← Back to Psalms

Psalms 66

20 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 66 invites all nations to praise God for His mighty works and recounts the psalmist’s gratitude for deliverance amid afflictions.

Summary

The psalm opens with a call to make joyful noise and sing the honour of God's name, urging all lands to worship Him. The psalmist reflects on God's terrifically powerful deeds—turning the sea into dry land and enabling people to walk on floodwaters. He acknowledges God's sovereignty over nations and warns against rebellious exaltation. The psalm transitions to a personal confession of affliction, describing how God tested and tried the psalmist like silver, yet ultimately brought him out into a place of wealth. The psalmist vows to offer burnt offerings, incense, and sacrifices, expressing that his prayers were heard and that God’s mercy did not depart. The psalm concludes with a declaration of blessing and a plea for continued hearing of his voice.

Outline
  1. Invocation of worship and praise for God's works
  2. Remembrance of God's mighty acts and personal afflictions
  3. Personal testimony, vows of offerings, and assurance of God's mercy
Themes
God’s sovereignty and power over natureDeliverance through trials and testingPraise and thanksgiving for divine mercy
Keywords
joyful noisehonourterribleworshipworks of Godseadry landafflictionburnt offeringsincenseprayermiracle
People
God
Places
SeaDry landWaterFire
Things
Burnt offeringsIncense of ramsBullocks and goatsSilverAfflictionPrayer
Key Verses
  • Psalms 66:6: Illustrates God's power over nature by turning the sea into dry land
  • Psalms 66:12: Shows the psalmist’s experience of trials—fire and water—yet deliverance
  • Psalms 66:20: Concludes with a declaration of God’s unending mercy and blessing
Questions
  • How does Psalm 66 demonstrate trust in God during times of affliction?
  • What does the psalmist’s emphasis on burnt offerings reveal about ancient worship practices?
  • In what ways does the psalm encourage collective worship across nations?
  • How does the imagery of the sea becoming dry land speak to the concept of God’s sovereignty?
  • Why might the psalmist have chosen to describe his afflictions as a test like silver?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm expresses both gratitude and acknowledgement of hardship, balancing praise with testimony of trials.