Bible Commentaries

Verses 1-7

In this psalm there is a fine merging of prayer and praise. Prayer is its dominant note. Moreover, it is prayer on the highest level. It asks for personal blessing, but its deepest passion is that all peoples may be blessed and led to praise. If it was a harvest festival song, as the first part of verse Psa 67:6 would seem to indicate, then the local occasion is graciously submerged in a far wider outlook. The singer, even more remarkably than in the preceding psalm, recognizes the true function of the Holy Nation.

The word "that," with which verse Psa 67:2 opens, is of the utmost importance: That God's way may be known upon earth, His saving health among all nations, is the ultimate purpose of His heart, and the mission of His people. In order to accomplish this the singer prays for blessing on and through them-on them, "God be merciful unto us, and bless us"; through them, "Cause His face to shine with us."

The central desire of the prayer is uttered at its center (verses Psa 67:3-5 ); and the method is again indicated at its close (verses Psa 67:6-7 ). This is not asking in order to consume gifts on personal lusts. It is rather a passion which is self- emptied, and therefore pure. Such praying hastens the Kingdom.