Psalms 67:4
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽשְׂמְח֥וּ
be glad
H8055
יִֽשְׂמְח֥וּ
be glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 11
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
וִֽירַנְּנ֗וּ
and sing for joy
H7442
וִֽירַנְּנ֗וּ
and sing for joy
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
for thou shalt judge
H8199
תִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
for thou shalt judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
5 of 11
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
עַמִּ֣ים
the people
H5971
עַמִּ֣ים
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִישֹׁ֑ר
righteously
H4334
מִישֹׁ֑ר
righteously
Strong's:
H4334
Word #:
7 of 11
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
Cross References
Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Psalms 9:8And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.Psalms 82:6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.Isaiah 55:4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.Psalms 2:8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.Galatians 4:27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Historical Context
Written when Israel often suffered under unjust foreign powers, this psalm affirms that God's righteous governance supersedes all earthly authorities. His judgment is both present (providential guidance) and future (final assize).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to judge righteously affect your response to injustice in the world?
- What does it mean practically that God 'governs' the nations—how does His sovereignty work through and despite human governments?
- How can you cultivate joy that's rooted in God's character rather than dependent on favorable circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
The call for nations to 'be glad and sing for joy' grounds joy in God's character as righteous judge and shepherd. 'Thou shalt judge the people righteously' promises impartial justice—God shows no favoritism based on nationality, wealth, or status (Deuteronomy 10:17). 'Govern the nations upon earth' asserts God's sovereign rule over all political powers. This provides comfort to the oppressed and warning to oppressors: ultimate justice comes from God's throne, not human courts.