Footnotes

1. Psalm 67:1 This psalm recounts the assembly of the people for the Feast of the Harvest (see Ex 23:16; Lev 26:4) and their prayers of praise to God. They recall first all that he has done in Israel; the abundance of the fruits of the earth is like a new sign of his power and goodness. And more and more, they want the whole world to take part in this thanksgiving to God. The Lord is no longer merely the God of Israel; he is the Master and Judge of the whole world and all its peoples.
   This psalm enables us to thank God for his material blessings on us. However, it also reminds us to ask God to continue to shower upon us his spiritual blessings so as to elicit admiration, envy, and divine praises even from nonbelievers.
2. Psalm 67:1 For the director: these words are thought to be a musical or liturgical notation.
3. Psalm 67:2 This verse was inspired by the priestly blessing (see Ps 31:17; Num 6:24-26). Face shine upon us: a radiant face is the sign of a joyous and benevolent heart (see Pss 4:7; 31:17; 44:4; 80:4; 119:135; see also note on Ps 13:2).
4. Psalm 67:3 The history of the chosen people is a lesson that God gives to the pagan nations, enabling them to discover his power and goodness. They too are called to serve the one God and must join their praises to those of God’s people. The refrain of the psalm (vv. 4, 6) insists on the universalism that the Prophets (see Jer 33:9), especially Second Isaiah, have impressed on the religious conscience of Israel. Many psalms bear witness to this spirit.
5. Psalm 67:5 The psalmist prays that the nations may see the goodness of God’s rule and respond with joy and praise (see Pss 98:4-6; 100:1).