Chapter commentary
Psalms Chapter 66
1
Ps 66:1-20.
2
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2. his name--as in
Ps 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
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3, 4. A specimen of the praise.
How terrible--(Compare
Ps 65:8).
submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection
(Ps 18:44),
produced by terror.
5
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5, 6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history
(Ex 14:21).
By this example let rebels be admonished.
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7. behold the nations--watch their conduct.
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8, 9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
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9. holdeth . . . in life--literally, "putteth our soul in life"; that is, out of danger
(Ps 30:3; 49:15).
to be moved--(Compare
Ps 10:6; 55:22).
10
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10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare
Isa 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).
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11. affliction--literally, "pressure," or, as in
Ps 55:3,
"oppression," which, laid on the
loins--the seat of strength
(De 33:11),
enfeebles the frame.
12
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12. men to ride over our heads--made us to pass.
through fire, &c.--figures describing prostration and critical dangers (compare
Isa 43:2; Eze 36:12).
wealthy--literally, "overflowing," or, "irrigated," and hence fertile.
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13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows
(Le 22:18-23).
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15. I will offer--literally, "make to ascend," alluding to the smoke of burnt offering, which explains the use of "incense."
incense--elsewhere always denoting the fumes of aromatics.
16
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16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God
(Ps 60:4; 61:5,
His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.
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17. he was extolled with my tongue--literally, "exaltation (was) under my tongue," as a place of deposit, whence it proceeded; that is, honoring God was habitual.
18
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18. If I regard iniquity in my heart--literally, "see iniquity with pleasure."
Ps 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."