◄ Psalm 66:8 ►
Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard.
Study Bible
Bless our God, O peoples
This phrase is a call to worship and a collective invitation to all nations to praise God. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "barak," which means to kneel or to show adoration. It signifies a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. The use of "peoples" (Hebrew: "amim") indicates a universal call, transcending Israel to include all ethnicities and nations. This reflects the biblical theme of God's desire for all humanity to recognize His glory and majesty, as seen in the Abrahamic covenant where all nations are to be blessed through Israel (Genesis 12:3).

let the sound of His praise be heard
The phrase emphasizes the importance of vocal and public worship. The Hebrew word for "sound" is "qol," which can mean voice, sound, or noise. It suggests an audible expression of worship that is meant to be heard by others, not just a private or silent act. This public declaration of God's praise serves as a testimony to His greatness and acts as a witness to others. Historically, the Israelites used music and song as integral parts of their worship, as seen in the temple services and various psalms. The call for God's praise to be heard underscores the communal and evangelistic nature of worship, encouraging believers to proclaim God's deeds and character openly.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, deserving of blessing and praise from all peoples.

2. Peoples
Refers to all nations and groups of people, indicating the universal call to worship and praise God.

3. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls the people to worship.

4. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm often reflects the experiences and worship practices of the nation of Israel.

5. Worship Gathering
The event implied by the call for collective praise, suggesting a communal setting for worship.
Teaching Points
Universal Call to Worship
The verse emphasizes that worship is not limited to a specific group but is a call to all peoples. This challenges us to consider how we can encourage and participate in global worship.

The Power of Praise
Praise is not just a personal act but a communal one that should be heard. This teaches us the importance of vocal and public expressions of our faith.

Blessing God
The act of blessing God involves acknowledging His greatness and goodness. We are reminded to regularly reflect on God's attributes and express our gratitude.

Community in Worship
The verse implies a gathering of people, highlighting the importance of community in worship. We are encouraged to seek out and participate in communal worship settings.

Consistency in Praise
The call for praise to be heard suggests regular and consistent worship. This challenges us to make praise a habitual part of our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call for all peoples to bless God in Psalm 66:8 challenge our understanding of worship in a multicultural and diverse world?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the sound of our praise is heard in our communities and beyond?

3. How does the concept of blessing God differ from asking for His blessings, and how can this perspective change our prayer life?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to foster a sense of community in our worship practices?

5. How do other scriptures, such as those in Revelation and Isaiah, expand our understanding of the universal call to worship found in Psalm 66:8?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 117
This psalm also calls all nations to praise the Lord, emphasizing the universal nature of worship.

Revelation 7:9-10
Describes a great multitude from every nation praising God, reflecting the fulfillment of the call in Psalm 66:8.

Isaiah 42:10-12
Encourages the whole earth to sing a new song to the Lord, highlighting the global scope of worship.

Philippians 2:9-11
Speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, aligning with the call for all peoples to praise God.
Sermons
God in HistoryW. Forsyth Psalm 66:1-20
ProvidenceJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 66:1-20
WorshipHomilistPsalm 66:1-20
An Invitation to Study God's Marvellous Works Towards MenC. Short Psalm 66:5-12
The Eternal Ruler of the UniverseHomilistPsalm 66:5-12
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abroad, Bless, Blessings, Loud, O, Oh, Peoples, Praise, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 66:8-9

     8352   thankfulness

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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