God is Good

“The earth shall yield its increase; and God, our own God, shall bless us.” (Psalms 67:6)

There is a difference in this verse that presents quite a different meaning. In the Modern King James version that I use the first word which is in the original King James version is missing. In the MKJ version verse 6 states that the earth will yield its increase. It makes it seem that it will do so automatically and seems separated from the previous verse. “Let the peoples give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” (Psalms 67:5)

In the KJ version, verse six is connected to verse 5 by the first word which has been omitted in the MKJ version. “Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” (Psalms 67:6) Verse 6 is connected to verse 5 and is conditional on verse 5. The word “then” is italicized which means it was added for clarity and was not in the original manuscript. What we have in this instance as in other translations, is the translator’s inserting their understanding instead of letting the text explain itself. As I study the Scriptures in a few languages, this becomes more frequently evident and provides some difficulty in understanding what the Holy Spirit actually told the writers to write.

So our Scripture of study, Psalms 67:6, is independent of verse 5. We still understand that it’s God Who blesses us with the increase of the earth, but it’s not dependent on our actions whether good or bad, but on a merciful God which is the theme of this psalm. As we have studied, being good or bad is dependent on our relationship with our God and our nature, whether it has been changed by being born again or whether it has not been changed by death of the old sinful man. In this dispensation of grace, God is merciful to the sinner, His enemy. “Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

The last phrase of Psalms 67: 6, “God shall bless us,” is repeated in verse 7. “God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” (Psalms 67:7) This connects the Scriptures. This verse may be related to Romans 2:4. It is the riches of His goodness, tolerance and patience which leads the unrepentant sinner to repent and reverence God for His mercy and goodness.

In this dispensation of grace, God is ready to receive those who repent of their sin and believe on the gift He provides for salvation from the wrath of God, through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the Promised One, Messiah, Who took our sin and suffered the consequences of sin, which is death for us. “(For He says, "In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation, I helped you;" Behold, now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2Corinthians 6:2)

I met a girl who knew the Truth and yet was reluctant to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was struggling and did not understand that she was trying to provide for herself on her own, with her own limited resources, power and knowledge. Every day was a crisis and needed manipulation on her part to get what she needed for her needs. She trusted in herself and refused to surrender to the Lord. And yes, the Lord was merciful to her, but her life was such a burden to her physically, mentally and spiritually that it made her sick. There were days she couldn’t get out of bed. Sometimes we may fall into that pit, thinking if we only did thus and so, we could have this and that. But that is a lie from the pit of hell. What we need to do is surrender to God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) This doesn’t mean we do nothing. It has to do with our heart. Do we seek Him above all things? Then we can do what we can. We don’t have to worry if we will have something to eat or clothes to wear. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32) If our heart is more concerned about our relationship with God rather than if we will have something to eat or with what we will wear, He will provide. We just do what needs to be done and not worry about it, whether it’s a job, applying for assistance or whatever it is we have to do to help ourselves. God will prosper it and provide. God will take care of us. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.” (Matthew 6:34)

Psalms 67:6 speaks to us of God’s provision. It’s independent of us and depends on God’s goodness, patience and mercy. It causes the sinner to turn to Him because He is good.