Psalm 67

Read Psalm 67 ESV

Who - An unnamed psalmist speaking to the LORD, the people of Israel and the nations.  

What - The Psalmist writes a praise song to be sung by a choir during the temple worship along with instruments.  It is a mixture off praise and Thanksgiving.

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - To ask the LORD to bless the nation of Israel and the nations through Israel.  He also wants the people to see the gracious goodness of the LORD and praise the LORD for it.

How - In the opening verse the Psalmist asks the LORD to bless them, by saying “make His face shine upon us.”  The Psalmist repeats the chorus, “Let the peoples praise you, oh God; let all the peoples praise you!”  The Psalmist asks the LORD to bless the nation, so that all nations would know the LORD’s saving power.  The Psalmist then talks to the nations, hoping that they would see the LORD is guiding them and He judges them.  The Psalmist finishes with a request that parallels the opening request:  For the LORD to bless His people and in that blessing all the earth would fear Him.  

So What 

1. We should sing and praise the LORD with musical instruments for His goodness to us.  
2. We should ask the LORD to bless us, but with the right motives, so His ways may be known on the earth and so the nations know the LORD’s saving power.  
3. The LORD blesses by making His face shine upon His person/peoples.  We are not blessed by material blessings, though these are blessed gifts from God, we are blessed by His face shining upon us.