Psalm 66

Authorship

This Psalm is anonymous.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. A call to come and rejoice. (1-4)

A. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands.

B. Sing forth the honor of His name.

C. Make His praise glorious.

D. Say unto God:

1. How terrible art Thou in Thy works!

2. Through the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

3. All the earth shall worship Thee and shall sing unto Thee.

II. A call to come and see the works of God. (5-12)

A. He is terrible in His doing toward the children of men.

B. He turned the sea into dry land:

1. They went through the flood on foot.

2. There did they rejoice in Him.

C. He rules by His power for ever.

D. His eyes behold the nations:

1. Let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

2. Bless Him and make His praise be heard because:

a. He holds our soul in life.

b. He does not suffer our feet to be moved.

c. He has proved us and tried us as silver is tried.

d. He brought us into the net:

(1) He laid affliction on us.

(2) He caused men to ride over our heads.

(3) We went through fire and through water: but He brought us out into a wealthy place.

III. A call to come and pay your vows. (13-15)

A. Go to His house with burnt offerings.

B. Pay the vows you have spoken when you were in trouble.

C. Offer burnt offerings.

IV. A call to come and hear what God has done for my soul. (16-20)

A. I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.

B. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

C. God has heard me and attended to the voice of my prayer. D. He has not turned away His mercy from me.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 66,12 לָרְוָיָה {B} MT // exeg: G, σ', Hebr, S, T