He rules forever by His power; His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah He rulesThe phrase "He rules" emphasizes the sovereignty and supreme authority of God over all creation. The Hebrew root for "rules" is "mashal," which conveys the idea of dominion and governance. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the way a king exercises control over his kingdom. In the context of Psalm 66, it reminds us that God is the ultimate ruler, not just over Israel, but over the entire world. This sovereignty is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, knowing that the Creator of the universe is actively involved in the affairs of humanity. forever
The word "forever" underscores the eternal nature of God's reign. The Hebrew word "olam" is used here, which can mean a long duration, antiquity, or futurity. In the biblical context, it often refers to the unending nature of God's existence and His perpetual rule. This eternal aspect of God's sovereignty assures believers that His plans and purposes are not temporary or fleeting but are established for all time. It is a call to trust in His unchanging nature and His everlasting kingdom. by His power
This phrase highlights the means by which God exercises His rule—through His power. The Hebrew word "koach" is used, which denotes strength, might, and ability. God's power is not limited or constrained by human understanding or capability. It is through this divine power that He sustains the universe, orchestrates history, and intervenes in the lives of individuals. For believers, this is a reminder of the omnipotence of God and His ability to accomplish His will, regardless of human circumstances. His eyes watch the nations
Here, the psalmist speaks to God's omniscience and His attentive oversight of the nations. The Hebrew word "shamar" is used for "watch," which means to keep, guard, or observe. This conveys the idea that God is not a distant or detached ruler but is actively observing and involved in the affairs of the world. His watchful eyes ensure that justice is upheld and that His purposes are fulfilled among the nations. This is a reassurance to believers that God is aware of global events and is sovereignly guiding history according to His divine plan. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves
This final phrase serves as both a warning and a prayer. The Hebrew word for "rebellious" is "sarar," which means to be stubborn or obstinate. It refers to those who resist God's authority and seek to elevate themselves above His rule. The psalmist implores God to prevent such individuals from succeeding in their prideful endeavors. This is a call for humility and submission to God's will, recognizing that true exaltation comes from God alone. For believers, it is a reminder to align themselves with God's purposes and to trust in His justice, knowing that He will ultimately humble the proud and exalt the humble. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, depicted as the eternal ruler who exercises sovereign power over all creation. 2. NationsRepresents all the peoples and countries of the world, under God's watchful eye. 3. The RebelliousThose who oppose or defy God's authority, warned not to exalt themselves. Teaching Points God's Eternal SovereigntyRecognize that God's rule is not temporary or limited; He reigns forever with unmatched power. Divine SurveillanceUnderstand that God is always watching over the nations, aware of all actions and intentions. Warning Against RebellionReflect on the futility and danger of exalting oneself against God, as rebellion leads to downfall. Trust in God's JusticeTrust that God, in His sovereignty, will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to the world. Selah: Pause and ReflectTake time to pause and meditate on God's power and authority, allowing it to influence your life and decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's eternal rule impact your daily life and decision-making? 2. In what ways can you be more aware of God's watchful presence in your life and community? 3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the consequences of rebellion against God. What did you learn from it? 4. How can you encourage others to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, especially in times of global unrest? 5. What practical steps can you take to pause and reflect on God's power and authority in your life, as suggested by the term "Selah"? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 2This psalm also speaks of God's sovereignty over the nations and warns against rebellion, emphasizing the futility of opposing God's anointed. Daniel 4:34-35Daniel acknowledges God's eternal dominion and His power over all the inhabitants of the earth, similar to the themes in Psalm 66:7. Proverbs 15:3Highlights that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing both the wicked and the good, aligning with the idea of God watching the nations. Revelation 19:6Celebrates God's omnipotence and eternal reign, echoing the theme of God's everlasting rule in Psalm 66:7. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Age, Behold, Exalt, Forever, Haters, Nations, Observe, Power, Rebellious, Refractory, Rise, Rules, Ruleth, Ruling, Selah, Strength, Themselves, Watch, WatchingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 66:7 1140 God, the eternal
1305 God, activity of
5326 government
6222 rebellion, against God 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 66:7 NIVPsalm 66:7 NLTPsalm 66:7 ESVPsalm 66:7 NASBPsalm 66:7 KJV
Psalm 66:7 Commentaries
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