1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2 Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah
5 Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him,
7 who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
8 Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 who has kept our soul among the living
and has not let our feet slip.
10 For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
12 men who lie in wait to injure me.
All day long they stir up conflict.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
I will perform my vows to you,
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,
with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats.
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17 I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 but truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
The True Meaning of Psalms 66
The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. The psalmist in this particular chapter offers a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for His mighty works and deliverance of His people.
The chapter begins with a call to all the earth to joyfully worship the Lord, acknowledging His power and the wonders He has performed. The psalmist then recounts God’s past interventions, such as the Israelites’ miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and their journey through the wilderness. These events are reminiscent of the Exodus narrative found in the book of Exodus, where God demonstrated His sovereignty and faithfulness to His chosen people. The writer invites the congregation to come and hear what God has done for them as the psalm progresses, highlighting the Lord’s preservation and protection. The psalmist also acknowledges the trials and testing that the people have endured, yet affirms that God has brought them through these challenges. This theme of God’s unwavering presence and deliverance is echoed throughout the Scriptures, such as in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet declares, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Psalms 66:1-4
All the earth, shout for joy to God in Psalms 66:1-4. Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name’. The first section of this verse calls for all the earth to shout for joy to God and sing the glory of His name. This reflects a universal call to worship and praise God, emphasizing that God is not just the God of a particular group of people, but of all the earth. This underlines the inclusivity of God’s grace and the invitation extended to all people to revere and praise Him. The concept of shouting for joy to God also indicates a deep sense of gratitude and happiness in acknowledging His greatness.
Moving on, the psalmist emphasizes the awe-inspiring deeds and power of God, noting that even His enemies cringe before Him because of His greatness. This section highlights the majesty and omnipotence of God, underscoring that His power is so immense that even those who oppose Him are compelled to acknowledge it. This can be seen in various accounts throughout the Bible, such as in the story of the Exodus where Pharaoh and the Egyptians were forced to recognize the power of God through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
The verse continues by proclaiming that all the earth bows down to God and sings praises to Him. This imagery reflects the universal sovereignty of God and the ultimate victory of His kingdom. It signifies that all creation is called to worship and acknowledge the supremacy of God. The idea of bowing down before God symbolizes submission, reverence, and humility towards Him, recognizing His authority over all things. This is echoed in Philippians 2:10-11, which states, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Psalms 66:1-4 serves as a powerful reminder of the universal call to worship and praise God for His greatness, power, and sovereignty. It encourages believers to approach God with joy and reverence, acknowledging His unmatched supremacy and the need to submit to His will. The verses also point towards a future where all creation will bow down before God, singing praises to His name, as His victory and glory are fully revealed.
Psalms 66:5-7
Several key components in these verses in Psalms 66:5-7 are worth exploring. Let’s break down these sections step by step for a more comprehensive understanding:
Verse 5 begins with “Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” This verse calls upon the readers to witness the wondrous works of God. The psalmist is urging all to observe and acknowledge the awe-inspiring acts of God performed for His people. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s power, sovereignty, and faithfulness towards humanity. It is a call to reflect on the past deeds of God, both in the lives of individuals and in the history of Israel as a nation. This declaration also invites believers to praise and give thanks for God’s mighty acts, recognizing His unmatched greatness and goodness.
Moving on to verse 6, it states, “He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him.” This verse refers to the miraculous event of the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army during the exodus from Egypt. This extraordinary demonstration of God’s power and protection over His people is one of the most iconic displays of His intervention in the Old Testament. The imagery of walking on dry land through the sea emphasizes the divine intervention and deliverance provided by God for His chosen people. The act of celebrating and rejoicing in God’s presence after crossing the sea signifies the joy and gratitude felt by the Israelites for their miraculous deliverance.
Verse 7 continues with, “He rules by his might forever; his eyes keep watch on the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves.” This verse emphasizes the eternal sovereignty and vigilance of God over all the nations. It highlights God’s omnipotence and omnipresence, as well as His role as the ultimate authority and ruler over the entire world. The psalmist acknowledges that God’s reign is everlasting and that He maintains constant surveillance over the nations, ensuring that those who rebel against Him will not prevail in their arrogance. This verse serves as a warning against pride and disobedience, reminding the readers of the consequences of standing against God’s righteous rule. Psalms 66:5-7 encapsulates themes of God’s remarkable deeds, divine protection, sovereignty, and justice. These verses underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s marvelous works, remembering His deliverance in times of trouble, and acknowledging His supreme authority over all creation. The narrative of God’s intervention in the past, such as the parting of the Red Sea, serves as a powerful testimony to His faithfulness and power, instilling faith and confidence in His ability to deliver His people in all circumstances. Through reflection on these verses, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s sovereignty, remain obedient to His commandments, and find strength and joy in His presence.
Psalms 66:8-12
The verse in Psalms 66:8-12 can be broken down into three main sections. “Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard.”
2. “He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.”
3. “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. The psalmist in the first section calls for all people to praise God and to make His praise known. This emphasizes the universal nature of God’s authority and the call for all nations and all people to acknowledge Him. It reflects the theme of God’s sovereignty over all creation and the importance of acknowledging and praising Him in all circumstances. This call for praise is a common theme throughout the Psalms, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude towards God.
Moving to the second section, the psalmist acknowledges the protection and preservation God has provided for their lives. The imagery of God keeping their feet from slipping symbolizes God’s guidance and support in times of difficulty. This section highlights God’s care and faithfulness towards His people, emphasizing the importance of trust and dependence on Him. This theme of God’s protection and guidance can be seen throughout the Bible, with examples like God’s protection of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6) and the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:13-14).
The third section speaks of God testing and refining His people like silver. This imagery of refining silver refers to the process of purifying and removing impurities to make something more valuable. God refines His people through trials and challenges in the same way to strengthen their faith and character. This testing is seen as a necessary process for growth and spiritual maturity. This idea of God testing His people is echoed in verses like James 1:2-4, which speaks of trials producing perseverance and character. Psalms 66:8-12 conveys the themes of universal praise to God, His protection and guidance, and the refining process He takes His people through. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and transformative work in the lives of His people.
Psalms 66:13-15
The verses in Psalms 66:13-15 state, “I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you— vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.” I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.”
These verses illustrate the Psalmist’s deep commitment to worship and sacrifice to God out of gratitude for His deliverance and faithfulness. The Psalmist expresses a desire to come to the temple with sacrificial offerings to fulfill the vows made during a time of distress. The act of offering burnt offerings, fat animals, rams, bulls, and goats was an important aspect of ancient Hebrew worship and was a way to show devotion, thanksgiving, and seek forgiveness from God.
The idea of making vows in times of trouble and then fulfilling them when things have turned around is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and gratitude in our relationship with God. It shows the Psalmist’s understanding that God’s deliverance deserves a response of worship and sacrifice. It also emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s word and promises, especially those made to God.
This section of the verse points to the tradition of offering sacrifices in the Temple as a form of worship in ancient Judaism. Sacrificing animals was a key component of the Israelites’ worship practices and was seen as a way to seek forgiveness for sins and express gratitude to God. It underscores the idea of giving our best to God, symbolized by offering the best of the flock as sacrifices.
Throughout the Bible, we see instances of individuals making vows to God in times of need or distress and then fulfilling them once God has intervened on their behalf. For example, in the book of Jonah, the sailors made vows to God while at sea, and once Jonah was thrown overboard and the storm ceased, they offered sacrifices and made vows to the Lord (Jonah 1:16). This pattern of making vows and offerings in response to God’s deliverance highlights the importance of recognizing God’s power and faithfulness in our lives. Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins gives new meaning to the concept of sacrifice in the New Testament. “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all,” says Hebrews 10:10.” This sacrificial act of Jesus removes the need for animal sacrifices as atonement for sin, showing the ultimate expression of God’s love and redemption for humanity.
Psalms 66:16-20
Several important sections in Psalms 66:16-20 provide deep insight into the psalmist’s spiritual journey and relationship with God.
Verse 16 begins with the psalmist proclaiming, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” This invitation to all who fear God to listen to what the psalmist has to share is a powerful call to testify to God’s goodness and faithfulness. The psalmist is eager to share the personal experiences of how God has worked in their life, which serves as both a form of praise and encouragement to others who also fear God. This verse underscores the importance of sharing our testimonies with others as a way to glorify God and strengthen the faith of fellow believers. It reflects the significance of personal testimony in the Christian faith, where sharing one’s experiences of God’s grace and deliverance can inspire and uplift others. The psalmist in verse 17 goes on to say, “I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.”” Here, the psalmist describes the act of fervent prayer and praise to God. The psalmist acknowledges the power of prayer as a means to communicate with God and express their heartfelt emotions. The psalmist demonstrates a deep sense of connection with God and a recognition of His sovereignty by lifting up their voice in prayer and praise. This verse highlights the importance of maintaining a posture of prayer and praise in our own spiritual lives, as a way to deepen our relationship with God and experience His presence in a tangible way. It reflects the biblical teaching of the significance of prayer and worship in the life of a believer, as demonstrated throughout the book of Psalms and the entire Bible.
Verse 18 shifts the focus to the psalmist’s acknowledgment of sin in their life, stating, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and a pure heart before God. The psalmist recognizes that harboring sin in one’s heart can create a barrier in their relationship with God, hindering the effectiveness of their prayers. The psalmist demonstrates humility and a desire for reconciliation with God by acknowledging the need to rid oneself of sin and seek forgiveness. This verse aligns with the biblical teaching on the necessity of repentance and confession of sins in order to receive God’s forgiveness and restoration, as seen in verses like 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Verse 19 continues to emphasize the psalmist’s experience of God’s faithfulness, stating, “But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” Here, the psalmist rejoices in the assurance that God has heard their prayers and responded to their cries. This declaration of God’s faithfulness serves as a testament to His unfailing love and attentiveness to the prayers of His people. It is a reminder that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively engaged in the lives of those who call upon Him in faith. This verse echoes the biblical promises of God’s faithfulness and responsiveness to the prayers of His children, as affirmed in passages like Jeremiah 29:12 which says, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”
Verse 20 concludes the passage with a resounding declaration of praise, “Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me.” The psalmist concludes with gratitude and adoration for God’s continuous love and faithfulness. Despite the challenges, sins, and struggles the psalmist has faced, they are overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God, who has not turned away from them but has instead shown steadfast love and answered their prayers. This final verse encapsulates the psalmist’s journey from crying out to God in distress to experiencing His divine intervention and faithfulness. It serves as a powerful testimony to God’s enduring love and faithfulness towards His people, highlighting His unchanging nature and unwavering commitment to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
After Psalms 66
The people had seen God’s mighty works and were filled with awe. They praised Him for His power and sovereignty. Yet, the chapter ended with a sobering reminder – the Lord tests the hearts of His people. I, as the reverend, knew that the next chapter would explore how we must respond to God’s scrutiny, lest we fall short of His righteous standards. The journey of faith is not without its trials, but the Lord promises to refine and strengthen those who trust in Him. With this in mind, let us turn to the next chapter, where we will learn how to walk humbly before our God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.