Side by side
Psalm 67
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: Bless UsVerses 1 to 3
"May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us" (67:1).
The language echoes the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6. The priest spoke it over Israel — now Israel prays it for itself.
"that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations" (67:2).
The prayer for blessing is not for Israel's sake alone. The reason is the nations. What God does for Israel, the world will see.
"Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You" (67:3).
The refrain, sung twice in this psalm. The goal of Israel's blessing: all peoples praising God.
1For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.
Section 2: Let the Nations PraiseVerses 4 to 5
"Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth" (67:4).
Not just Israel — the nations themselves will be glad. God's rule is equity for all.
"Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You" (67:5).
The refrain again. The psalm is structured around this vision. It does not let go of it.
4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah 5Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.
Section 3: The Earth Has YieldedVerses 6 to 7
"The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us" (67:6).
The harvest has come. The prayer has been answered. God has blessed.
"God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him" (67:7).
The blessing of one people — Israel — reaches the ends of the earth. The circle closes: from a harvest prayer to a vision of the whole world fearing God.
6The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 7God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
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