

This is another song that exhorts the nations to praise God that an unknown psalmist penned. Its theme is similar to that of Psalm 66.

"If a psalm was ever written round the promises to Abraham, that he would be both blessed and made a blessing, it could well have been such as this. The song begins at home, and returns to pause there a moment before the end; but its thought always flies to the distant peoples and to what awaits them when the blessing that has reached "us" reaches all." [Note: Kidner, p236.]

"The evidence for the early date of the psalm challenges the critical supposition that Israel"s missionary outlook developed after the Exile. Clearly the psalm is a missionary Psalm, since it looks forward to the rule of God over Jews and Gentiles (cf. Acts 28:28)." [Note: VanGemeren, p440.]

Verse 3-4

God"s people should praise Him because He rules justly. Because He does rule justly all nations should look to Him for guidance.

"The capricious kindliness which makes no moral judgments is as alien to biblical thought as the tyranny that rules without love." [Note: Kidner, p237.]

Verses 3-7

2. God"s praise from His people67:3-7

Verses 5-7

God"s people should praise Him so He will bless them with bountiful harvests. This meaning is clearer in the NIV than in the NASB. Rich harvests would also direct the nations to the Lord.

When people recognize God"s blessings they tend to fear and worship Him.