Psalm 67 4

Psalm 67:4 kjv

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Psalm 67:4 nkjv

Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah

Psalm 67:4 niv

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

Psalm 67:4 esv

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

Psalm 67:4 nlt

Let the whole world sing for joy,
because you govern the nations with justice
and guide the people of the whole world. Interlude

Psalm 67 verses

Psalm 67 4 Meaning

Psalm 67:4 expresses a fervent desire and prophetic declaration that all nations of the world should experience profound gladness and joyful singing. This universal rejoicing is grounded in the righteous and just character of God, who actively governs and judges all peoples with perfect fairness and consistently guides the nations on Earth. It paints a picture of humanity finding delight and harmony under the equitable administration of the Divine Sovereign.

Psalm 67 4 Context

Psalm 67 is a communal psalm, likely a liturgical prayer for divine favor and fruitful harvests, interwoven with a deep universal missionary vision. It begins with a prayer for God to "bless us and cause His face to shine upon us" (Ps 67:1) not merely for Israel's benefit, but so that "Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations" (Ps 67:2). Verse 4 expands upon this by inviting the nations to praise God, providing the core reason for their praise: God's righteous and equitable governance of all peoples. The psalm culminates with the renewed promise of divine blessing (vv. 6-7), affirming that God’s universal praise leads to universal flourishing. The historical context reflects Israel’s unique calling as God’s chosen people, meant to be a light to the Gentiles (Isa 49:6), and anticipates the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant's promise that "all the families of the earth will be blessed" through them (Gen 12:3). It also stands in contrast to the unjust and oppressive rule common among ancient human empires.

Psalm 67 4 Word analysis

• Let the nations (לְאֻמִּ֑ים יֶֽאֶבְּח֖וּ - ye'evche'u le'ummim): The term `le'ummim` (nations/peoples) broadly refers to all human groups on earth. The jussive form "Let... be" expresses a hopeful, even commanding, vision for the future universal recognition of God.
• be glad (יִשְׂמְחוּ - yismekhu): Denotes an inward state of joy, delight, and cheerfulness. This gladness stems from an understanding and acceptance of God's just character and reign.
• and sing for joy (וִירַנֵּֽנוּ - virannenun): An outward, often loud, expression of jubilant praise. This combination emphasizes a complete, uninhibited display of happiness and worship.
• for (כִּֽי - ki): A causal conjunction, introducing the reason for the universal joy and praise that the psalmist desires. It points directly to God's attributes and actions.
• you judge (תִּשְׁפּ֥ט - tishpot): From `shaphat` (שָׁפַט), meaning to judge, rule, govern, or administer justice. This is not merely condemnation, but active governance and wise ordering. It signifies God's absolute authority and fairness over all creation. It directly counters pagan notions of capricious gods or arbitrary rulers.
• the peoples (עַמִּ֑ים - ammim): A collective term for groups or peoples, again emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgment and care, not limited to Israel.
• with equity (מֵישָֽׁרִים - mesharim): Meaning straightness, uprightness, fairness, justice, or integrity. It implies that God's decisions and rule are perfectly balanced, without favoritism or corruption. This stands in stark contrast to the often-crooked and biased judgments of human authorities.
• and guide (תַנְחֵם - tanchêm): From `nachah` (נָחָה), meaning to lead, guide, or provide a way. It portrays God as an active, benevolent shepherd who directs nations towards righteousness and peace. It denotes His provident care and deliberate direction.
• the nations (לְאֻמִּים - le'ummim): Reiterates the broad, universal scope of God's direct and purposeful involvement in the affairs of all humanity's geopolitical entities.
• on earth (בָאָֽרֶץ - ba'aretz): Emphasizes the global dimension. God's rule is not just celestial but immanent, impacting the real-world conditions of human societies.
• Selah (סֶלָה - Selah): A common musical or liturgical notation in the Psalms, instructing the reader or musician to pause and reflect on the profound truth just stated. Here, it marks the importance and theological depth of God's universal, righteous reign.

• "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy": This phrase conveys a passionate aspiration for a future where universal praise flows from profound, internal delight. It envisions a state of harmony and joy brought about by divine intervention. This universal, joyful worship is the ultimate outcome of God's plan.
• "for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations on earth": This foundational statement provides the irrefutable rationale for global celebration. God’s exercise of judgment (deciding, ordering) and guidance (leading, directing) is universally applied and characterized by perfect justice and moral integrity. This describes His constant, active sovereignty over the world, bringing order and purpose.

Psalm 67 4 Bonus section

• The progression from God's blessing Israel (vv. 1-2) to His name being known globally, culminating in the nations' praise (vv. 3-5), underscores that Israel’s particular election serves a universal redemptive purpose.
• The concept of God's "judgment" (שָׁפַט - shaphat) in this context primarily refers to His role as the wise and just ruler who sets things right and maintains order, rather than solely a condemnatory verdict. It is His divine management of world affairs.
• The Psalm 67 is traditionally sung in Christian services during the season of Pentecost, emphasizing the Spirit-empowered mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to "all nations" and bring about this universal gladness and worship of God.

Psalm 67 4 Commentary

Psalm 67:4 presents a majestic vision of universal joy rooted in the recognition of God's impeccable character as the supreme Judge and Guide of all nations. The psalm invites the world, not just Israel, to embrace profound happiness because the governance under which humanity exists is ultimately and completely equitable. This joy is not a coerced obedience, but a spontaneous, exuberant response to God’s fairness and integrity in His administration of human affairs. He does not rule capriciously or partially, but always with mesharim, perfect uprightness and balance, and He actively naches, guides nations along paths of righteousness. This truth offers comfort to the oppressed and a divine blueprint for righteous governance, implying that when human authorities emulate God's justice, they align with the divine order, fostering flourishing for all. Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the Messianic Kingdom, where Christ's reign perfectly embodies this equitable judgment and benevolent guidance, inspiring global adoration.