Psalms 66:1-20 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

This is one of the most beautiful of the songs of worship. It is divided into two parts by a change from the use of the plural pronoun (verses Psa 66:1-12) to the use of the singular (verses Psa 66:13-20).

In the first part all the earth is called on to worship God because of what He has done for His people. This is a recognition of the true function of the people of God, which is to reveal God to the outside nations in such a way as to constrain them to worship. In the second half the worship becomes individual and personal, and yet the same purpose is manifest in the appeal to others to hear. In this case those called on to hear are such as fear God. Thus the testimony of the individual is to strengthen the faith of God's own, in order that they may be more perfectly equipped for their testimony to those without.

In the story of God's dealing with His people there is a recognition of His government through all the differing experiences of their history. By deliverance and by distress, by triumph and trial, He has conducted them to a wealthy place. Very full of comfort is the individual realization, following as it does this larger experience. In the economy of God the lonely man is not lost in the multitude, and the solo of his praise is as precious as is the chorus of the multitude's worship.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 66:1

Psalms 66:1-20

1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submita themselves unto thee.

4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:

9 Which holdethb our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthyc place.

13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

14 Which my lips have uttered,d and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings,e with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.