◄ Psalm 66 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Make a Joyful Noise (Psalm 100:1–5) For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. 1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! 2Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. 3Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. 4All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah 5Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind. 6He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him. 7He rules forever by His power; His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah 8Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard. 9He preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping. 10For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. 11You led us into the net; You laid burdens on our backs. 12You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance. 13I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— 14the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. 15I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah 16Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me. 17I cried out to Him with my mouth and praised Him with my tongue.a 18If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. 20Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion! Footnotes: 17 a Or and His praise was on my tongue Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 66 Summary Make a Joyful Noise Verses 1–4 – Universal Call to Praise All the earth is summoned to raise a joyful shout, sing, and declare God’s glory. His deeds are so awesome that enemies submit and the nations bow down. Verses 5–7 – Remember the Waters He Divided The congregation is invited to “Come and see” the mighty works—especially the moment when the sea became dry land. God rules forever, watching the nations, and no rebel can stand. Verses 8–12 – Purified Through Trials The psalm shifts from global praise to Israel’s story. God tested His people like silver in a furnace, leading them through fire and water before bringing them into abundant refreshment. Verses 13–15 – Fulfilling Vows The worshiper arrives at the sanctuary with burnt offerings, rams, bulls, and goats promised during distress, now paid in gratitude. Verses 16–20 – Personal Testimony and Assurance An individual voice invites listeners: “Come, listen.” God heard a heartfelt cry because iniquity was not cherished. Praise is offered to the One who “has not withdrawn His loving devotion or His truth.” Psalm 66 is an exuberant and passionate declaration of God's majestic power and enduring faithfulness. It is a hymn of gratitude and reverence, inviting all nations to bear witness to God's wondrous deeds. This chapter encourages both personal and communal praise, cultivating a sense of unity under the universal Lordship of God. Authorship and Setting Though the superscription simply reads “For the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm,” its language and temple-focused vows point to the period of the united monarchy or early first-temple era. Many conservative scholars connect the historical references (verses 5–7) to the Exodus (Exodus 14) and the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3), suggesting national celebration after a military victory or a great feast such as Passover. Structure of the Psalm 1. Global summons (1–4) 2. Corporate remembrance (5–7) 3. Corporate refinement (8–12) 4. Corporate-to-personal transition (13–15) 5. Personal testimony (16–20) The flow from “all the earth” to one individual mirrors God’s care from macro to micro, revealing His universal reign and personal interest. Key Themes • God’s works invite public praise (Psalm 66:3; Revelation 15:3–4). • Trials refine rather than destroy (Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 1:6–7). • Vows matter (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). • Unconfessed sin blocks prayer (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1–2; James 5:16). • God’s steadfast love endures (Psalm 66:20; Lamentations 3:22–23). Historical Parallels and Archaeological Notes • Verse 6’s “He turned the sea into dry land” fits the traditional site at the Gulf of Suez, where wind-setdown models show a possible natural aid for the miraculous crossing. • Early Israelite pottery inscriptions from the Jordan Valley include Hebrew divine names, supporting an early occupation consistent with the Joshua narrative echoed here. • Temple-era seals depicting ram and bull motifs match the sacrificial animals listed in verses 13–15, underscoring the psalm’s cultic realism. Language and Literary Devices • Imperatives (“Shout,” “Sing,” “Come and see”) build urgency. • Chiasm in verses 10–12 centers on testing for growth: “You tested… refined… brought us into abundance.” • First-person plural (“we,” “us”) transitions to singular (“I,” “my”)—a literary funnel leading every listener to personal accountability. Theological Insights • God’s sovereignty: “He rules forever” (v. 7) affirms unchanging authority (Daniel 4:34–35). • Redemption pattern: deliverance follows affliction (Romans 8:28). • Worship integrity: offerings must follow obedience; external gifts cannot replace heart purity (1 Samuel 15:22; Mark 12:33). Connections Across Scripture • Verses 1–4 echo Psalm 100 and anticipate every tongue confessing Christ (Philippians 2:10–11). • Verses 5–6 parallel Psalm 114’s portrayal of the Exodus and Jordan. • Verse 12’s “into abundance” foreshadows John 10:10—life to the full. • Verse 18’s principle is foundational for New Testament prayer teaching (1 John 3:21–22). Practical Implications for Believers Today • Celebrate God publicly; worship is not private only. • View hardships as refining fires, trusting God to bring you “to abundance.” • Keep promises made in crisis; integrity in vows honors God and bolsters witness. • Examine the heart before approaching God; confession clears the line of communication. • Share testimonies boldly; personal accounts of answered prayer invite others to trust Him. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 14:21-31 The crossing of the Red Sea, a foundational event referenced in Psalm 66, demonstrating God's deliverance and power. James 1:2-4 Encouragement to consider trials as joy, knowing they produce perseverance and maturity. 1 Peter 1:6-7 The refining of faith through trials, likened to the purification of gold. Revelation 15:3-4 A vision of all nations worshiping God for His righteous acts, echoing the universal call to worship in Psalm 66. Teaching Points Universal Call to Worship Psalm 66:1-4 calls all the earth to make a joyful noise to God, emphasizing that worship is not just a personal act but a universal call. Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious (Psalm 66:1-2). God's Mighty Works Verses 5-7 recount God's awesome deeds, particularly His deliverance of Israel through the Red Sea. This serves as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty over all nations. Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind (Psalm 66:5). Testing and Refinement In verses 8-12, the psalmist acknowledges that God allows trials to refine His people, likening it to silver being purified. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver (Psalm 66:10). Personal Testimony The psalmist shares a personal testimony of answered prayer in verses 13-20, highlighting the importance of sharing our experiences of God's faithfulness. Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me (Psalm 66:16). Practical Applications Engage in Corporate Worship Make it a priority to join with others in worship, recognizing that our collective praise is a powerful testimony to God's greatness. Reflect on God's Past Faithfulness Regularly take time to remember and recount God's mighty works in your life and in history, strengthening your faith and trust in Him. Embrace Trials as Refinement View challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and refinement, trusting that God is working for your good. Share Your Testimony Be intentional about sharing your personal experiences of God's faithfulness with others, encouraging them in their faith journey. People 1. God The central figure in Psalm 66, God is praised for His awesome deeds and power. The psalmist calls on all the earth to worship God and acknowledges His sovereignty and mighty works. The Hebrew word used for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a common term for God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His power and majesty. 2. The Psalmist While not named, the author of the psalm speaks in the first person, sharing personal experiences of God's deliverance and inviting others to hear what God has done for him. The psalmist acts as a witness to God's faithfulness and mercy. 3. The People of Israel Referred to collectively, the people of Israel are implied in the recounting of God's past deeds, such as the crossing of the Red Sea and the deliverance from oppression. The psalmist speaks of how God preserved their lives and kept their feet from slipping, indicating the collective experience of the nation. 4. All the Earth The psalmist calls upon all the earth to shout for joy to God, sing the glory of His name, and make His praise glorious. This universal call to worship includes all peoples and nations, emphasizing the global recognition of God's greatness. Places 1. Earth The term "earth" is used in Psalm 66:1, "Shout for joy to God, all the earth!" In Hebrew, the word for earth is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which can refer to the whole world or land in general. Here, it signifies the entirety of creation being called to worship God. 2. Sea Mentioned in Psalm 66:6, "He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot." The Hebrew word for sea is "יָם" (yam). This refers to the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting God's power and deliverance. Events 1. Call to Praise God (Verses 1-2) The psalm begins with a call for all the earth to "shout for joy to God" and "sing the glory of His name." The Hebrew word for "shout" (רוּעַ, ru'a) conveys a loud, joyful noise, often used in the context of worship and celebration. 2. Proclaiming God's Awesome Deeds (Verse 3) The psalmist instructs to say to God, "How awesome are Your deeds!" The word "awesome" (נוֹרָא, nora) in Hebrew emphasizes the fear and reverence inspired by God's mighty works. 3. All the Earth Worships God (Verse 4) It is declared that "All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You." This universal worship underscores the recognition of God's sovereignty. 4. Invitation to Witness God's Works (Verse 5) The psalmist invites others to "Come and see the works of God," highlighting His "awesome deeds for mankind." This invitation is a call to observe and acknowledge God's intervention in human history. 5. Recounting the Crossing of the Red Sea (Verse 6) The psalmist recalls how God "turned the sea into dry land," allowing His people to pass through. This refers to the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, a pivotal event in Israel's history. 6. God's Sovereignty and Power (Verse 7) It is proclaimed that God "rules forever by His power" and "His eyes watch the nations." The Hebrew root for "rules" (מָשַׁל, mashal) indicates dominion and authority. 7. Call to Bless God (Verse 8) The psalmist calls the peoples to "bless our God" and "let the sound of His praise be heard." The act of blessing (בָּרַךְ, barak) involves acknowledging God's goodness and expressing gratitude. 8. God's Testing and Refining (Verses 9-12) The psalmist describes how God "kept our souls among the living" and tested them, likening it to the refining of silver. The process of testing (בָּחַן, bachan) and refining (צָרַף, tsaraf) signifies purification and strengthening. 9. Deliverance and Abundance (Verse 12) After the trials, God brings His people "to a place of abundance." This reflects God's faithfulness in leading His people through difficulties to a state of blessing. 10. Personal Vows and Offerings (Verses 13-15) The psalmist commits to fulfilling vows made to God and offering burnt offerings. This act of worship and dedication is a response to God's deliverance. 11. Testimony of God's Faithfulness (Verses 16-20) The psalm concludes with a personal testimony, inviting others to "come and listen" to what God has done. The psalmist praises God for hearing his prayer and not rejecting his plea or withholding His love. Lessons from Psalm 66 1. Praise is Our First Response Psalm 66 opens with a call to "Shout for joy to God, all the earth!" (Psalm 66:1). This sets the tone for our lives as believers. When we start our day with praise, we align our hearts with God's goodness and power. Praise is not just a Sunday activity; it's a daily practice that transforms our perspective and invites God's presence into every moment. 2. God's Works Are Awe-Inspiring The psalmist reminds us to "Say to God, 'How awesome are Your deeds!'" (Psalm 66:3). Reflecting on God's mighty works in creation and history strengthens our faith. Take time to notice the beauty around you and remember the miracles in your life. This awareness fuels gratitude and trust in God's ongoing work. 3. God's Power Overcomes All Obstacles Psalm 66:6 recounts how God "turned the sea into dry land." This miraculous event is a reminder that no obstacle is too great for God. When faced with challenges, remember that the same God who parted the Red Sea is with you. Trust Him to make a way where there seems to be none. 4. God Tests and Refines Us The psalmist acknowledges, "For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver" (Psalm 66:10). Trials are not meant to break us but to purify and strengthen our faith. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth, knowing that God is shaping you for His purposes. 5. Deliverance is God's Specialty In Psalm 66:12, we read, "We went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance." God's deliverance is not just about escape; it's about leading us to a place of blessing. Trust in His timing and His plan, knowing that He is faithful to bring you through to a better place. 6. Worship is a Personal Commitment The psalmist declares, "I will come to Your house with burnt offerings" (Psalm 66:13). Worship is a personal commitment that goes beyond corporate gatherings. It's about dedicating our lives and resources to God. Make worship a daily habit, offering your time, talents, and treasures to Him. 7. God Hears Our Prayers Psalm 66:19 assures us, "But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer." This is a powerful reminder that our prayers are not in vain. God listens and responds to the cries of His people. Approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to your needs. 8. Confession is Key to Connection The psalmist notes, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18). Sin can hinder our relationship with God, but confession restores it. Be quick to confess and turn from sin, keeping your heart open to God's voice and guidance. 9. God's Love is Unfailing In Psalm 66:20, we find, "Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His loving devotion from me!" God's love is steadfast and unwavering. Even when we falter, His love remains. Rest in the assurance that nothing can separate you from His love. 10. Share God's Goodness with Others The psalmist invites others to "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16). Sharing our testimonies encourages others and glorifies God. Be bold in sharing how God has worked in your life, inspiring others to seek Him too. Topics 1. Call to Worship and Praise (Verses 1-4) The psalm begins with a universal call to worship, inviting "all the earth" to "shout for joy to God" and "sing the glory of His name" (Psalm 66:1-2). The Hebrew word for "shout" (רוּעַ, ruach) conveys a sense of loud, jubilant praise, emphasizing the exuberance and communal nature of worship. 2. Recognition of God's Awesome Deeds (Verses 5-7) The psalmist invites the audience to "come and see the works of God" (Psalm 66:5), highlighting His mighty acts, such as turning the sea into dry land. The Hebrew term for "awesome" (נוֹרָא, nora) underscores the fear and reverence inspired by God's miraculous interventions. 3. God's Sovereignty and Rule (Verses 7-9) These verses affirm God's eternal reign and His watchful eye over the nations, ensuring that the rebellious do not exalt themselves. The psalmist emphasizes God's sustaining power, as He "preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping" (Psalm 66:9). 4. Testing and Refinement of God's People (Verses 10-12) The psalmist acknowledges that God tests His people, likening the process to the refining of silver. The Hebrew word for "tested" (בָּחַן, bachan) suggests a thorough examination, indicating that trials serve to purify and strengthen faith. 5. Personal Testimony of Deliverance (Verses 13-15) The psalmist vows to enter God's house with burnt offerings, fulfilling promises made during times of trouble. This personal testimony highlights the importance of gratitude and the fulfillment of vows as acts of worship and acknowledgment of God's deliverance. 6. Invitation to Hear God's Deeds (Verses 16-20) The psalm concludes with an invitation to "come and listen" to the psalmist's testimony of God's faithfulness. The psalmist declares that God has heard his prayer and not rejected his plea, emphasizing the importance of sincere prayer and the assurance of God's attentive response. Themes 1. Praise and Worship of God The psalm begins with a call to all the earth to make a joyful noise to God, emphasizing the universal call to worship. ^“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!”^ (Psalm 66:1) The Hebrew word for "shout" (רוע, "rua") conveys a loud, enthusiastic proclamation, highlighting the exuberance in worship. 2. God’s Awesome Works The psalmist reflects on the awe-inspiring deeds of God, particularly His power over creation and history. ^“Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’”^ (Psalm 66:3) The word "awesome" (נורא, "nora") in Hebrew suggests something that inspires reverence and fear, pointing to God's majesty. 3. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations The psalm acknowledges God's control over the nations, indicating His supreme authority. ^“All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name.”^ (Psalm 66:4) This theme underscores the belief in God's ultimate dominion over all peoples. 4. Remembrance of God’s Deliverance The psalmist recalls God's deliverance of Israel, particularly the crossing of the Red Sea. ^“He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot.”^ (Psalm 66:6) This remembrance serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and power in history. 5. Testing and Refinement The psalm speaks of God testing His people, likening it to the refining of silver. ^“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.”^ (Psalm 66:10) The Hebrew word for "tested" (בחן, "bachan") implies examination and purification, suggesting a process of spiritual growth. 6. Vows and Offerings The psalmist mentions fulfilling vows and offering sacrifices as acts of devotion and gratitude. ^“I will come to Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You.”^ (Psalm 66:13) This theme highlights the importance of keeping promises made to God and expressing thankfulness through offerings. 7. Personal Testimony of God’s Faithfulness The psalmist shares a personal testimony of God's response to prayer and deliverance from trouble. ^“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.”^ (Psalm 66:16) This personal witness serves to encourage others in their faith and trust in God. 8. God’s Attention to Prayer The psalm concludes with an affirmation that God hears and responds to the prayers of the faithful. ^“But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.”^ (Psalm 66:19) This theme reassures believers of God's attentiveness and willingness to engage with His people. Prayer Points Praise for God's Sovereignty Thank God for His mighty works and His sovereign rule over all creation. Strength in Trials Pray for strength and perseverance during times of testing, trusting in God's refining process. Boldness in Testimony Ask for courage and opportunities to share your testimony of God's faithfulness with others. Unity in Worship Pray for unity among believers as we come together to worship and glorify God's name. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 66:6 claim people crossed a sea on dry ground without any clear archaeological evidence? 2. If Psalm 66:4 states all nations worship God, why do so many cultures follow different deities or no deity at all? 3. How does Psalm 66:9 reconcile the belief that God preserves life with the reality of widespread human suffering? 4. If Psalm 66:10 says God tests and refines like silver, why do faithful believers still experience severe hardships that seem more destructive than purifying? 5. In light of Psalm 66:3, how can God’s enemies supposedly “cringe before him” when many openly oppose or dismiss God without apparent consequence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Psalm 66 tell us about the nature of God's power? 2. How does the Psalmist invite all nations to participate in the praise of God? How can this be applied in a contemporary context? 3. Discuss the transition from communal praise to personal testimony in Psalm 66. What does this signify about the relationship between personal faith and communal worship? 4. How has the Psalmist depicted the trials faced by God's people? How do they resonate with the trials you face in your life? 5. Reflect on the Psalmist's commitment in verses 13-15. How does this speak to our obedience to God? 6. How does the personal testimony in the last verses relate to your personal experiences with answered prayers? 7. In what ways does Psalm 66 reflect God's faithfulness towards His people? 8. How does the Psalmist balance reverence and fear of God with gratitude and praise? 9. What role does the memory of God’s past deeds play in sustaining faith for the future? 10. How can Psalm 66 inspire us to share personal testimonies of God's work in our lives today? 11. How does this Psalm address the idea of God's testing? How does it connect to the concept of refining? 12. How can we manifest the concept of "making His praise glorious" in our day-to-day lives? 13. How does the psalmist’s promise to fulfill his vows resonate with your personal commitments to God? 14. What are the key elements of praise and thanksgiving depicted in this Psalm? 15. In what ways does Psalm 66 guide us to respond in times of adversity? 16. What does the phrase "Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer" mean to you personally? 17. How does Psalm 66 inspire you to celebrate God's work in your community? 18. Reflect on the universality of God’s dominion as depicted in Psalm 66. How does this perspective shape our understanding of global Christian fellowship? 19. What insights does this Psalm offer for maintaining faith and hope during challenging times? 20. How can the communal expressions of praise in Psalm 66 influence the way we conduct worship in our local churches today? 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