The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1-20

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

THIS is another song of thanksgiving, and is connected with a special deliverance (Psalms 66:10-12). The composer is about to offer a sacrifice to God in his holy place, in performance of a vow which he had made when he was in trouble (Psalms 66:13-15), and has prepared the psalm as a liturgical formula to be used on the occasion. It is an ode in four strophes: an opening one of four verses—a simple rendering of praise (Psalms 66:1-4); then a short strophe of three verses, celebrating God's might against his enemies (Psalms 66:5-7); next a statement in general terms of the deliverance experienced, and a description of the sacrifices to be offered for it (Psalms 66:8-15); and finally an address to the people, calling on them to "hearken"—together with a protestation of sincerity, and an appeal to God as witnessing to it (Psalms 66:16-20). The psalm, not being ascribed to David in the "title," and having no especial traces of his manner, is generally assigned to a later Judaean king, as Ass, Jehoshaphat, or Hezekiah.

More for Psalms 66:1-20

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Psalms 66:1-7Psalms 66:1-7 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe 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 noth…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1Psalms 66:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryMake a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands; literally, all the earth—an invitation to the whole world to join in the joy of Israel, wherein they too are interested (comp. Psalms 60:2, Psalms 60:5).The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1-20Psalms 66:1-20 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod in history. It has been said that "History is philosophy teaching by example;" but we are taught in the Psalms to take a higher view, and to recognize God in history. It is only as we do this that we can rejoice and…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1-4Psalms 66:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryWorship. The psalm would seem to have been composed on the occasion of some special deliverance; but the expressions used are too general to indicate the time or the occasion of its being written. I. THE WORSHIP OF GOD…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 66:1-7The 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 noth…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands; literally, all the earth—an invitation to the whole world to join in the joy of Israel, wherein they too are interested (comp. Psalms 60:2, Psalms 60:5).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1-4Worship. The psalm would seem to have been composed on the occasion of some special deliverance; but the expressions used are too general to indicate the time or the occasion of its being written. I. THE WORSHIP OF GOD…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:1-20God in history. It has been said that "History is philosophy teaching by example;" but we are taught in the Psalms to take a higher view, and to recognize God in history. It is only as we do this that we can rejoice and…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:2Sing forth the honour of his Name; rather, the glory of his Name. Make his praise glorious; or, recognize his glory in your praise of him; i.e. do not merely thank him for his kindness to you personally, but magnify him…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! rather, How terrible are thy works! God's deliverances, while rejoicing the persecuted, are "terrible" to the persecutors. Through the greatness of thy power shall thine…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:4All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy Name (see above, Psalms 66:1, and compare the passages quoted in the comment ad loc.). Dr. Kay notes that "the universality of the Churc…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 66:5Holy fear a reasonable element of true spiritual worship. "Come and see," etc. Joy and terror seem so diverse and contrary, that one might seem to shut out the other. Yet this psalm, which opens with a note of exultant…Joseph S. Exell and contributors