Psalm 66
Psalm 66 is a call to praise God for His mighty works and deliverance. It begins with a universal invitation to all the earth to worship God, reflecting on His power in creation and history. The psalmist emphasizes God's deliverance of Israel, recalling past trials and how God brought them through safely. It transitions to personal thanksgiving for answered prayers, ending with a declaration that God listens to those who call on Him in sincerity.
Psalm 66:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
4 All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.
7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved.
10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.
The psalmist calls all people to join in joyful praise to God, highlighting His greatness and power. God's works inspire awe, even forcing enemies to submit. Recalling historical events like the parting of the Red Sea, the psalmist emphasizes God's intervention in human affairs. God’s rule is eternal, and His oversight extends to all nations. The people are encouraged to bless God, acknowledging that He sustains life and provides stability. Trials are viewed as refining experiences, making the people more valuable and purified, like silver tested by fire.
Psalm 66:11-15 (NKJV)
11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
14 Which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, with the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah
The psalmist acknowledges the hardships allowed by God, likening them to being caught in a net or subjected to severe oppression. However, these trials led to a place of abundance and fulfillment. The response to deliverance is a personal commitment to worship God through sacrifices and fulfilling vows made in times of distress. This section reflects the importance of gratitude and faithfulness to God, especially when He answers prayers and provides deliverance.
Psalm 66:16-20 (NKJV)
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me!
The psalmist invites others who fear God to listen to a testimony of God’s goodness. In a time of need, the psalmist called out to God in prayer and was answered. There is an emphasis on the importance of sincerity, noting that harboring sin blocks effective communication with God. The chapter concludes with a celebration of God's faithfulness, recognizing that He not only hears but also responds with mercy to those who approach Him with pure hearts.