August 5, 2024

Even in the Old Testament, God Cared About the Nations.

Psalm 67

Melina DuPont
Monday's Devo

August 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

August 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

August 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

August 5, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 67:1-2

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.

Psalm 67

Make Your Face Shine upon Us

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.

1  May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2  that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
3  Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

4  Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5  Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

6  The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, shall bless us.
7  God shall bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #32: Wanting God’s blessing

Fact: Wanting God’s blessing

Wanting God’s blessing. Psalm 67 echoes the priestly blessing in Num. 6:24–26. Israel desires God’s blessing so that all nations may know of his saving power. God called Abram in order to bless him and his descendants and to make them a means of blessing to all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:2–3).

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 67:1–3 Verse 1 adapts the priestly blessing of Num. 6:24–26. The congregation prays that God’s way (his saving power) may be known on earth.

Study Notes

Ps. 67:4–5 the nations be glad and sing for joy. It is likely that the psalmist is praying for the day when God’s rule (you judge) is extended to include the Gentiles (see Isa. 2:4; 11:3–4). The OT looks to a future era in which the Gentiles receive God’s light. This era is brought about by Jesus’ resurrection.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 67. This psalm is a prayer that God will bless Israel with a fruitful harvest (v. 6) so that the rest of the world may come to know the true God. Singing this helps Israel to keep its own calling in view: their blessing is not simply for themselves but for the Gentiles too (see Gen. 12:2–3).

Ps. 67:6–7 To fear God means to hold him and his word in reverence (e.g., 5:7; 15:4; 25:12; see note on 34:8–14).

Psalms Fact #32: Wanting God’s blessing

Fact: Wanting God’s blessing

Wanting God’s blessing. Psalm 67 echoes the priestly blessing in Num. 6:24–26. Israel desires God’s blessing so that all nations may know of his saving power. God called Abram in order to bless him and his descendants and to make them a means of blessing to all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:2–3).

S3:152 Psalm 67

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 67

Since the beginning of creation, God has been a giver and blessed His children abundantly. We see that with Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." This Scripture lines up perfectly with Psalm 67. God wants to bless us so that we might bless the nations. God's heart is evident in how He wants all people to know Him, to praise Him, to enjoy Him, and to fear Him.

It's important for us to check our motives behind our requests to God to make sure they are not for our own selfish gain. Our heart's desire should be to pray for God's grace, His blessing, and His face to shine upon us simply for the Lord's saving power to be known on earth. We should want to expose God's goodness and kindness by giving Him the credit for any good thing that we experience. In James 1:17, we learn: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." These spiritual and physical blessings from God are an opportunity for us to give Him all the glory.

However, sometimes it can feel as though we don't have many blessings to share with others. Even when life is hard, heavy, or the last thing we'd prefer, anything that helps us grasp the heart of the Father is His grace upon us. We begin to trust God when we realize that knowing Him is the greatest treasure we can hold. Because of that, we want to share that great treasure with everyone. Reflecting on God's faithfulness will always end in greater peace, courage, and faith to live in such a way that we are on mission, thinking and feeling God's way no matter the circumstance.

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. How have you seen God's grace, His blessings, and His face shine upon you in your own life? What about the people around you? 

2. When was the last time you asked God to use your life to make His ways known on all the earth? How did He answer that prayer? I encourage you to pray and meditate on our key verse from today: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." (Psalm 67:1-2) 

3. Currently, how does your life point others to praise God? What would you like to keep doing, start doing, or stop doing to align your heart and life with God's will?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

This is the priestly blessing of Aaron from Num 6:24-26 with a twist. First unlike the usual blessing of Aaron , the name of God is swapped from Yahweh to Elohim. The Ninevites and gentiles used the name Elohim for example. Yahweh the covenant name. Elohim more general. Elohim sometimes is used for groups more distant form God in a sense beyond the Southern Kingdom, the name of God . The switch in names of God suggests God’s glory and blessing reaching beyond the usual. This is blessed to be a blessing for the world. Psalm 67:2 " that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." Peoples being plural not just Israel mentioned 3 times, the earth 2 times, nations 1 time says meant as a command. Meant to go global. The nations don't just worship God, they are glad about it. "Let the nations be glad" and "God shall bless us". He guides. His judgements are equitable. He saves. This was part of the promises given to Abraham in his old age where “in your seed all families will be blessed”.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Melina, this resonated with me from your deeper dive. “Reflecting on God's faithfulness will always end in greater peace, courage, and faith to live in such a way that we are on mission, thinking and feeling God's way no matter the circumstance.” When you ruled the nations around you a psalm like Psalm 2 made sense. Knowing Yahweh from that limited perspective and having that kind of view of Him would have only made sense. When you are living in exile, scattered among the people you at one time ruled over, your view of God tends to change with your new perspective. I hear that difference being recognized in this psalm. As the dive says, “when life is hard, heavy, or the last thing we'd prefer, anything that helps us grasp the heart of the Father is His grace upon us. We begin to trust God when we realize that knowing Him is the greatest treasure we can hold.”
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Melina! What a joy to read verse 1 as it echoes the Aaronic blessing, as Michael points out. ("The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.") That is my favorite blessing in the entire Bible. Not only is it incredibly cool and moving and timeless, but the morning of my son's scheduled C-section when I was shaking with nerves, the Lord planted this verse in my daily Bible reading plan and it was wonderful to hang onto through the whole pre-op and surgery. I most love the idea of God's face shining on us. Years ago when I was watching Oprah, I had a lightbulb moment (that turns out to have been a huge lightbulb moment for Oprah as well), when writer Toni Morrison drew on this blessing and asked, "When you see your child, does your face light up? Let your face speak what's in your heart." They talked about how there is NOTHING that builds a child's heart like knowing they are loved because they see it on their parent's face. But it starts with God's face shining on us. I'm thinking of how He must have been absolutely BEAMING after He handcrafted Adam out of the dirt and breathed life into him, then handcrafted Eve out of Adam, declaring, "I did GOOOOOOOOOD!" When the first two humans came to life, they got to see their Creator smiling at them with pleasure, His face all lit up with joy and pride. And we image bearers get to pass on that lit-up face to others; our children, our friends, our spouses, and other image bearers we don't even know.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. When someone helps me do positive things without asking them, I feel God’s grace and feel that I received a blessing. For others I have seen God’s grace and blessings at church when parents and kids and kids and parents cooperate with each other. 2. I frequently ask God to lead me and to shine through me in getting things done in daily life. I proceeded knowing God understood my nerves and did fine. Psalm 67:1-2 is worth reading. 3. I tell my boss I can’t work on Sundays because I go to church. Then it becomes a topic of discussion which has produced great results in everyone. To improve my heart alignment with God, I wish we could meet at Starbucks and discuss life. Melina - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point, “It's important for us to check our motives behind our requests to God to make sure they are not for our own selfish gain. Our heart's desire should be to pray for God's grace, His blessing, and His face to shine upon us simply for the Lord's saving power to be known on earth”. Excellent!
MS

Michael Scaman

God is all for you in Christ , Jer 32:40, but it doesn't always feel that way. Naomi, Ruth's mother in law didn't think that at first but realized it later. I got a big car bill today and it didn't feel that way but wasn't overwhelming after all God is all for me. I'm thinking about the curious case of the missing 'make His face shine on you" this morning. Something not obvious but really strange. Make his face shine on you is in psalm 67 but conspicuously completely gone from the fifteen "road songs to the temple" in Psalms 120-134? Kind of odd. There will be some real plays on phrases from the blessing of Aaron in the psalms later. A surprising example is in the road songs to the temple, the "Psalms of Ascent"were phrases from the blessing used about 24 times and like a tightrope walker half to the left of Psalm 127 and half to the right. 4 of the 6 phrases of the blessing repeated showing real design and care. Make his face shine on you and turn His face toward you strangely missing in the road songs to the temple, psalms 120 to 134 but make his face to shine on us is here in Psalm 67 spreading to the gentiles. Why missing from the road songs to the temple (AKA Psalms of Ascents) and present here? Maybe it’s a hint His face will shine on the gentiles but there is some holding back of that in some sense in the “temple travel songs” “until the fullness of the gentiles respond to the gospel? Also after Solomon, the shekinah glory never returned to the temple until the Lord of Glory went there. Psalms of Ascent even use the covenant name of God almost 10x more. Make his face shine on you and turn His face toward you conspicuously absent given how heavily the covenant name of God is used and in the context of the temple worship You would think 'make His face shine on you would be there". Name Count Description Yahweh (LORD) ~53 The covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. Elohim (God) ~6 The general term for God, emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Adonai (Lord) ~1 A title highlighting God's lordship and authority. But not so for Psalm 67 6x other way round, His face shining on y'all to bless the world is there Name Count Description Elohim (God) 6 The general term for God, emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Yahweh (LORD) 1 The covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel.