Psalms 67:1-7; 76:1-12
Psalm 67 has been referred to as a Missionary Psalm. It envisions the Good News of the Gospel encircling the earth. A Song of Joy for all nations! It is written by David in Prophetic manner. He is calling all nations to Worship God and join in Praise to Him!
So we begin with David's Glorious theme in Psalm 67:1-2-(NKJV)-"God be merciful and bless us," if it wasn't for God's mercy we could never be blessed by God. Our humanity would prevent it as we represent the sinful human nature of Adam after his fall from God's presence. But God has mercy which, because of the giving of His Son for our forgiveness, extends it to us and by acceptance we are redeemed through His Gift. We obtain mercy and we are blessed as His children! (Numbers 6:24-26).
"And cause His Face to shine upon us." (Psalm 80:2)
"That Your way may be known on earth," (Acts 18:25; God's Way is the only Way)
"Your salvation among all nations." (Titus 2:11; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). His Salvation is still effective today! Praise God! God blessed Israel in such a Way that even today we benefit from the Word of God which went around the world.
Psalm 67:3-5 suggests the results of God's mercy and blessing-(CEB)-:
1. "Let the people THANK YOU , God!"
2. "Let all the people THANK YOU!" (2 Peter 3:9)
3. "Let the people CELEBRATE AND SHOUT WITH JOY because You judge the nations fairly and guide all nations on the earth." (Psalms 96:10, 13; 98:9)
4. "Let the people THANK YOU, GOD!" (Genesis 3:17-19)
5. "Let all the people THANK YOU!" (Romans 8:2).
This section on Psalm 67 closes with verses 6-7-(TEV)-
"The land has produced its harvest;" (Leviticus 26:3-4)
"GOD OUR GOD HAS BLESSED US. GOD HAS BLESSED US; MAY ALL THE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE HONOR HIM." (Psalm 65:11). We are blessed beyond measure. Amen and Amen!
Then I added Psalm 76 to this part as I found the theme of the destruction of Sennacharib's army by the angels of God at Jerusalem a part of the blessings of God's people. (2 Kings 19:14-16, 19, 34-36)
So we read in Psalm 76:1-3-(CEB)-"God is known in Judah; His Name is Great in Israel." (Psalm 48:1-3)
"His dwelling place becomes Salem; His habitation was Zion." (Salem is a name in shortened form for Jerusalem; Zion referred to the tabernacle which literally in Hebrew refers to a Great Lion's Lair or dwelling place. Only the Almighty is to be "greatly feared." For the righteous the fear is a response of awe, wonder, adoration, and worship. To the unregenerate the fear is a terror of no escape! (Psalm 14:5; Nahum 1:6-7; 2 Chronicles 20:29)
"You pronounce sentence on them from heaven; the earth trembles and stands silently before You." (Psalm 9:7-9; Word of His Glory and JUSTICE spreads to the entire world; Psalm 19:9-11)
"You stand up to punish the evil-doers and to defend the meek of the earth." (Romans 9:14-16)
"Man's futile wrath will bring You Glory. You will use it as an ornament!" (A person's hostility is futile in breaking down the Holy Name of God, as God will only demonstrate His Power and the Glory of His Name in Victory over all evil. (Romans 9:17; EXODUS 11:9-10)
In conclusion we turn to Psalm 76:11-12-(NKJV)-
"Make vows to the Lord YOUR God and pay them;" (Thus is how to worship God in true worship of the Sovereign God of Creation! Make vows=vows of praise, sacrifice and faithful living. Read Psalms 61:5; 66:13; Hebrews 13:15-16; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)
"Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared." (2 Chronicles 32:22-23; Psalm 72:10-11; The ultimate gift is our lives to His service-Romans 12:1)
"He shall cut off the spirit of princes; HE IS AWESOME TO THE KINGS OF THE EARTH." (Psalm 68:31-35)
BLESSED BE GOD! WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE AND WORSHIP!
So join me in HALLELUJAH TO THE GREAT GOD WE SERVE!
Next time...