Psalms 67:4

KJV

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

O let the nations {H3816} be glad {H8055}{H8799)} and sing for joy {H7442}{H8762)}: for thou shalt judge {H8199}{H8799)} the people {H5971} righteously {H4334}, and govern {H5148}{H8686)} the nations {H3816} upon earth {H776}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the nations be glad and shout for joy, for you will judge the peoples fairly and guide the nations on earth. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 67:4 is a vibrant prophetic declaration and fervent prayer, expressing a profound desire for all humanity to acknowledge and celebrate God's universal reign and perfectly righteous governance. It anticipates a future when the nations, having witnessed God's saving power and just administration, will respond with unbridled joy and worship, recognizing His supreme authority over all the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Psalm 67, a short but powerful communal prayer often interpreted as both a petition for divine blessing upon Israel and a missionary hymn with a global vision. The psalm opens with a plea for God's mercy and blessing upon His people (`/psalms/67-1`), explicitly stating that this blessing is intended "that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations" (`/psalms/67-2`). Verses 3 and 5 frame our verse, repeatedly calling for the nations to praise God. Therefore, Psalms 67:4 is the joyful, expectant response to such a divine revelation: when God's righteous character and saving power are globally recognized, the nations will naturally rejoice and sing. The "Selah" at the end of the verse serves as a crucial pause, inviting profound reflection on the universal implications of God's just rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms served as the hymnal and prayer book of ancient Israel, reflecting their theological understanding and spiritual aspirations. In a polytheistic ancient Near East, Israel's monotheistic faith uniquely proclaimed a God who was not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign Creator and Ruler of all nations. While Israel was God's chosen people, the covenant with Abraham (`/genesis/12-3`) always carried a universal dimension, promising that through him "all families of the earth shall be blessed." This verse reflects that expansive vision, anticipating a time when God's justice, unlike the often arbitrary or cruel rule of earthly kings, would be universally recognized as the source of true order and joy. The concept of a righteous judge and governor was paramount in ancient societies, and here it is applied to God as the ultimate, perfect arbiter of justice for all peoples.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Universal Mission and Heart of God**, revealing that His redemptive purposes extend far beyond Israel to encompass all peoples on earth. The desire for "the nations to be glad and sing for joy" is a profound expression of God's desire for all humanity to come into a right relationship with Him, as echoed in the prophetic vision of a multitude from every nation standing before the throne in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Righteous Sovereignty and Governance**. The reason for this universal joy is explicitly stated: "for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth." This speaks to God's perfect justice and His active, benevolent role in ruling the world, promising an end to injustice and chaos. Finally, the verse expresses a profound **Eschatological Hope**, pointing towards a future time when God's kingdom will be fully established, and His righteous rule will be universally acknowledged, bringing ultimate peace and joy to all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glad (Hebrew, _śāmaḥ'_):** This verb signifies a deep, internal rejoicing, a profound sense of gladness and merriment that often expresses itself outwardly in singing and celebration. It's not a superficial happiness but a joy rooted in a profound truth—in this case, the realization of God's righteous governance.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _šāpaṭ'_):** This word is richer than merely rendering a legal verdict. While it includes the idea of judging in a forensic sense, _šāpaṭ_ also encompasses the broader concepts of governing, ruling, administering justice, setting things right, and vindicating. When God "judges" the people, He is actively administering justice, establishing order, and governing with perfect equity, ensuring fairness and rectitude for all.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _selāh'_):** A term of uncertain precise meaning, found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk. It is widely understood as a musical or liturgical notation, likely indicating a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or perhaps an emphatic exclamation mark, urging the reader or worshiper to ponder the profound truth just stated with deeper contemplation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O let the nations be glad and sing for joy":** This opening phrase is an impassioned imperative, functioning as both a fervent prayer and a prophetic declaration. It expresses a deep yearning for a global outpouring of worship and celebration, anticipating a future where all peoples, regardless of their origin, will recognize and respond to God's reign with heartfelt joy.
* **"for thou shalt judge the people righteously":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the nations' anticipated joy. It declares God's character as the ultimate, impartial, and perfectly just arbiter of all humanity. His judgment is not merely punitive but restorative, bringing order, truth, and vindication, ensuring that justice ultimately prevails over all injustice.
* **"and govern the nations upon earth":** This phrase reinforces and expands upon the previous one, affirming God's active, sovereign rule over all peoples and lands. It emphasizes His ultimate authority and control over all earthly affairs, ensuring that His perfect will and righteous administration will ultimately prevail across the globe, bringing stability and peace.
* **"Selah":** This concluding notation serves as a cue for pause. It invites the reader or listener to meditate deeply on the profound implications of God's universal, righteous, and joyful reign over all nations, allowing the truth to resonate and sink into their hearts.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 67:4 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Imperative/Exhortation**, seen in the opening "O let the nations," which functions as both a fervent prayer and a prophetic command, expressing a strong desire for universal worship. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrases "judge the people righteously" and "govern the nations upon earth," where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, creating a synonymous relationship that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's just rule. The psalm also exhibits a form of **Inclusio** when considered with other verses in Psalm 67, as the call for nations to praise God (`/psalms/67-3`, `/psalms/67-5`) frames the central declaration of His righteous judgment, creating a literary embrace around the core theme. Finally, the verse acts as a powerful **Theological Declaration**, stating a foundational truth about God's character as the righteous, sovereign ruler of all creation, which serves as the basis for the anticipated global joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 67:4 stands as a powerful testament to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and His inherent character as a just and sovereign ruler. It reveals that God's concern and ultimate purposes extend far beyond the boundaries of Israel, encompassing all peoples and nations. The anticipated joy of the nations is not a result of their own achievements but a direct response to the revelation of God's righteous judgment and benevolent governance. This vision aligns with the biblical narrative's consistent trajectory towards a global acknowledgment of God, where His justice brings order out of chaos and His truth liberates humanity. It underscores that true peace and lasting joy are found only under the perfect rule of the Almighty.

* [Psalm 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalm 96:10 - The Lord Reigns Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - God Judges Among the Nations")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All Nations Worship God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 67:4 calls believers to embrace a global perspective in their faith and to align their hearts with God's universal purposes. In a world often marked by profound injustice, political turmoil, and widespread suffering, this verse offers immense comfort and a steadfast anchor: God ultimately governs with perfect righteousness. It encourages us not to despair at present chaos but to trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that His justice will prevail and His perfect will shall ultimately be established on earth. This truth should ignite within us a passionate desire to see His "saving health" known among all peoples, compelling us to pray fervently for the nations, to support global missions, and to live as ambassadors of His righteous kingdom, anticipating the glorious day when all nations will indeed be glad and sing for joy before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of all nations rejoicing in God's rule challenge my personal or communal prayer life?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in or support the spread of God's "saving health" to the nations today?**
* **How does trusting in God's righteous judgment and governance bring comfort or conviction in a world marked by injustice?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for "nations" to be glad, not just Israel?**

Answer: The importance of "nations" being glad stems from the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which has always extended beyond Israel. While Israel was chosen as God's special people, their election was never meant to be exclusive but inclusive, serving as a conduit through whom "all families of the earth shall be blessed" (`/genesis/12-3`). This psalm, therefore, anticipates the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will acknowledge and worship Him. It underscores that God's love and saving purposes are for all humanity, and His righteous rule is the source of true joy and order for the entire world, not just a select group.

**What does "Selah" truly mean?**

Answer: While its precise meaning has been debated by scholars for centuries, "Selah" is generally understood as a musical or liturgical instruction found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk. It is most commonly interpreted as a direction for a pause, either for musical interlude, silent reflection, or perhaps an emphatic exclamation. Its placement often follows a profound theological statement, as in Psalms 67:4, encouraging the reader or worshiper to stop, ponder, and allow the weight and truth of the preceding words to sink deeper into their heart and mind before proceeding. It serves as a spiritual "full stop" or "amen," inviting deeper contemplation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 67:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's fervent prayer for the nations to be glad and sing for joy under God's righteous judgment and governance is realized in the advent of the Messiah. Jesus is the promised [King who reigns in righteousness](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace and His Everlasting Kingdom") and the [appointed Judge of all the earth](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He made it possible for people from every nation to be reconciled to God, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and uniting all who believe into one new humanity (`/ephesians/2-14-16`). The Great Commission (`/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"`) is Christ's command to His followers to go and make disciples of "all nations," actively bringing about the very global joy and worship envisioned in this psalm. Ultimately, the prophetic longing of Psalms 67:4 culminates in the eschatological vision of [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worships the Lamb"), where a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" This is the joyous, universal worship of nations made possible by Christ's righteous judgment and redemptive reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Romans 15:10

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

Romans 15:11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 42:12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Isaiah 24:14

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.