God's Purpose in Poetry

Psalm 67

1 God be gracious to us and bless us,
and cause His face to shine upon us. Selah.

2 That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise You, O God.
Let all the peoples praise You.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
for You will judge the peoples with uprightness
and guide the nations on the earth. Selah.

5 Let the peoples praise You. O God.
Let all the peoples praise You.

6 The earth has yielded its produce.
God, our God, blesses us.

7 God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

* For People: Blessing. (verses 1-2, 6-7)
God blessing His people in order to make His salvation known to all the world.

* Toward God: Glory in Worship. (verses 3 & 5)
"God-ward" aspect of God's purpose in the worship of all the peoples.

* Against Evil: His Kingdom. (verse 4)
God will not only deal redemptively against evil, he will also bring about a
relationship that guides the nations to live under His kingdom rule.

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, Steven Hawthorne)