May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.1 Selah
There were five compilations or books of Psalm in its original—(Book 1, Chapter 1-41; Book 2, 42-72; Book 3, 73-89; Book 4, 90-106; and Book 5, 107-150)2 Psalm 42-72 is a compilation of the Hope for the Messianic Kingdom3 (King David may also have written Psalm 67). The Psalmist pleas for God’s graciousness, blessing, and intimacy. He acknowledges that he cannot attain God’s favor through his own effort.4
God’s grace, blessing, favor, or miracles results in God being lifted up—that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.5 We need God’s saving power; left to ourselves, we are helpless. Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. . .6 And no one is sinless.7 Thus, our need for a Savior. Precisely, Jesus Christ came, died, and rose to fulfill our salvation; “It is finished”8—through him we are justified,9 redeemed,10 accepted,11 and adopted.12 As it was written in the Book of Isaiah, And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.13
For this reason we raise our voices; we sing for joy; we rejoice in God. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!14 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth.15 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.16
God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!17 As we align our will with God’s will, and learn to say NO to ungodliness,18 we experience the peace of God that goes beyond understanding.19 We gain a confidence and an assurance that God hears us.20 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.21 Put off the old self and put on the new. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.22
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.23
Notes:
1. Psalm 67:1
2. https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/
3. https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/#psalms-42-72-summary
4. Romans 9:16
5. Psalm 67:2
6. John 8:34-37
7. Romans 3:23-26
8. John 19:30
9. Galatians 2:16
10. Colossians 1:12-14
11. Ephesians 1:6
12. Ephesians 1:5
13. Isaiah 11:2-3a
14. Psalm 67:3,5
15. Psalm 67:4,
16. Psalm 16:11
17. Psalm 67:7
18. Titus 2:12
19. Philippians 4:7
20. 1 John 5:14-15
21. Proverbs 9:10
22. 2 Corinthians 5:17
23. Malachi 4:2-3
