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Psalms Chapter 66

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns 20 Verses

What is Psalms 66 about?

One hundred fifty inspired poems and hymns — Israel's prayer book, spanning lament and praise, confession and trust. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth:
2Sing forth the glory of his name: Make his praise glorious.
3Say unto God, How terrible are thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
4All the earth shall worship thee, And shall sing unto thee; They shall sing to thy name. Selah
5Come, and see the works of God; [He is] terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
6He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot: There did we rejoice in him.
7He ruleth by his might for ever; His eyes observe the nations: Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8Oh bless our God, ye peoples, And make the voice of his praise to be heard;
9Who holdeth our soul in life, And suffereth not our feet to be moved.
10For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
11Thou broughtest us into the net; Thou layedst a sore burden upon our loins.
12Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
13I will come into thy house with burnt-offerings; I will pay thee my vows,
14Which my lips uttered, And my mouth spake, when I was in distress.
15I will offer unto thee burnt-offerings of fatlings, With the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah
16Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
17I cried unto him with my mouth, And he was extolled with my tongue.
18If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:
19But verily God hath heard; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
20Blessed be God, Who hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his lovingkindness from me. Psalm 67 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm, a song.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Make a joyful noise unto God, etc.] The Creator of the ends of the earth; the Provider for all his creatures; and the Dispenser of the blessings of grace, under the Gospel dispensation, to men in all countries. The Messiah may well be thought to be intended, since the psalm refers to Gospel times; who is God over all, blessed for ever; to whom a joyful noise, shouts, and acclamations, are to be made by all his subjects, true believers in him, in all lands, as to their King; (see <042321>Numbers 23:21); who is ascended on high, has led captivity captive; received gifts for then, and gives them to them; is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy. (Psa. 66:1-20) Make . . . noise--or, "Shout."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Make a joyful noise unto God - literally, “Shout.” It is a call for exultation and praise. All ye lands - Margin, as in Hebrew, all the earth. The occasion was one that made universal exultation and praise proper. They who had been so deeply affected by the gracious interposition of God, could not but call on all the nations of the earth to unite with them in the expression of joy. The deliverance was so great that they wished all to rejoice with them (compare Luke 15:6, Luke 15:9); and the intervention of God in the case of his people, furnished lessons about his character which gave occasion to all men to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“All lands - Ye people of all nations. He invites the Gentile world, to the contemplation and celebration of God's works. Psalms 66:6”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“Ps 66 This anonymous psalm includes two hymns (66:1-12, 13-20) that praise God for his redemption. 66:1-4 The psalmist exhorts nature to join in a mighty chorus to praise God’s glory, name, and power.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“am 3469, bc 535 Make: Psa 81:1, Psa 95:1, Psa 95:2, Psa 98:4, Psa 100:1; Ch1 15:28 all ye lands: Heb. all the earth, Psa 96:1, Psa 117:1, Psa 117:2, Psa 150:6; Ch1 16:23, Ch1 16:24; Isa 24:16 Psalms 66:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“The phrase שׂים כבוד ל signifies "to give glory to God" in other passages ( Jos 7:19; Isa 42:12), here with a second accusative, either (1) if we take תּהלּתו as an accusative of the object: facite laudationem ejus gloriam = gloriosam (Maurer and others), or (2) if we take כבוד as an accusative of the object and the former word as an accusative of the predicate: reddite honorem laudem ejus (Hengstenberg), or (3) also by taking תהלתו as an apposition: reddite honorem, scil. laudem ejus (Hupfeld). We prefer the middle rendering: give glory as His praise, i.e., to Him as or for praise. It is unnecessary, with…”
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