Psalms 66 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.66.1-20
This anonymous psalm includes two hymns (66:1-12, 13-20) that praise God for his redemption.
Ps.66.1-4
The psalmist exhorts nature to join in a mighty chorus to praise God’s glory, name, and power.
Ps.66.2
The glory of his name represents the perfection of God’s character.
Ps.66.3
God conquers his enemies (see 18:44; 59:11; 81:15).
Ps.66.5-7
The story of the Exodus and God’s victory over the sea evokes responses of astonishment (66:5) and worship (66:6). God works miracles . . . for people in order to redeem them for himself.
Ps.66.7
God’s power brings redemption. The same word occurs in 65:6 for God’s power in creation (see also 80:2).
Ps.66.8-10
The orderly lives of the redeemed reflect the order of God’s world. The Lord protects them from evil and purifies them.
Ps.66.9
God guides his people into wisdom and away from folly (17:5; 37:31; 121:3).
Ps.66.10
You have tested us, O God: As the silversmith heats silver to remove the dross, God’s discipline removes sin from his people (see 12:6).
Ps.66.11
God decrees and permits the many trying circumstances his people experience.
Ps.66.12
Then you put a leader over us: Or You made people ride over our heads. This expression possibly refers to a foreign ruler who kept the Israelites in submission.
Ps.66.15
Vows often included sacrifices of thanksgiving, including burnt offerings (see 20:3; 40:6; 50:8; 51:19).
Ps.66.16-20
The private testimony in the conclusion of the psalm parallels the public praise of its opening (66:1-4).
Ps.66.18
Confession leads to restoration (see 32:5).