Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind. Come and seeThis phrase is an invitation, a call to witness and experience the works of God firsthand. In the Hebrew, the word for "come" is "לְכוּ" (lechu), which is an imperative form, urging the listener to take action. This reflects the psalmist's desire for others to actively engage with the divine. The word "see" is "רְאוּ" (reu), which implies not just a physical sight but a deeper understanding and perception. This invitation is reminiscent of other biblical calls to witness God's power, such as in John 1:39, where Jesus invites His disciples to "come and see" where He dwells, indicating a personal encounter with the divine. the works of God
The "works of God" refers to the mighty acts and deeds performed by the Lord throughout history. In Hebrew, "מִפְעֲלוֹת אֱלֹהִים" (mif'alot Elohim) encompasses both creation and acts of deliverance. This phrase invites reflection on the entirety of God's actions, from the creation of the world to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and power, as seen in the parting of the Red Sea and the provision in the wilderness. The works of God are not just historical events but ongoing manifestations of His presence and power in the world. how awesome
The Hebrew word "נוֹרָא" (nora) is used here, which conveys a sense of awe and reverence. It is often translated as "fearful" or "terrible" in older versions, but in this context, it highlights the majesty and overwhelming nature of God's deeds. This word is used throughout the Psalms to describe God's power and holiness, emphasizing that His works inspire a profound respect and wonder. The use of "awesome" here is meant to evoke a sense of worship and admiration for the divine. are His deeds
The deeds of God, "עֲלִילוֹתָיו" (alilotav), refer to His actions and interventions in the world. This encompasses both miraculous events and the everyday workings of His providence. The psalmist is drawing attention to the fact that God's deeds are not only powerful but also purposeful, reflecting His character and will. These deeds serve as a testament to His faithfulness and love for His people, encouraging believers to trust in His ongoing involvement in their lives. toward the sons of men
This phrase, "לִבְנֵי אָדָם" (livnei adam), indicates that God's works are directed towards humanity. It underscores the personal nature of God's actions, showing that He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved with His creation. The "sons of men" refers to all of humanity, highlighting the universal scope of God's care and concern. This phrase reassures believers that God's mighty works are not just historical events but are relevant and accessible to all people, inviting them to experience His love and power in their own lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the doer of awesome deeds. His works are a testament to His power and majesty. 2. MankindThe recipients of God's deeds. The verse highlights the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing His actions toward them. 3. The PsalmistWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the Psalmist is the one inviting others to witness God's works, serving as a guide to understanding and appreciating God's deeds. Teaching Points Invitation to WitnessThe verse begins with an invitation, "Come and see," encouraging believers to actively seek out and recognize God's works in their lives and the world around them. Recognition of God's PowerAcknowledge the "awesome" nature of God's deeds. This recognition should lead to a deeper reverence and awe for God, fostering a heart of worship. God's Relationship with HumanityReflect on how God's deeds are directed toward mankind, showing His care, involvement, and desire for a relationship with us. Testimony and EvangelismLike the Psalmist, believers are called to share the works of God with others, inviting them to see and experience His power and love. Trust in God's SovereigntyUnderstanding that God's deeds are awesome and purposeful can strengthen our trust in His plans, even when circumstances are challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some specific "awesome deeds" of God that you have witnessed in your own life or in the lives of others? 2. How does recognizing God's works in the world around you impact your faith and relationship with Him? 3. In what ways can you invite others to "come and see" the works of God in your community or church? 4. How do the accounts of God's deeds in the Bible, such as the parting of the Red Sea, encourage you in your current life circumstances? 5. How can you cultivate a heart of worship and awe in response to God's awesome deeds, both personally and corporately? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea is a prime example of God's awesome deeds toward mankind, demonstrating His power and deliverance. Psalm 46:8This verse also invites people to witness the works of the Lord, emphasizing His power and sovereignty over the earth. Romans 1:20Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities and divine nature being clearly seen through His creation, aligning with the call to observe God's works in Psalm 66:5. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Acts, Awesome, Behalf, Deeds, Doings, Feared, Fearful, God's, Man's, Sons, Terrible, Towards, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 66:5-6 5355 invitations
8609 prayer, as praise and thanksgiving
8670 remembering 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 66:5 NIVPsalm 66:5 NLTPsalm 66:5 ESVPsalm 66:5 NASBPsalm 66:5 KJV
Psalm 66:5 Commentaries
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