God’s Harvest of the Nations
From Blessing to Global Worship
Introduction
Psalm 67 is a short yet expansive song—a prayer for divine blessing that turns into a global vision of worship, justice, and joy. Likely written for one of Israel’s harvest festivals and set to music (“with stringed instruments”), this psalm offers more than thanksgiving for material provision. It reveals a profound theological truth: God’s blessings are not meant to end with us, but to flow through us to all nations.
Walter Brueggemann calls it “a celebration of God’s gracious blessing to Israel… and a summons to other nations to join Israel in praise for God’s abundant goodness to all creation.” The psalm moves from the intimacy of divine favor (“make his face shine on us”) to the expansive hope that “all the peoples” would come to know, rejoice in, and worship the God who reigns with equity.
Every verse pulses with a missionary heartbeat, anticipating the global gospel of Jesus Christ. As Eugene Peterson reflects, “The goal of blessing is not private well-being but public witness.” Psalm 67 is a vision of that witness: the joy that comes from spreading the good news of God across the world, drawing all people into praise and gladness under His just rule.
Verse-by-Verse Reflection on Psalm 67
Verse 1 — “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—”
This verse echoes the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24–26. It’s a call for God’s favor, yes, but not merely for comfort or protection. It’s a prayer that God’s light would illuminate our lives in such a way that His presence becomes visible to others.
Charles Spurgeon writes, “This is the common benediction we desire for ourselves—not only mercy, but the light of God’s countenance.”
Eugene Peterson paraphrases the prayer simply: “God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile!” The psalmist is not asking God to remove all struggle but to dwell with His people in such a way that His character is made known.
Verse 2 — “so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
Here we find the heart of the psalm. The reason for the blessing is missional. God’s mercy is never intended to terminate with the recipient.
Brueggemann notes that “blessing to Israel is for the sake of the world.” The psalmist envisions God’s salvation reaching beyond borders and bloodlines.
Could the writer, by the Spirit, have glimpsed the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)? This verse anticipates the good news going to every corner of the earth—and includes us as those who’ve heard and are now sent.
Verse 3 — “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”
This refrain bursts with joy. Worship is no longer the exclusive song of Israel—it’s the desired anthem of all people.
Spurgeon calls this “a missionary prayer and a missionary prophecy.”
Peterson captures the tone with: “Let all the people thank and enjoy you.” Worship here is more than duty; it’s delight. This is not about religious obligation but about the overflow of knowing and enjoying the living God.
Verse 4 — “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.”
Now we see not only worship but gladness rooted in God’s just rule. He governs not with oppression but with righteousness.
Brueggemann observes that this verse “celebrates the life-giving, world-ordering power of God that makes shared life in the world possible.”
Donald Coggan writes, “There is a connection between praise and justice—the more God is praised, the more his justice is revealed.” In a world plagued by injustice, this is good news: God’s leadership brings equity, guidance, and joy.
Verse 5 — “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the global scope of worship. This is not a psalm for private devotion alone—it’s a call for all creation to lift its voice.
Spurgeon beautifully calls it “the chorus of the nations—the harvest of praise which the Gospel brings.”
This repetition doesn’t dilute meaning; it intensifies desire. The psalmist longs for the day when every heart resounds with praise.
Verse 6 — “The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.”
Here, the psalmist ties divine blessing to material provision. The harvest is both a literal result of rain and sun and a symbol of God’s faithfulness.
Peterson paraphrases: “The land has given its bounty and God, our God, blesses us.” But the tone is not self-congratulatory—it is awed.
The bounty is not merely to fill barns, but to reflect the goodness of a generous God whose blessings call us to share.
Verse 7 — “May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.”
The psalm closes with the same request as it began—but now the vision is clearer. God’s blessings are always tied to His mission.
Coggan points out, “True fear of the Lord arises not from terror but from the wonder of His grace.”
Brueggemann speaks of the “widening of the circle”—the circle of God’s people extending outward until it encircles the globe. The psalm ends not in Israel alone, but with “all the ends of the earth.” This is the destiny of the gospel: global reverence, universal joy.
Conclusion:
Psalm 67 is a joyful, hopeful, missional prayer. It reminds us that God’s blessings are never for hoarding but for sharing. We are invited to stand with Israel in worship and to join in God’s vision for the nations. As Eugene Peterson writes, “The goal of blessing is not private well-being but public witness.” Let us pray for God’s grace to be visible in our lives so that others may come to know His goodness, justice, and salvation.
Prayer:
Lord, may your face shine upon us. Bless us—not for comfort alone—but so that the world may know your name. May all peoples praise you. Let justice flow, and may your harvest be full. Amen.
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