Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 66

PSALM 66

Psa 66:1-20. The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy.

1. Make ... noise--or, "Shout."

2. his name--as in Psa 29:2. make his praise glorious--literally, "place honor, His praise," or, "as to His praise"; that is, let His praise be such as will glorify Him, or, be honorable to Him.

3-4. A specimen of the praise. How terrible--(Compare Psa 65:8). submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Psa 18:44), produced by terror.

5-6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Ex 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.

7. behold the nations--watch their conduct.

8-9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.

10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Is 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).

13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).

16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God (Psa 60:4; 61:5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.