A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 67:3-4

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”   

Psalm 67:3-4 “May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.  May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.  Selah.”

Meditation

Over the past century, a succession of unjust rulers have dominated the headlines, people like Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Mao Tse Tung, Adolph Hitler and others. Millions died at their hands, and those who survived had horror stories to tell.

In contrast, God has governed the peoples of the earth with equity and justice. His rules are perfectly-written and publicly-proclaimed. Fair and merciful in his judgments, it can truly be said: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12)

Heaven gets even better! We will see Him face to face.  His perfect love will cast out any remaining fear, freeing us to worship him as never before.  As representatives from all nations sing for joy in perfect harmony, our pure praise will fill the far reaches of the heavens—at last!

 

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 33:12; Hebrews 13:8; I John 4:16-21; Luke 1:47; John 4:23; I John 4:18

A String of Selah Pearls (continued)

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.”

Psalm 9:20 “Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah”

Meditation:

Put them in their place, O LORD, these big-shot nations that have forgotten they are mere mortals.

God has given the nations a long leash. Like unruly dogs, they have pulled their tethers out as far as they will go—and strain against them. The Master holds tight. At any given moment, he can pull those tethers, reminding the unruly he is firmly in control.

It is only because God is patient and long-suffering that he has not yanked the nations back into line. But he will.

At the appointed time, when the heavens are full, resounding with praises for the Lamb that was slain, the nations will be brought to judgment. And they will see themselves for what they are—just a bunch of rebels who, like everyone else, put their pants on one leg at a time.

SELAH

Look up: Matthew 25:31-33, 46; Psalm 2:1-5; 110:5-6; Revelation 20:7-15