📅 February 5: Psalm 66, 67: Calls to Praise and Blessings for All Nations

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February 5: Psalm 66, 67: Calls to Praise and Blessings for All Nations

Introduction:

Psalm 66 and 67 are wonderful expressions of joy, gratitude, and the universal hope of God’s blessings. Psalm 66 invites all nations to join in praise of God’s marvelous deeds and powerful acts, while Psalm 67 implores God to bless us and make His face shine upon us, that His ways may be known on earth and His salvation among all nations.

Psalm 66: A Universal Call to Praise

Psalm 66 opens with a lively and exuberant call to praise God, to “shout for joy to God, all the earth!” (66:1) The psalmist recounts God’s mighty acts and wondrous works, like the parting of the Red Sea and leading his people through the Jordan River to the promised land.

Key Verse: “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” (66:5)

Psalm 67: Blessings and Praise

Psalm 67 starts with a beautiful prayer: “God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us–Selah”. It is a call for God’s blessing, not just for Israel, but for all nations.

Key Verse: “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.” (67:3)

Key Themes and Reflections:

Two major themes are present in these psalms: the universal call to praise, and the hope for divine blessing on all nations. These texts emphasize that God’s love and mercy are not restricted to any one group or people; they extend to all the earth. It serves as a beautiful reminder for us today, especially at a time when the world seems more divided than ever, that we are all part of God’s larger plan and loved unconditionally by Him.

Today’s Application:

The call for praise in these Psalms encourages us to register God’s blessings in our everyday lives, to show gratitude, and to share His love and mercy with those around us. Let us take time today to recognize His blessings and share His message of love with those around us.

Hidden Gem:

Interestingly, the opening verse of Psalm 67 closely mirrors the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, highlighting the deep continuity between the Old Testament and the Psalms.

Reflective Q&A:

How does the call to universal praise in Psalm 66 resonate with you today?
A: It reminds us that no matter our circumstances, we continually have reasons to offer praise and Thanksgiving to God.

How can we take Psalm 67’s blessing to heart in our daily lives?
A: It encourages us to remain aware of God’s blessings in our lives and to show grace and kindness to others.

What message does the universal theme of these Psalms convey to us in modern times?
A: They communicate a profound truth that God’s love, mercy, and blessings are meant for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, or background.

Join the Discussion:

Share your reflections on Psalm 66 and 67 and how they have spoken to you today. We’d love to hear your experiences and insights on these beautiful Psalms of praise and blessing.

See You Tomorrow:

Join us as we continue our journey through the Psalms, delving into Psalm 68. Expect soaring choruses of praise, a reflection of God’s divine justice, and poetic imagery to inspire and uplift you.

Praise to our wonderful God! Stay blessed.

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Psalms 66,67
This song of thanksgiving is divided into two main sections, incorporating both communal and individual songs. It is called the Psalm of Resurrection (Septuagint), to commemorate the gathering of the nation from the darkness of Egypt, and elevation of the people called to become Yahweh’s Son delivered from Egypt. Psalm 66 represents the spirit of joy because of Yahweh’s work of salvation; it looks beyond the trials and stresses of the present, to the joyous harmony with the Eternal Spirit. • Psalm 66 commences with a stanza of public praise: vv. 1-12; then follows private devotion: vv. 13-20. Notice the repetition of the private pronouns: I, my, me, in this section. It is the voice of Christ, as the Victor for his people, and in whom his community finds salvation. The rejoicing is in the great offerings listed in v. 15. The ‘fatlings’ are related to the burnt offerings, which means ‘that which ascends,’ and points to our preparation for acceptable service. The incense of rams speaks of prayer in action, given as a sweet smelling savour. The bullocks, as heavy beasts, represent consistent labour at the plough; thus the constant, slogging work of education, strengthening oneself, family and ecclesia in the work of the Truth. The he-goats speak of maturity, experience and guidance for the herd. Thus providing good direction and example. Thus these elements of sacrifice are those in which the Deity is especially pleased, and represent the offering for the Great Prince for his people. So we can “shout for joy,” for the enemy is vanquished, our hope anticipated, our vows strengthened, and joy is experienced. “Selah!”. • Psalm 67 is a song of universal praise to God. It is appropriate to the time of the divine blessing upon David at the giving of the covenant in 2Samuel 7. So the song reveals • [1] An appeal that divine glory be revealed to the nations: vv. 1-2. • [2] An appeal to all nations to acknowledge Israel’s God: vv. 3-4. • [3] Millennial blessings: vv. 5-7. It is therefore expressive of the glory and peace of the millennium; a grand picture of the whole world rejoicing in happiness that will flood upon the world. Whatever our past might have brought about, we can rejoice in the future anticipation of blessing, when we shall, in divine mercy, enter the gates of the house of God, and see the antitypical Ark of the Covenant in all his beauty. “Let us praise Thee, O Elohim of saints; let all the people praise Thee” (Psa. 67:5). — Logos