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Book of Psalms - Chapter 67 - Verse 1

67:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

Meaning

Psalm 67 begins with the phrase "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song." This indicates that the psalm was written to be sung or played with musical accompaniment, under the direction of the chief Musician. The verse "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah." is a prayer for God's mercy, blessing, and favor to be upon the people. The request for God's mercy shows a recognition of human need and dependence on God's grace. The desire for God's blessing reflects a longing for prosperity, success, and well-being that only God can provide. The phrase "cause his face to shine upon us" is a symbolic way of asking for God's presence, favor, and protection to be with the people. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse indicates a pause for reflection or meditation on the words just spoken, encouraging the reader to consider the significance of the prayer for mercy and blessing from God.

Theological Overview

The verse "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah." provides a beautiful expression of a deep longing for God's mercy and blessings. In a theological interpretation, this verse is seen as a plea for God's favor and grace to be upon the people. The use of the term "Neginoth" indicates that this psalm was to be sung with stringed instruments, adding a musical element to the petition for mercy and blessings. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse is believed to signify a musical interlude or a pause for reflection, allowing the listener to meditate on the words spoken. In a word study, the term "mercy" carries the connotation of God's loving-kindness and compassion towards his people, while the phrase "cause his face to shine upon us" symbolizes God's favor and approval. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's mercy and blessings in our lives.

American Standard Version

[For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm, a Song]. God be merciful unto us, and bless us, [And] cause his face to shine upon us; {{Selah
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