Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2628 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re embarking on a radiant trek through Psalm 67 in the New Living Translation.
This psalm is a beautiful and concise prayer and song of praise, brimming with hope for God’s blessing to extend far beyond the borders of one nation and encompass the entire world. It’s a vision that was truly revolutionary in the ancient world, where most people believed in tribal or national gods. The Israelites, however, had a God whose plan from the beginning involved the blessing of all peoples on earth.
Psalm 67 is closely linked to the ancient Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, a blessing that was a cornerstone of Israelite worship and a powerful declaration of God’s favor and protection. As we explore these verses, we’ll see how the psalmist expands on this priestly blessing, envisioning its impact reaching the farthest corners of the globe.
Let’s begin our trek by reading the first two verses of Psalm 67:
(Reads Psalm 67:1-2 NLT)
May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.
Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm opens with a prayer that would have been instantly recognizable to any Israelite: “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.” This echoes the ancient priestly blessing. “May God be merciful” acknowledges their dependence on God’s grace and compassion. It’s a recognition that any blessing they receive is not earned, but flows from God’s character.
The phrase, “May his face smile with favor on us,” is a rich and powerful image in the ancient Near East. In many cultures, the king’s face symbolized his disposition towards his subjects. A frowning or hidden face could indicate displeasure or rejection, while a smiling or shining face conveyed favor, acceptance, and warmth. For God’s face to “smile with favor” on His people meant they were experiencing His approval, His presence, and His active goodness in their lives. It was a desire for tangible evidence of God’s blessing – prosperity, protection, peace, and fruitfulness.
Think about the feeling of someone you admire deeply looking at you with warmth and approval. It’s uplifting, affirming, and empowering. How much more so is it when the Creator of the universe, the King of all kings, looks upon you with favor? For an Israelite, this was the ultimate source of security and well-being.
The “Interlude” here, like the “Selah” in Psalm 66, likely indicates a pause for reflection or a musical transition. It’s a moment to absorb the weight of this prayer for divine blessing and favor.
But the psalmist doesn’t stop with a prayer solely for the blessing of Israel. The very next verses reveal the profound purpose behind this request: “May your ways be known...
