Psalm 67 — Evangelistic Praise
Introduction: In only seven verses Psalm 67 presents an evangelistic theme in the Old Testament period long before the coming of Christ, as the psalmist gives praise to the LORD for a future time when all peoples of the earth will be blessed by Him. This psalm looks beyond the nation of Israel to a period when even gentile nations will come under the rule and reign of the LORD. Though the author and time period cannot accurately be determined from the content, other Old Testament scriptures also carry the message that God’s mercy was not exclusively reserved for Israel, but could be available to all people of the earth.
NOTE: Quoted Bible passages are from the ASV (American Standard Version).
A — In Abraham Shall All the Families of the Earth Be Blessed
Genesis 12:1–3 “Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”
Genesis 22:15–18 “By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”
Galatians 3:8 “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.”
Comments: The LORD God spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob confirming a promise that would provide blessing for those chosen by the LORD among all tribes, tongues, and nations of the earth. No one comes to God on their own merit, but the LORD has boundless mercy for those who will turn to Him. Romans 9 “15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.” And Christ Jesus is the only one who never knew sin.
B — God’s Salvation Known Among All Nations
Psalm 67 “1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us, And cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. 2 That thy way may be known upon earth, Thy salvation among all nations.”
Comments: The blessings provided for Israel were not because they inherently deserved any favor from the LORD, but because of His sovereign choice. Deuteronomy 7 “6 For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. 8 but because Jehovah loveth you, and because he would keep the oath which he sware unto your fathers, hath Jehovah brought you out with a mighty hand.” As with those faithful of Israel and for any believers today who call upon the LORD for mercy and blessing, the motivation should not be for individual benefit, but “That thy way may be known upon earth, Thy salvation among all nations.” Psalm 98:2 “Jehovah hath made known his salvation: His righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations.”
C — The Lord Shall Govern All Nations and Shall Be Praised
Psalm 67 “3 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; Let all the peoples praise thee. 4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For thou wilt judge the peoples with equity, And govern the nations upon earth. Selah. 5 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; Let all the peoples praise thee.”
Comments: 1 Chronicles 16 “23 Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth; Show forth his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples. 25 For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods.” Isaiah 66 “1 Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”
D — All the Ends of the Earth Shall Fear Him
Psalm 67 “6 The earth hath yielded its increase: God, even our own God, will bless us. 7 God will bless us; And all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”
Comments: The LORD had already kept His promise in times when Israel adhered to his commands. Leviticus 26 “3 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; 4 then I will give your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase.” Isaiah 45 “22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. 23 By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Philippians 2 “9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Reflections in Prayer
How easy it is to seek comfort from the blessings you Lord have granted to me even though I may say that I believe that I have been called according to your purpose. Help me Lord to remember it is your blessing that meets my needs, and not to confuse those blessings as being solely from the devices of other men, government, or even of myself. And keep my thoughts on the sure hope that is set before me as I have placed my trust in Christ. As I learn obedience to your Word, and seek to follow the two great commandments — Love the LORD God and love my neighbor as myself — may I remember that the salvation of Christ Jesus is to be spread among all people and nations before the Kingdom of God will be fully seen. Lord, as you have given me light and life, may I follow your words to glorify God alone: “Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Amen and amen.
Published 29 June 2010