His eyes watch the nations.
This phrase suggests God's omniscience and His active involvement in the affairs of the world. The imagery of God's eyes watching implies His awareness and judgment over the nations. In biblical times, nations often represented powers that opposed God's people, and this assurance of divine oversight would have been significant for Israel. The idea of God watching is echoed in other scriptures, such as Proverbs 15:3, which states that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere. This also connects to the prophetic vision of God's ultimate judgment and justice over all nations, as seen in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:9-10).

Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.
This phrase is a call for divine justice against those who oppose God's authority. The rebellious are those who defy God's laws and seek to elevate themselves above His will. In the historical context, this could refer to nations or individuals who threaten the peace and security of God's people. The plea for God to prevent the exaltation of the rebellious aligns with the biblical principle that pride leads to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). This also points to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, where all rebellion will be subdued, and Christ will be exalted above all (Philippians 2:9-11).

Selah
The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to meditate on the truths expressed, particularly the sovereignty and justice of God as described in this verse. This pause encourages deeper contemplation of God's eternal power, His vigilant oversight, and the assurance that He will not allow rebellion to prevail.

• The psalmist anchors our confidence in God’s unending reign. His sovereignty is not seasonal or dictated by human events; it is “forever.”

• Scripture consistently portrays God’s dominion as eternal: “The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty” (Psalm 93:1–2); “His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Daniel 4:34).

• Power here is personal, not mechanical. He actively “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

• Because God’s reign is perpetual, every present circumstance falls under His purposeful control—providing peace to believers living amid shifting cultural tides.

• God’s rule is not distant; He observes all peoples with unblinking awareness. Nothing escapes Him. Compare Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

• Nations rise and fall under His scrutiny (Isaiah 40:15–17). History moves exactly as He foresees and permits (Acts 17:26).

• This omniscient oversight assures believers that global turmoil or local unrest never surprises the Lord. He “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:4).

• The psalmist pivots from description to exhortation: seeing God’s rule should humble hearts.

• Rebellion—living contrary to His authority—may appear to succeed temporarily, but divine justice prevails. Psalm 2:4–5 reminds, “He who sits in the heavens laughs… He rebukes them in His anger.”

• For the faithful, this line is a plea and a comfort: God will restrain arrogance and vindicate righteousness (1 Peter 5:5–6).

• It also calls each reader to personal submission, echoing James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

• Selah invites a pause—time to let the weight of these truths settle.

• Reflect:

– God’s reign is eternal.

– His surveillance is exhaustive.

– Rebellion is futile.

• Such meditation fuels worship and obedience (Psalm 46:10).

Psalm 66:7 proclaims an eternal, powerful King who continually monitors the nations and ensures that human pride never overturns His purposes. Confidence, humility, and worship naturally flow from embracing this truth.

Let not . . .--Literally, the rebellious, let them not exalt for themselves, where we may supply "horn" as in Psalm 75:4-5, or "head" as in Psalm 3:3; Psalm 110:7. For the rebellious, comp. Psalm 68:6.