Psalm 86:9

All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

Study Bible

All the nations You have made
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty as the Creator of all nations. It reflects the biblical teaching that God is the origin of every nation and people group, as seen in Genesis 10, which details the Table of Nations. This universality underscores the idea that God's authority and creative power extend over the entire earth, not just Israel. Theologically, it points to the inclusivity of God's plan for salvation, which is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.

will come and bow before You, O Lord
This phrase prophesies a future time when all nations will recognize and submit to God's authority. It is reminiscent of Philippians 2:10-11, where it is declared that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Historically, this reflects the eschatological hope found in the Old Testament, where the nations are envisioned as coming to worship the God of Israel (Isaiah 2:2-4). Culturally, bowing is a sign of reverence and submission, indicating that all people will ultimately acknowledge God's supremacy.

and they will glorify Your name
The glorification of God's name signifies the acknowledgment of His holiness, power, and majesty. In biblical context, God's name represents His character and essence. This phrase aligns with the prophetic vision in Isaiah 60:1-3, where nations are drawn to the light of God's glory. It also connects to the worship scenes in Revelation, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation praise God (Revelation 7:9-10). This universal worship fulfills the Abrahamic promise that through his descendants, all nations of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3), ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel.

2. Nations
Refers to all the peoples and ethnic groups of the world. In the context of this verse, it emphasizes the universal recognition and worship of God.

3. God (Yahweh)
The one true God, Creator of all nations, who is worthy of worship and glorification by all peoples.

Teaching Points

Universal Worship
God's plan includes the worship of all nations, highlighting His sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is the Creator of all nations, and His authority extends over all the earth. This should inspire awe and reverence in our worship.

Mission and Evangelism
As believers, we are called to participate in God's mission by sharing the Gospel, so that all nations may come to know and worship Him.

Unity in Diversity
The vision of all nations worshiping together points to the unity that can be found in Christ, transcending cultural and ethnic differences.

Hope for the Future
This verse provides hope and assurance that God's plan will be accomplished, and His glory will be recognized by all.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of all nations worshiping God influence your understanding of God's sovereignty and His plan for the world?

2. In what ways can you participate in God's mission to bring the Gospel to all nations, as suggested by this verse?

3. How does the theme of unity in diversity, as seen in this verse, challenge you to engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of awe in worship. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's sovereignty in your daily life?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 15:4, enhance your understanding of the universal worship of God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 15:4
This verse echoes the theme of all nations coming to worship God, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan for universal worship.

Philippians 2:10-11
These verses speak of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, connecting to the idea of universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Isaiah 66:23
This prophecy speaks of all flesh coming to worship before God, reinforcing the theme of global worship.