This Ps. triumphantly celebrates a great national deliverance. The whole earth is summoned to join in the chorus of praise (Psalms 66:1-4). The memories of the exodus are recalled (Psalms 66:5-7), but only as an introduction to more recent trials and triumphs (Psalms 66:8-12), and the Ps. ends with vows of lavish sacrifice (Psalms 66:13-15), and with enthusiastic testimony to God's great goodness (Psalms 66:16-20). The failure of Sennacherib's invasion, and the return from Babylon have each been suggested as the occasion of the Ps., and the former is the more probable. There is a striking change from 'we' and 'us' (Psalms 66:1-12) to 'I' and 'me' (Psalms 66:13-20), which is best explained by supposing that the Psalmist at first merges himself in the nation, and afterwards regards his people's deliverance in the light of a personal blessing, as it has been an answer to personal prayer.
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.