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.
Psalms 67:4
Verse 4 broadens praise to include the nations’ gladness and joy, grounded in God’s righteous judgment and governance. The Psalmist speaks of God’s just rule over all land and peoples. “Judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth” echoes the prophetic vision of a king whose justice brings peace. The Selah invites reflection on the implications of righteous leadership for human communities. The verse is both eschatological and present-tense: God’s judgments and governance shape how people live now, but their future hope rests in the same God.
Key themes: divine justice, righteous governance, and the nation-wide impact of God’s leadership. It presents God as the rightful ruler whose governance yields joy, peace, and flourishing for all. The verse aligns with biblical visions of shalom—where order, fairness, and mercy prevail. It also suggests that praise and witness arise from recognizing God’s just rule.
- Support or engage with initiatives that promote justice and fair governance in your community.
- Pray for leaders to govern with righteousness and mercy.
- Reflect on how God’s justice can shape your personal decisions—honesty at work, fair treatment of others, stewardship of resources.
- Use opportunities to promote reconciliation and peace in tense situations, modeling God’s righteous governance.
Cross-References: Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalm 72:1-4; Micah 4:6-7; Revelation 19:11-16