What does Psalm 67:3 reveal about God's desire for global worship? Setting the Scene in Psalm 67 Psalm 67 is a short, mission-minded hymn. Israel sings for God’s favor so “Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” (v. 2). Verse 3 repeats twice within the psalm, forming its heartbeat. Key Observation from Psalm 67 :3 “Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” God’s Desire for Global Worship • “Peoples” (plural) signals every ethnic group, not just Israel. • “All the peoples” stresses God’s inclusive scope—none are outside His invitation. • The verb “let” carries the tone of a longing imperative: God yearns for, and commands, worldwide praise. • By placing this petition at the center and again at the close (v. 5), the psalmist highlights God’s global agenda as the central theme, not a side note. Echoes Across Scripture • Genesis 12 :3 — God promises Abraham, “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Global praise grows out of global blessing. • Isaiah 49 :6 — The Servant is made “a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” • Malachi 1 :11 — “My name will be great among the nations… and in every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My name.” • Matthew 28 :19 — Jesus commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” • Revelation 7 :9-10 — A redeemed multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” stands before the throne, fulfilling Psalm 67’s vision. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Church • Mission is rooted in worship: we invite the nations to do what God created them to do—praise Him. • Prayer that mirrors Psalm 67 :3 keeps us aligned with God’s global heart. • Supporting cross-cultural outreach and welcoming immigrants at home are both applications of “all the peoples.” • When local congregations sing songs of the nations, support missionaries, and celebrate conversions across cultures, they join the psalmist in voicing God’s own desire. |
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