Psalms 67:3

Psalms 67:3 is a powerful and concise call to worship, echoing the overarching theme of the psalm: that God's blessing upon His people should lead to His glory being recognized and praised by all nations.

Context

This verse is part of a short but profound psalm, often referred to as a harvest psalm or a missionary psalm. The psalm begins with a prayer for God's blessing upon Israel (Psalm 67:1-2), asking Him to "be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us." The purpose of this blessing is not solely for Israel's benefit, but so that God's "way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." Verse 3, therefore, flows directly from this desire for global recognition of God's character and salvation. It anticipates the joyful response of humanity when they witness God's goodness and justice, leading to a universal outpouring of praise.

Key Themes

• Universal Praise: The repetition of "let the people praise thee; let all the people praise thee" underscores the fervent desire for God to be glorified by every tribe and tongue. It's a vision of widespread, inclusive worship, extending beyond Israel to all humanity.
• Response to Divine Blessing: The psalm implies that when God blesses His people and His salvation is made known, the natural response of all humanity should be praise and thanksgiving. God's goodness inspires worship.
• God's Sovereignty and Mission: This verse points to God's ultimate plan for all the earth to acknowledge Him. It's a prayer for the fulfillment of a global mission, where God's righteous rule brings joy and equity to the nations, prompting their adoration. This echoes the promise given to Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "praise" used here is yadah (יָדָה), which carries a rich meaning beyond mere verbal commendation. It often implies a confession, thanksgiving, or an act of throwing out the hands in adoration and acknowledgment. It speaks to a deep, heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition of God's worth. The term for "people" or "nations" is le'om (לְאֹם), emphasizing the global, diverse scope of this desired praise.

Practical Application

Psalms 67:3 serves as a timeless reminder and an urgent call for believers today:

• Inspire Global Worship: It encourages us to pray for and participate in the spread of the Gospel, so that more people from every nation might come to know God and praise Him.
• Live a Praiseworthy Life: Our lives, blessed by God, should be a testament to His goodness, drawing others to praise Him. As Matthew 5:16 teaches, our good works should glorify our Father in heaven.
• Embrace Inclusivity: The vision of "all the people" praising God challenges any exclusivity and calls us to embrace a diverse community of worshippers.

This verse is not just a wish but a prophetic declaration of what will ultimately come to pass, as God's kingdom extends throughout the earth.