Psalms 67:7

Context

Psalm 67 is a communal prayer for God's blessing, often associated with harvest festivals, where the prosperity of the land served as a tangible sign of God's favor. The psalm begins with a plea for God to "be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us" (Psalm 67:1). This initial blessing is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater, universal purpose: that God's "way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations" (Psalm 67:2). Verse 7 serves as a powerful summary and reaffirmation of this global vision, anticipating a time when God's blessing on His people will lead to universal recognition of His sovereignty.

Key Themes

• Divine Blessing as a Catalyst: The verse reiterates the promise of God's blessing upon His people. This blessing is not merely for their comfort but is instrumental in revealing God's character and power to the entire world. It underscores that God's favor is intended to draw all humanity to Him.
• Universal Reverence and Recognition: The phrase "all the ends of the earth shall fear him" points to a future where God's glory and authority are acknowledged globally. This "fear" is not terror, but profound awe, respect, and worship—a reverential submission to the one true God. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the universal recognition of His divine rule, echoing prophecies found in Zechariah 14:9.
• Missional Purpose: The progression from "God shall bless us" to "all the ends of the earth shall fear him" highlights a core missional principle. God blesses His people so that through them, His truth and salvation might spread to all nations. This aligns with the Abrahamic covenant's promise that through Abraham's descendants, "all families of the earth be blessed".

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" in this verse is yare (יָרֵא), which encompasses a wide range of meanings beyond simple terror. While it can mean dread, in contexts of God, it primarily signifies awe, reverence, profound respect, and worshipful submission. It implies recognizing God's immense power, holiness, and sovereignty, and responding with due honor and obedience. This is the "fear of the Lord" that is the beginning of wisdom, a foundational concept in Old Testament theology.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 67:7 serves as a powerful reminder of our purpose. God's blessings in our lives—whether spiritual, material, or relational—are not solely for our personal enjoyment. They are given, in part, so that the world might see His goodness through us and be drawn to Him. This verse encourages us to live in a way that reflects God's glory, participating in His global mission to make His name known. It calls us to pray for God's blessings, not selfishly, but with a heart for the world, desiring that "all the ends of the earth" would come to know and worship Him. It reinforces the call to go and make disciples of all nations, understanding that God's ultimate plan involves the universal recognition of His reign.