May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah May God be gracious to usThe phrase begins with a plea for divine grace, a central theme in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew word for "gracious" is "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys a sense of favor and mercy. This request for grace reflects the Israelites' understanding of their dependence on God's benevolence. Historically, this plea would resonate deeply with the Israelites, who often found themselves in need of God's intervention and favor, whether in times of wandering, warfare, or exile. Theologically, it underscores the belief that all blessings flow from God's unmerited favor. and bless us
The Hebrew word for "bless" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which means to kneel, to praise, or to bless. In the ancient Near Eastern context, blessings were seen as powerful words that could shape reality. The request for blessing is not just for material prosperity but also for spiritual well-being and divine protection. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are a sign of God's faithfulness and presence. and cause His face to shine upon us
This phrase is a poetic expression of God's favor and presence. The imagery of God's face shining is rooted in the Hebrew word "אוֹר" (or), meaning light. It evokes the idea of God's countenance bringing life, guidance, and protection. In the ancient world, a shining face was a sign of approval and goodwill. This imagery is reminiscent of the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, where God's face shining upon His people signifies peace and grace. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His people, where His presence is both a source of comfort and a guiding light. Selah
This term, often found in the Psalms, is of uncertain meaning but is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause. It invites the reader or listener to pause and reflect on the preceding words. In the context of Psalm 67:1, "Selah" serves as a moment to meditate on the profound request for God's grace, blessing, and presence. It encourages believers to internalize the significance of these divine gifts and to respond with gratitude and reverence. The use of "Selah" highlights the importance of contemplation in worship and the need to acknowledge God's active role in the lives of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, whose grace and blessing are sought by the psalmist. The psalmist desires God's favor and presence. 2. The PsalmistThe author of the psalm, who is expressing a communal prayer for God's grace and blessing upon the people. 3. IsraelWhile not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that the prayer is for the nation of Israel, seeking God's favor and blessing. 4. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, emphasizing the importance of the preceding request. Teaching Points Seeking God's Grace and BlessingAs believers, we are encouraged to continually seek God's grace and blessing in our lives, recognizing our dependence on His favor. The Importance of God's PresenceThe request for God's face to shine upon us signifies a desire for His presence and approval, which should be central to our spiritual lives. Reflecting on God's GoodnessThe use of "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the magnitude of God's grace and the blessings He bestows upon us. Communal Prayer and IntercessionThis verse exemplifies the power of communal prayer, as the psalmist prays on behalf of the people, reminding us to intercede for others. Living in the Light of God's FavorUnderstanding that God's face shining upon us means living in His light, which should influence our actions and attitudes daily. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the request for God's grace and blessing in Psalm 67:1 relate to your personal prayer life? 2. In what ways can you seek to experience God's presence more fully, as suggested by the phrase "cause His face to shine upon us"? 3. How does the concept of "Selah" encourage you to pause and reflect on God's goodness in your life? 4. How can you incorporate communal prayer and intercession into your spiritual practices, following the example of the psalmist? 5. What practical steps can you take to live in the light of God's favor, and how does this influence your interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 6:24-26This passage contains the Aaronic blessing, which similarly asks for God's blessing and for His face to shine upon His people, highlighting a consistent theme of seeking divine favor. Exodus 33:18-23Moses asks to see God's glory, and God responds by allowing His goodness to pass before Moses. This connection emphasizes the desire for God's presence and favor. 2 Corinthians 4:6Paul speaks of God shining in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory, connecting the idea of God's face shining upon us with the revelation of His glory in Christ. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bless, 67, Blessing, Cause, Chief, Choirmaster, Corded, Face, Favour, Gracious, Gt, Instruments, Leader, Lt, Merciful, Mercy, Music, Musician, Music-maker, Neginoth, Overseer, Psalm, Selah, Shine, Shining, Song, Stringed, String-musicDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 67:1 1070 God, joy of
1255 face of God
4835 light, spiritual
5150 face Psalm 67: 5420 music
5421 musical instruments
7963 song Psalm 67:1-4 7949 mission, of Israel Library God of Mercy, God of Grace
[1188]Heathlands: Henry Smart, 1866 Psalm 67 Henry F. Lyte, 1834 DOXOLOGY God of mercy, God of grace, Show the brightness of thy face; Shine upon us, Savior, shine, Fill thy Church with light divine; And thy saving health extend Unto earth's remotest end. Let the people praise thee, Lord; Be by all that live adored; Let the nations shout and sing Glory to their Savior King; At thy feet their tribute pay, And thy holy will obey. Let the people praise thee, Lord; Earth shall then her fruits afford; …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USATwenty-Seventh Day that God's People May Realise their Calling
WHAT TO PRAY.--That God's People may Realise their Calling "I will bless thee; and be thou a blessing: in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."--GEN. xii. 2, 3. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations."--PS. lxvii. 1, 2. Abraham was only blessed that he might be a blessing to all the earth. Israel prays for blessing, that God may be known among all nations. …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should Return to Himself, Lest Either his Life or his Preaching Lift Him Up.
But since often, when preaching is abundantly poured forth in fitting ways, the mind of the speaker is elevated in itself by a hidden delight in self-display, great care is needed that he may gnaw himself with the laceration of fear, lest he who recalls the diseases of others to health by remedies should himself swell through neglect of his own health; lest in helping others he desert himself, lest in lifting up others he fall. For to some the greatness of their virtue has often been the occasion …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Letter Xlii to the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey De Perrone, and his Comrades.
To the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey de Perrone, and His Comrades. He pronounces the youths noble because they purpose to lead the religious life, and exhorts them to perseverance. To his beloved sons, Geoffrey and his companions, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes the spirit of counsel and strength. 1. The news of your conversion that has got abroad is edifying many, nay, is making glad the whole Church of God, so that The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad (Ps. xcvi. 11), and every tongue …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 67:1 NIVPsalm 67:1 NLTPsalm 67:1 ESVPsalm 67:1 NASBPsalm 67:1 KJV
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