Psalms66
English Standard Version
1To the . A . A . Shout for to , the ;
2 the of his ; to him !
3 to , are your ! So is your that your to you.
4 the you and sings to you; they to your .
5 and has done: he is in his toward the of .
6He the into ; they the on . did we in him,
7who by his , whose on the — let the themselves.
8 our , O ; let the of his be ,
9who has our among the and has our .
10 you, O , have us; you have us as is .
11You us into the ; you a on our ;
12you let over our ; we through and through ; yet you have brought us to a place of .
13I will into your with ; I will my to you,
14that my and my when I was in .
15I will to you of , with the smoke of the of ; I will of and .
16 and , you who , and I will he has for my .
17I to him with my , and was my .
18 I had in my , the would have .
19But has ; he has to the of my .
20 be , he has my or removed his from me!
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 66.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Praise for God's sovereign power in the creation. (1–7). For his favour to his church. (8–12). And the psalmist's praise for his experience of God's goodness. (13–20).
vv1-7
The holy church throughout all the world lifts up her voice, to laud that Name which is above every name, to make the praise of Jesus glorious, both by word and deed; that others may be led to glorify him also. But nothing can bring men to do this aright, unless his effectual grace create their hearts anew unto holiness; and in the redemption by the death of Christ, and the glorious deliverances it effects, are more wondrous works than Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
vv8-12
The Lord not only preserves our temporal life, but maintains the spiritual life which he has given to believers. By afflictions we are proved, as silver in the fire. The troubles of the church will certainly end well. Through various conflicts and troubles, the slave of Satan escapes from his yoke, and obtains joy and peace in believing: through much tribulation the believer must enter into the kingdom of God.
vv13-20
We should declare unto those that fear God, what he has done for our souls, and how he has heard and answered our prayers, inviting them to join us in prayer and praise; this will turn to our mutual comfort, and to the glory of God. We cannot share these spiritual privileges, if we retain the love of sin in our hearts, though we refrain from the gross practice, Sin, regarded in the heart, will spoil the comfort and success of prayer; for the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of the Lord. But if the feeling of sin in the heart causes desires to be rid of it; if it be the presence of one urging a demand we know we must not, cannot comply with, this is an argument of sincerity. And when we pray in simplicity and godly sincerity, our prayers will be answered. This will excite gratitude to Him who hath not turned away our prayer nor his mercy from us. It was not prayer that fetched the deliverance, but his mercy that sent it. That is the foundation of our hopes, the fountain of our comforts; and ought to be the matter of our praises.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
רוּעַ: to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy)
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֶרֶץ: the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
זָמַר: play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music
כָּבוֹד: properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
שֵׁם: an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Psalms 66Direct reference to God turning the Red Sea into dry land for Israel's passage.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Illuminates the concept of enemies yielding a forced or feigned submission through fear of God's power.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
The NT parallel asserting that God does not hear the prayers of those who cherish sin.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
NT parallel for believers being tested like silver in a furnace to prove faith.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Verbal and thematic parallel to passing safely through fire and water under God's protection.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Exhortation for all the earth to sing and show forth God's salvation.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The historic passage where Jordan's flood was turned to dry land for Israel's crossing.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illustrates how later generations identify collectively with their ancestors' historic deliverance.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Invitation to the Gentile nations to join in praising God for His people.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms that the sacrifice and prayers of the wicked are an abomination to God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies praise and payment of vows as the true, spiritual sacrifices God desires.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallel for God bringing the soul up from danger and keeping it alive.
Supported by JFB
Highlights the loins as the seat of strength which affliction enfeebles.
Supported by JFB
Contextual background on the presenting of burnt offerings for vows.
Supported by JFB
Lexical connection on the Hebrew word used for feigned, reluctant submission by enemies.
Supported by John Calvin