Sung to stringed instruments in Israel's worship, this song takes up the ancient priestly blessing—'God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us'—and turns it outward toward the nations. The congregation asks God to bless His people for a larger purpose: that His way may be known upon earth and His saving health among all nations, with the twice-sung refrain, 'Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.' As the earth yields her increase, the psalm looks for all the ends of the earth to fear Him. Placed among the prayers of God's worshiping people, it gives early voice to the promise that Israel's blessing was always meant to reach every family of the earth, a hope answered when the gospel goes to the nations.