Psalm 66:2
Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.
Sing the glory of His name
Sing
The Hebrew word for "sing" here is "שִׁירוּ" (shiru), which is a call to vocal expression of joy and reverence. Singing in the biblical context is not merely a musical act but a profound expression of worship and adoration. Throughout the Scriptures, singing is a response to God's mighty acts and His divine nature. It is a communal activity that unites believers in a shared declaration of faith and gratitude. Historically, singing has been a central part of Jewish worship, as seen in the Psalms, which were often sung in the temple. This call to sing is an invitation to participate in the eternal chorus of praise that transcends time and culture.

the glory
The term "glory" in Hebrew is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which conveys a sense of weightiness, honor, and splendor. In the biblical context, God's glory is the manifestation of His divine presence and attributes. It is the visible and tangible expression of His holiness and majesty. The glory of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from the cloud of glory that filled the tabernacle to the transfiguration of Christ. To sing the glory of His name is to acknowledge and proclaim the fullness of His divine nature and the awe-inspiring reality of His presence.

of His name
The phrase "His name" refers to the revealed character and essence of God. In Hebrew, the word for "name" is "שֵׁם" (shem), which encompasses more than just a label; it signifies the identity and reputation of a person. In the biblical tradition, God's name is sacred and powerful, representing His covenant relationship with His people. The name of God is often associated with His acts of salvation and deliverance. To sing the glory of His name is to celebrate His faithfulness, mercy, and sovereignty. It is a declaration of trust in His promises and a recognition of His authority over all creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 66, traditionally attributed to David, who calls the congregation to worship and praise God.

2. God
The central figure of the Psalm, whose glory and deeds are the focus of the praise.

3. Israel
The nation often addressed in the Psalms, representing God's chosen people who are called to worship Him.

4. Temple Worship
The context in which many Psalms were sung, highlighting the communal aspect of worship.

5. Creation
Implicit in the call to praise, as all creation is seen as reflecting God's glory.
Teaching Points
The Power of Praise
Praise is not just an expression of gratitude but a powerful declaration of God's attributes and deeds.

The Glory of His Name
God's name represents His character and reputation. To glorify His name is to acknowledge His holiness, power, and love.

Corporate Worship
The call to "make His praise glorious" suggests a communal effort, emphasizing the importance of gathering together in worship.

Reflecting God's Glory
As believers, our lives should reflect the glory of God, making His praise evident in our actions and words.

Joyful Worship
Worship should be a joyful response to God's greatness, not a mere obligation or ritual.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we incorporate the practice of making God's praise glorious in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the glory of God's name impact our understanding of His character?

3. How does corporate worship enhance our personal relationship with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect God's glory in our interactions with others?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Philippians 2 or Revelation 5, deepen our understanding of the call to glorify God's name?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 29
This Psalm also emphasizes the glory of God's name and His powerful voice, encouraging worship.

Philippians 2
Paul speaks of the name of Jesus being exalted, connecting to the theme of glorifying God's name.

Revelation 5
The heavenly scene of worship, where God's name is glorified by all creation, mirrors the call in Psalm 66:2.

Isaiah 42
God declares His glory and the praise due to His name, reinforcing the theme of divine worship.

1 Chronicles 16
David's song of thanks includes a call to sing to the Lord and declare His glory among the nations.
WorshipC. Short Psalm 66:1-4
God in HistoryW. Forsyth Psalm 66:1-20
ProvidenceJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 66:1-20
WorshipHomilistPsalm 66:1-20
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Forth, Glorious, Glory, Honor, Honour, Honourable, Offer, Praise, Praises, Sing, Song
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 66:1-2

     8288   joy, of Israel

Psalm 66:1-4

     8624   worship, reasons

Library
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924]
St. Augustine—On Continence

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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