Say to God, "How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. Say to GodThis phrase invites the believer to directly address the Almighty, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of making declarations or proclamations. This suggests that our communication with God should be intentional and reverent. Historically, the act of speaking to God reflects the covenant relationship established with Israel, where God is not a distant deity but one who listens and responds to His people. How awesome are Your deeds!
The word "awesome" is translated from the Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare), which conveys a sense of fear, reverence, and awe. This is not a fear that repels but one that draws us closer in wonder and respect. The deeds of God, as recounted throughout the Scriptures, include creation, deliverance, and acts of judgment and mercy. These deeds are a testament to His power and sovereignty. Historically, the Israelites would recall the mighty acts of God, such as the Exodus, as a reminder of His faithfulness and might. So great is Your power
The phrase underscores the omnipotence of God. The Hebrew word for "power" is "עֹז" (oz), which denotes strength and might. This power is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, encompassing all aspects of God's nature. In the biblical narrative, God's power is demonstrated in creation, in sustaining the universe, and in His ability to bring about His purposes despite human opposition. This power assures believers of God's ability to protect and provide for them. that Your enemies
The term "enemies" refers to those who oppose God and His purposes. In the Hebrew context, "אֹיֵב" (oyeb) is used, which can mean adversaries or foes. Throughout the Bible, enemies of God are often those who reject His authority and oppress His people. The historical context includes nations and individuals who stood against Israel, God's chosen people. However, the ultimate enemy is sin and death, which God has defeated through Christ. cower before You
The imagery here is of submission and defeat. The Hebrew word "כָּחַשׁ" (kachash) implies a sense of cringing or yielding. This reflects the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over evil. In the biblical narrative, this is seen in the eventual downfall of those who oppose God's will. Theologically, it points to the eschatological hope that all creation will acknowledge God's sovereignty, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate victory over all forms of opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, God is acknowledged for His awesome deeds and great power. The psalmist calls for a declaration of God's might and the fear it instills in His enemies. 2. Enemies of GodThese are those who oppose God and His people. The verse highlights their reaction to God's power, emphasizing their submission and fear. 3. The PsalmistThe author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be David, who is expressing praise and awe for God's mighty works. Teaching Points Acknowledging God's PowerRecognize and declare the greatness of God's power in your life. Reflect on how His mighty deeds have impacted you personally and the world around you. Understanding Fear and ReverenceConsider the difference between fear as terror and fear as reverence. God's enemies cower, but His people are called to revere Him with awe and respect. Witnessing to God's DeedsShare testimonies of God's awesome deeds in your life with others. This can be a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Him. Trusting in God's SovereigntyIn times of trouble, remember that God's power is greater than any opposition you face. Trust in His ability to overcome any enemy or obstacle. Living in AweCultivate a lifestyle of worship and awe, regularly reflecting on God's greatness and allowing it to transform your daily life and interactions. Bible Study Questions 1. How can you personally declare the awesome deeds of God in your daily life? 2. In what ways have you seen God's power at work in situations where you faced opposition or challenges? 3. How does understanding the fear of God as reverence rather than terror change your relationship with Him? 4. What are some practical ways you can share the testimony of God's deeds with others in your community? 5. How can reflecting on God's sovereignty and power help you navigate current struggles or uncertainties in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15:11This verse also speaks of God's incomparable deeds and the fear they instill, similar to the awe and reverence described in Psalm 66:3. Philippians 2:10-11This passage speaks of every knee bowing at the name of Jesus, connecting to the idea of God's enemies cowering before His power. Revelation 15:3-4The song of Moses and the Lamb praises God's great and marvelous deeds, echoing the themes of awe and reverence found in Psalm 66:3. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abundance, Awesome, Cringe, Cringing, Deeds, Dwindle, Enemies, Feared, Fearful, Feign, Feigned, Forced, Greatly, Greatness, Haters, Obedience, Power, Strength, Submit, Terrible, Themselves, Tremendous, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes 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 1-3But, 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 Links Psalm 66:3 NIVPsalm 66:3 NLTPsalm 66:3 ESVPsalm 66:3 NASBPsalm 66:3 KJV
Psalm 66:3 Commentaries
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