Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! ShoutThe Hebrew word used here is "רוע" (rua), which means to make a loud noise or to shout in triumph. This word is often associated with a victorious cry, a sound of joy and celebration. In the context of worship, it signifies an exuberant expression of praise to God. Historically, shouting was a common practice in ancient Israel during times of victory or divine intervention, such as the fall of Jericho ( Joshua 6:20). This call to shout is an invitation to all believers to express their joy and gratitude to God with enthusiasm and vigor. for joy
The phrase "for joy" emphasizes the emotional response that accompanies the act of shouting. It is not merely a noise but a heartfelt expression of joy. The Hebrew word "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah) denotes gladness and delight. In the biblical context, joy is often linked to the presence and acts of God. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a natural response to God's goodness and faithfulness. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereignty and love. to God
The focus of the shout and joy is directed "to God," indicating the object of worship and praise. The Hebrew word for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. It is a reminder of God's supreme authority and the reverence due to Him. In the conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledges the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The act of directing our joy to God is an acknowledgment of His rightful place as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. all the earth
This phrase expands the call to worship beyond the people of Israel to include "all the earth." The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (erets) can mean land, earth, or world. It signifies the universal scope of God's dominion and the inclusivity of His call to worship. This reflects the biblical theme of God's desire for all nations to know Him and worship Him (Psalm 67:4). It is a prophetic vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure of the Psalm, to whom the joyful noise is directed. This reflects His sovereignty and worthiness of praise. 2. All the EarthRepresents all of creation, indicating that the call to worship is universal and inclusive of all people and nations. 3. PsalmistThe author of the Psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls for this universal praise. 4. IsraelWhile 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 EventThe act of making a joyful noise is a form of worship, suggesting a communal and celebratory gathering. Teaching Points Universal Call to WorshipThe verse emphasizes that worship is not limited to a specific group but is a call to all creation. This challenges believers to see worship as a global and inclusive act. Joyful Expression in WorshipMaking a joyful noise suggests that worship should be vibrant and enthusiastic. Believers are encouraged to express their joy in God openly and wholeheartedly. God's Worthiness of PraiseThe call to make a joyful noise underscores God's greatness and worthiness. Reflect on God's attributes and deeds as reasons for joyful worship. Community in WorshipThe verse implies a communal aspect of worship, encouraging believers to gather together in praise, fostering unity and shared joy. Reflecting on Creation's PraiseConsider how all of creation praises God, and find ways to join in this universal chorus through personal and corporate worship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call to "make a joyful noise" challenge your current approach to worship? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more joy into your personal and communal worship experiences? 3. How does understanding the universal call to worship in Psalm 66:1 influence your view of evangelism and missions? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in worship. What elements contributed to that experience, and how can you recreate it? 5. How can you encourage others in your community to participate in joyful worship, and what role can you play in fostering a culture of praise? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 100:1This verse also calls for a joyful noise to the Lord, emphasizing the theme of universal praise. Philippians 4:4Encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, connecting the idea of joy in worship to the New Testament. Isaiah 42:10-12Calls for a new song to the Lord, highlighting the global scope of worship. Revelation 5:13Describes every creature in heaven and on earth praising God, echoing the universal call to worship. 1 Chronicles 16:23-24Encourages declaring God's glory among the nations, aligning with the call for all the earth to praise. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Aloud, Chief, Choirmaster, Cry, Glad, Gt, Joy, Joyful, Joyfully, Lands, Leader, Lt, Music, Musician, Music-maker, Noise, Overseer, Psalm, Shout, SongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 66:1 5528 shouting
8609 prayer, as praise and thanksgiving Psalm 66: 5420 music
7963 song Psalm 66:1-2 8288 joy, of Israel Psalm 66:1-4 8624 worship, reasons 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 66:1 NIVPsalm 66:1 NLTPsalm 66:1 ESVPsalm 66:1 NASBPsalm 66:1 KJV
Psalm 66:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
