Psalm 67 Is the Menorah Psalm
Psalm 67 has long been associated with the menorah because its literary and numerical structure mirrors the Temple lampstand in several traditional readings.
Why it is called the Menorah Psalm
Many Jewish sources refer to Psalm 67 as “the Menorah Psalm” or “Menorah Hymn,” since it is often written or visualized in the shape of a seven‑branched menorah, with each verse on a branch. The psalm’s themes of divine light, blessing, and God’s ways being known among the nations align naturally with the symbolism of the menorah as a source of sacred light.
Seven Verses and Seven Branches
Leaving aside the superscription, the psalm’s body is counted as seven verses, which are taken to correspond to the seven branches of the menorah. In some traditions, verse 4 (English numbering), being central and longer, is treated as the “middle stem,” while the flanking verses form symmetric pairs like the menorah’s arms.
Forty‑nine Words and Menorah Ornaments
A classic tradition counts 49 words in the psalm (excluding the heading), corresponding to both the 49 days of the Omer and to 49 decorative elements on the menorah (cups, knobs, flowers, and lights) in Exodus’ description. This numerical parallel reinforces the practice of reciting Psalm 67 during the Omer and deepens its link with the menorah as a symbol of wisdom and spiritual refinement.
Liturgical and Devotional use
Some communities recite Psalm 67 daily or during specific seasons with the intention that saying it is spiritually akin to lighting the pure menorah in the Temple. It is also used devotionally in “shiviti” designs, with the psalm laid out graphically as a menorah for contemplation of God’s presence and light.
Theological symbolism
The psalm’s repeated request that God “be gracious,” “bless,” and “cause His face to shine” is read as an image of divine light spreading from Israel to all nations, just as the menorah casts light outward. In this sense, calling Psalm 67 “the menorah psalm” emphasizes a vocation: Israel as a menorah‑people, blessed in order to illuminate and bless the world.
Tradition
According to tradition, God revealed this chapter of Psalms to David in this form, and a copy of this diagram was engraved on a golden plate on the shield that King David took with him into battle.
Rabbi Abudarham adds another level of symbolism to Psalm 67. He notes that the body of this psalm has precisely 49 words, not counting the first verse which is the title of the psalm, corresponding to the 49 days of the Omer period between Passover and Shavuot (Feast of Weeks). The second verse has seven words, corresponding to the seven weeks of that period. As such, there is a tradition to say this 49-word chapter of Psalms each day of the Omer period.
On the temple menorah there are:
- Twenty-two goblets
- Nine flowers.
- Eleven knobs.
- Seven flames.
22+9+11+7=49
Pietistic texts attribute protective power to meditating on Psalm 67 written as a menorah, promising grace, good understanding, and shielding from harsh decrees to one who contemplates or recites it daily with kavanah (intention).
Could we go deeper? Sure. But I think that is enough to give you a better appreciate for Psalm 67.
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
6 The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!
Citations:
[1] [PDF] THE MENORAH PSALM - Jewish Bible Quarterly https://jbqnew.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/371/371_menorah.pdf
[2] Psalm 67: The Menorah and the Omer - Sefaria https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/401106
[3] Psalms - Chapter 67 - Nach Yomi - OU Torah https://outorah.org/p/3565/
[4] Psalm 67: The Menorah Psalm Explained! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SsZd5yZhp6k
[5] Psalm 67 - Torah Today Ministries https://torahtodayministries.org/lesson/psalm-67/
[6] The Menorah: Psalms 66-67 - Emuna Beams https://www.emunabeams.com/e/the-menorah-psalms-66-67/
[7] Sefirat haOmer: The Kavanah of Psalm 67 | Hardcore Mesorah https://hardcoremesorah.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/sefirat-haomer-the-kavanah-of-psalm-67/
[8] Let's Read Psalm 67 - The Menorah Psalm - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMe6JdT0e_E
[9] A Menorah Psalm - The Israel Bible https://theisraelbible.com/a-menorah-psalm/
[10] Shiviti: The Secret of Psalm 67 as Controversial Ritual Art https://amichailaulavie.substack.com/p/shiviti-the-secret-of-psalm-67-as
