Psalms 67:4

Psalms 67:4 (KJV) is a vibrant prophetic declaration, expressing a fervent desire for all humanity to acknowledge and celebrate God's universal reign and righteous governance.

Context

This verse is central to Psalm 67, a short but powerful psalm often interpreted as both a prayer for blessing upon Israel and a missionary hymn. The psalm begins with a request for God's mercy and blessing, explicitly stating that this blessing should be given "that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations" (Psalm 67:2). Verse 4, therefore, is the joyful and 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.

Key Themes

• Universal Joy and Worship: The core plea, "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy," highlights a yearning for a global outpouring of praise. It anticipates a time when people from every tongue and tribe will celebrate God's dominion, a theme echoed in prophetic visions of a multitude from every nation standing before the throne.
• God's Righteous Judgment 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 role in ruling the world. His judgment is not merely punitive but also restorative, bringing order, truth, and vindication. This righteous governance is a source of hope and stability for all peoples, promising an end to injustice and chaos.
• Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully affirms God's ultimate authority and control over all earthly affairs. He is not a distant deity but an active sovereign who rules and guides the destinies of nations, ensuring that His perfect will ultimately prevails.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judge" here is shaphat (שָׁפַט), which encompasses more than just rendering a verdict. It also means to govern, to rule, to set right, and to vindicate. So, when God "judges" the people, He is actively administering justice, establishing order, and governing with perfect equity.

The term "Selah" (סֶלָה) at the end of the verse is a musical or liturgical notation found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk. While its precise meaning is debated, it is generally understood to signify a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or perhaps an exclamation mark, urging the reader to ponder the profound truth just stated.

Practical Application

Psalms 67:4 calls us to a global perspective in our faith. It encourages us to:

• Pray for the Nations: This verse serves as a powerful prayer for the spread of the Gospel and the recognition of God's rule worldwide, aligning our hearts with God's desire for all to know Him.
• Trust in God's Justice: In a world often marked by injustice and turmoil, this verse provides comfort and assurance that God ultimately governs with righteousness. We can rest in the knowledge that His justice will prevail, as promised in passages like Psalm 96:13, where God comes to judge the earth with righteousness.
• Anticipate God's Kingdom: It fosters an eager anticipation for the day when God's reign will be fully established, and all nations will truly find joy and sing His praise. This verse offers a glimpse into the future hope of God's global kingdom.