Psalm 66:8

ESV Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard,

NIV Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

NASB Bless our God, you peoples, And sound His praise abroad,

CSB Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard.

NLT Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises.

KJV O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:

NKJV Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

What does Psalm 66:8 mean?

Again (Psalm 66:1), the psalmist calls upon the entire world of mankind to acclaim the Lord. Israel's very existence was meant to provide clear evidence that God is good and almighty (Deuteronomy 14:2). The Gentiles could not deny that God cared for His people. At times, He defended them with awesome power (Isaiah 37:36; Exodus 14:21–22). Even when Israel was humbled, it was under God's control and for His purposes (2 Kings 18:11–12).

Today, both Jews and Gentiles who believe on Jesus as Savior have overwhelming evidence of His goodness, and this evidence leads them to bless God. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul reminds Ephesian Christians that God has provided encouragement through Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Believers should praise the Lord God because He chose them, made them holy (Ephesians 1:4), predestined them to become His children (Ephesians 1:5), redeemed them through Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7), forgave them (Ephesians 1:7), poured incredible grace and wisdom on them (Ephesians 1:8), and allowed a glimpse into the mystery of His will (Ephesians 1:9).

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Context Summary
Psalm 66:1–9 opens with a call to praise extended to the entire world. The psalmist declares God's awesome might. He reflects on the Lord's incredible acts of power. Among these are His provision for Israel's safe passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22). God is watching the whole earth; no one should arrogantly think they can defy Him. God's people should be particularly worshipful for the ways God has preserved them.

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Chapter Summary
This psalm appeals to the entire world to worship the Lord. His great works, such as giving Israel safe passage through the Red Sea, should be praised. Because God watches the world, no one should presume they can rebel without consequences. God tested Israel heavily but brought the nation to an abundant place. The psalmist declares that he will fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices, because God answered his prayer. Verses 1–9 speak to the nations of earth; verses 10–15 are spoken to God; verses 16–20 are addressed to the congregation.

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