Shine Upon Us – Psalm 67

Take a listen to a priest in Israel today, at the wailing wall in Jerusalem, singing the Aaronic and priestly blessing over the people.  This is the blessing incorporated by the psalmist in his psalm, the blessing requested by him for a very special purpose.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah   that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah   Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us.  God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!  (Psalm 67 ESV)

Israel invokes the priestly blessing Aaron and all high priests were to pronounce on God’s people (Numbers 6:22-27), asking God to bless and shine His face upon them.  The goal of that is not strictly selfish, but so that God’s people might make Him known among all nations, that He is savior of all.  If the nations recognize this then they too will be full of joy for God’s righteous rule over them.  He is the One who gives the earth its increase so all the earth should revere Him.