Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him. - Psalm 67:7 NLT

Psalm 67:7 says, "May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him." This verse captures the essence of the psalmist’s desire for God's continued blessing upon His people, not for their own sake alone, but so that the whole world might come to recognize and revere God. The focus here is on the purpose behind God’s blessings—the spread of His name and the universal acknowledgment of His authority. It is a powerful reminder that God’s blessings are meant to bring about global reverence for His sovereignty.

Authorship and Speaker

Authorship: The exact authorship of Psalm 67 is not definitively known, but it is part of the Psalter, the collection of ancient hymns and prayers used in worship by the people of Israel. Many psalms are attributed to King David, though this particular psalm may have been written by another psalmist, inspired by the desire for God's blessings to extend globally.

Speaker: The speaker in this psalm is a collective voice, likely representing the community of God’s people, who are praying for His continued blessings and for His name to be revered throughout the earth.

Linguistic Analysis, Interpretation, and Etymology

"Bless" (Hebrew: בָּרַךְ - barak): Means to bestow favor, prosperity, or benefits. In this context, the psalmist is asking for God’s ongoing favor and provision, knowing that it is through His blessings that God’s name is made known.

"Ends of the earth" (Hebrew: אַפְסֵי־אָֽרֶץ - afsei aretz): Refers to the farthest reaches of the world. This phrase emphasizes the psalmist’s desire for God’s name to be known universally, not just within Israel, but across all nations.

"Fear" (Hebrew: יָרֵא - yare): Refers to reverence, awe, or respect. The psalmist is not talking about fear in the sense of terror but a deep, reverential respect for God’s majesty and authority.

Exploration of Text

Psalm 67:7 is a beautiful conclusion to a psalm that is focused on God’s blessings and the purpose behind them. Throughout Psalm 67, the psalmist praises God for His favor and provision, recognizing that His blessings lead to the spread of His name and the revelation of His righteousness to all nations. By the time the psalm reaches verse 7, the psalmist's request for blessing is not centered on personal gain or comfort, but rather on the glorification of God’s name throughout the world.

The phrase, "May God bless us still," reflects a desire for God’s continued presence and provision among His people. However, the psalmist connects this blessing to a greater mission: "so that all the ends of the earth will fear him." This line reveals the missional nature of God’s blessings—God’s favor is meant to draw the nations to Him, so that all people will come to recognize His greatness and live in reverential awe of Him.

This verse underscores a deep truth about God’s blessings—they are not simply for personal enrichment or national prosperity. Rather, they are meant to serve a larger, global purpose: to make God’s name known throughout the world. The psalmist envisions a world where the ends of the earth revere God, a vision that aligns with the biblical theme of God’s desire for all nations to know and worship Him (see Isaiah 49:6 and Revelation 7:9).

Psalm 67:7 is also a reflection of the Abrahamic covenant found in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to bless Abraham and make him a blessing to all the families of the earth. The psalmist’s prayer echoes this covenantal promise, affirming that God’s blessings are intended to bring others into relationship with Him. In this way, the blessings of God’s people are not just for their own benefit, but for the sake of the nations.

Cultural Context for Today

In today’s world, people often think of blessings in terms of personal wealth, success, or happiness. However, Psalm 67:7 challenges this individualistic view of blessings. The psalmist reminds us that God’s blessings have a much larger purpose—they are intended to draw others to Him. The blessings we receive are not just for our own comfort, but for the glorification of God’s name across the earth.

This idea runs counter to much of modern culture, where the focus is often on achieving personal success and fulfillment. Psalm 67:7 shifts the focus from personal gain to global impact. It challenges believers to see their blessings as opportunities to reflect God’s goodness to the world, showing others who He is and what He has done.

In an increasingly globalized world, this verse takes on even greater significance. As believers, we are called to use the blessings we receive to make God’s name known to all people, including those from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds. Whether through acts of generosity, sharing the gospel, or serving others, our blessings are meant to point people to the God who provides them.

Furthermore, Psalm 67:7 encourages us to adopt a missional mindset. Rather than seeing ourselves as the sole beneficiaries of God’s blessings, we are to view ourselves as conduits through which God’s grace flows to others. In this way, every blessing we receive—whether financial, relational, or spiritual—becomes an opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God and help others come to know and revere Him.

Application and Reflection

• Teaching Point: God’s blessings are not solely for personal gain but are meant to bring glory to His name and draw others into reverence for Him. As recipients of God’s favor, we are called to use our blessings to make Him known to all nations.
• Questions for Reflection:
  1. How can you use the blessings God has given you to make His name known to those around you? In what ways can you reflect His goodness and bring others into a reverential relationship with Him?
  2. Do you view God’s blessings in your life as opportunities to serve His Kingdom purposes, or are they primarily for your own comfort? How can you shift your perspective to see God’s blessings as part of His global mission?

Practically Picking Up Your Sword

• Use Your Blessings to Bless Others: Reflect on the ways God has blessed you—whether financially, relationally, or spiritually. Seek out ways to share those blessings with others, showing them the love and generosity of God.
• Pray for Global Reverence: Make it a habit to pray that God’s name would be known and revered across the earth. Ask God to use you, and the blessings He has given you, to advance His Kingdom and bring others into a relationship with Him.
• Adopt a Missional Mindset: Look for ways to live missionally in your daily life. Whether it’s through sharing your faith, supporting missionaries, or serving your community, seek to use your resources and influence to make God’s name known to the “ends of the earth.”