Psalm 66:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

NIV: You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

NASB: You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water. Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

CSB: You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us out to abundance.

NLT: Then you put a leader over us. We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

KJV: Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

NKJV: You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Continuing his description of Israel's testing at God's hands, the psalmist symbolically describes the Israelites' former suffering. The imagery here is of horses being ridden over the heads of victims. The implication is that Israel's trials felt harsh and unbearable. Likewise, their struggles involved varieties of hardship: like going through burning fire in one moment and overwhelming water the next. However, the psalmist realizes God's discipline in these things. He credits God with bringing Israel out to a spacious and prosperous place: the Promised Land of Canaan.

The cycle of discipline begins with sin, then moves to suffering leading to repentance, which brings God's forgiveness and blessing. Isaiah 43:2 holds a promise for Israel. It assures Israel, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." "Through" is a key word in this promise. It reveals that affliction is temporary; there is an exit! God permits trials to turn a believer back to Himself and to bring him into a place of blessing. He doesn't intend to use trials to make a believer bitter but to make them better!

Psalm 66:10–12 gives context to the idea that God has protected and preserved His people, thereby giving everyone a reason to praise Him (Psalm 66:1). Here, the psalmist poetically recalls God testing His chosen people of Israel. This likely refers to Israel's journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt (Numbers 14:27–33). Despite hard times and many enemies, the Lord preserved the Israelites and brought them into Canaan.

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.

This is a psalm of thanksgiving, but the occasion that prompted it is unknown. It may have been written after the Lord defeated the Assyrians (Isaiah 36—37). Another possibility is that it was recorded following the return from Babylonian captivity (Ezra 1:2–3).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.