Israel Blesses the Nations (vv. 1-2). This prayer asks God to bless Israel so that His ways (laws) and His salvation might be known (“experienced personally”) throughout the world. It’s adapted from the High Priestly Prayer in Numbers 6:24-26, with the psalmist using Elohim instead of Jehovah. (Other references to this prayer are 4:6; 29:11; 31:16; 80:3, 7, 19.) The glory of God was an important part of Israel’s heritage (Rom. 9:1-5), for God’s glory led Israel through the wilderness and rested over the tabernacle wherever the nation camped. To have the light of God’s countenance smile upon them was the height of Israel’s blessing, and to lose that glory meant judgment (1 Sam. 4, especially vv. 21-22). The prophet Ezekiel watched the glory depart before the temple was destroyed (Ezek. 8:4; 9:3; 10:4, 18; 11:22-23). God’s people today have God’s glory within (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 4:6); and in our good works, godly character, and loving ministry we should reveal that glory to the world (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16). In the same manner, Israel was to be a light and a blessing to the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:6-7; Acts 13:47). Israel gave us the knowledge of the true and living God, the Word of God, and the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.