Here we have, (1.) David's prayer for the church of Israel, ver. 1. (2.) His supplication for the comforting, and praise-producing spread of the gospel among the Gentiles, ver. 2-5. (3.) His believing prospect of the divine blessings, and true piety, which should attend the same, ver.6-7.
While I sing, let me request the salvation of Israel. Let me supplicate the gathering of the nations to Shiloh. Let me praise the Lord, that already this great work is begun; and that the Lord, who is mighty, shall finish it in his time.
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.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
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.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
FIRST VERSION (S.M.)
1 Lord, bless and pity us,
shine on us with thy face:
2 That th' earth thy way, and nations all
may know thy saving grace.
3 Let people praise thee, Lord;
let people all thee praise.
4 O let the nations be glad,
in songs their voices raise:
Thou'lt justly people judge,
on earth rule nations all.
5 Let people praise thee, Lord; let them
praise thee, both great and small.
6 The earth her fruit shall yield,
our God shall blessing send.
7 God shall us bless; men shall him fear
unto earth's utmost end.
SECOND VERSION (C.M.)
1 Lord, unto us be merciful,
do thou us also bless;
And graciously cause shine on us
the brightness of thy face:
2 That so thy way upon the earth
to all men may be known;
Also among the nations all
thy saving health be shown.
3 O let the people praise thee, Lord;
let people all thee praise.
4 O let the nations be glad,
and sing for joy always:
For rightly thou shalt people judge,
and nations rule on earth.
5 Let people praise thee, Lord; let all
the folk praise thee with mirth.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase;
God, our God, bless us shall.
7 God shall us bless; and of the earth
the ends shall fear him all.
Eternal God, the Father of all lights, without the knowledge of whom, we are more miserable than the very brute beasts: extend thy blessing over us, and make that thy most holy name may be known throughout the whole earth, and may be worshipped of all people and nations: to the intent, that all men feeling thy merciful benediction, may walk in thy fear, as we are taught by Jesus Christ, thy Son.