These notes are based on the NASB text.

What is the background of Psalm 67?
The psalm does not identify its writer. We can however, gather from its text that it was a psalm used in connection with the harvest. It was probably sung at the Feast of Tabernacles (see Leviticus 23:34 and Deuteronomy 16:13-17) celebrated at the time of harvest in commemoration of the wilderness wanderings.

67:1  God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us–      [Selah]
67:2  That Thy way may be known on the earth,
Thy salvation among all nations.

The psalm begins with the blessing of Aaron found in Numbers 6:24-26. It is a blessing asking for divine favor and means “may God be pleased with us.” One result of Israel being blessed was the spread of God’s message of salvation. The psalmist expressed his concern that the whole earth know God’s way and salvation. This verse anticipates the worldwide spread of the Gospel.

Practical Consideration: We should desire that all people everywhere know God’s ways and salvation.
The concern of the psalmist was that the Lord bless Israel that the nation might, in turn, be a blessing to the world. His desire was that the entire world know and understand the ways and salvation of God. We too, have a responsibility to be a blessing to the world. We should be concerned about the spread of the Gospel in our world today. We should earnestly work toward the end that all men everywhere might have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel message.

67:3  Let the peoples praise Thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise Thee.
67:4  Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For Thou wilt judge the peoples with uprightness,
And guide the nations on the earth.        [Selah]
67:5  Let the peoples praise Thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise Thee.

These verses describe what happens when the message of salvation is heard and accepted by all “the peoples” of the world. Those peoples who have accepted God’s salvation are happy to have Him as their judge, that is, their Leader or Sovereign. The psalmist called on “the peoples” to praise God.

67:6  The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.

It is the Lord who provides the harvest and blesses His people.

67:7  God blesses us,
That the ends of the earth may fear Him.

Israel’s role was to call people to God. The psalmist asked God to bless Israel that Israel might, in turn, be a blessing to the world.