Psalms 67:5

Psalms 67:5 reiterates a fervent call for global adoration of God, emphasizing the universal scope of His rightful praise. This verse serves as a powerful expression of hope and prayer that all humanity will acknowledge and worship the Creator.

Context

Psalm 67 is often referred to as a "missionary psalm" or a "harvest psalm." The preceding verses (especially Psalms 67:1-2) reveal the Psalmist's prayer for God to bless Israel so that His "way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." Verse 5 amplifies this desire, showing that the ultimate purpose of God's blessing on His chosen people is to draw all peoples to Himself. It’s a vision of God's redemptive plan unfolding for the entire world, not just a select group.

Key Themes

• Universal Praise: The repeated phrase "let all the people praise thee" underscores the central theme: God is worthy of worship from every nation and tribe. This is a prophetic vision of a future where God's glory is recognized globally.
• God's Sovereignty and Justice: Implicit in the call to praise is the understanding that God "shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth" (Psalms 67:4). His just and righteous rule is the foundation for universal adoration.
• Evangelistic Purpose: The psalm presents God's blessing on Israel as a means to an end – that His salvation might be known to all. This aligns with the Abrahamic covenant where all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham's descendants.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "people" used here is 'ammim (עַמִּים), which is the plural form meaning "peoples" or "nations," not just the singular "people" of Israel. This linguistic detail is crucial as it explicitly conveys the universal scope of the psalm's prayer and expectation. The verb "praise" (yadah - יָדָה) implies an act of thanksgiving, confession, and an acknowledgment of God's mighty deeds and character.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 67:5 serves as a powerful reminder of God's global vision. It encourages:

• A Heart for Missions: Our worship should not be confined to our own communities but should inspire us to share the good news of God's saving power with people from every background.
• Purpose in Blessing: We are blessed by God not just for our own benefit, but so that others might see God's goodness in our lives and be drawn to praise Him.
• Anticipation of Future Glory: The verse points to a glorious future where God's name is hallowed across the earth, a theme echoed in the New Testament's vision of a great multitude from every nation, kindred, and tongue worshipping God. It calls us to participate in bringing about that reality through prayer and proclamation.

This verse, therefore, is not merely a request but a declaration of God's ultimate purpose for humanity: universal praise for His glorious name.