Psalm 67

Introduction.—Ps. 67 is a call to all the peoples of the earth to rejoice in the God and King of the world, to put their trust in Him, and to understand His universal government. Some have suggested that the psalm is a formal response of the congregation to the Aaronic blessing (Num. 6:24–26), especially appropriate at the time of the gathering in of the harvest.

On the superscription see pp. 627, 629.

1. God be merciful. The thought and language of this verse are an echo of the blessing of the high priest (see Num. 6:24–26). For other phrases similar to expressions found in the Aaronic blessing, see Ps. 4:6; 31:16; 80:3, 7, 19.

Upon us. Literally, “with us.” The phrase is suggestive of intimate fellowship with God.

Selah. See p. 629.

2. Thy way. The methods and principles of the government of God, in relation not only to Israel but to all the world. God intended that Israel should be the light of the world. How different would have been the history of Israel had she fulfilled her high calling (see DA 577). In Israel’s experience lies a lesson for the remnant church.

Saving health. Heb. yeshuФah, usually translated “salvation”; but also rendered “welfare” (Job 30:15); “help” (Ps. 3:2; Ps. 42:5); “deliverance” (Ps. 18:50; 44:4; Isa. 26:18); “helping” (Ps. 22:1); and “health” (Ps. 42:11).

Among all nations. A call to mission service. God has placed upon the church the responsibility of bringing a knowledge of salvation to all nations.

3. Let the people praise thee. This verse is the refrain of the poem. The same refrain occurs again in v. 5.

4. Judge. God’s government is a government of righteous judgment. In righteousness He rules the world.

Govern. Heb. nachah, “to lead,” or “to guide.” God is the great Shepherd of all peoples (see Ps. 23:3). Nachah is used of God’s guiding Israel through the wilderness (see Ps. 78:14). As God led Israel, He will lead all peoples who accept Him as their Shepherd.

5. Let the people. The repetition of the refrain (see on v. 3) emphasizes the psalmist’s expressed desire that all men—not only Israel of the flesh—should praise God for His goodness to them.

6. Shall the earth yield. Or, “the earth yielded.” The language may be interpreted as referring to the recent harvest in all its abundance. From this brief reference to the harvest some have concluded that the psalm is a harvest thanksgiving.

Our own God. The phrase expresses an intimacy of fellowship with God.

Shall bless. The clause may also be translated as the expression of a wish: “May God, our own God, bless us!”

7. God shall bless us. The psalm closes with an expression of the same longing for God’s blessing with which it opened. Through Israel all the world was to be blessed. In a knowledge of Israel’s God as the God of all nations the world would share in God’s blessing upon Israel. A full appreciation of this psalm is possible only with deep appreciation of God’s eternal purpose in calling Israel as His chosen people. It is essentially a missionary psalm, and should be precious to the church in its worldwide mission program.

That the psalm was intended for use in public worship seems evident from its reference to the Aaronic blessing, the use of the refrain, and the abundance of words common to public worship, such as “praise” and “bless.”

Ellen G. White comments

1, 2 Ev 357; 9T 47

2 COL 299

3 5T 319

5 PP 290