Psalm 66:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations — let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

NIV: He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the rebellious rise up against him.

NASB: He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; The rebellious shall not exalt themselves! Selah

CSB: He rules forever by his might; he keeps his eye on the nations. The rebellious should not exalt themselves. Selah

NLT: For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance. Interlude

KJV: He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

NKJV: He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

As God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2), Israel was unique. References to "the nations" in the Old Testament usually imply people not part of that relationship: Gentiles. In this psalm, that idea is being blended with the more literal idea of every person and tribe on earth (Psalm 66:1). The nations were ruled by kings, but the psalmist referred to God as the sovereign who reigns forever. Those with thoughts of mutiny against the Lord are advised to keep their arrogance in check.

Earthly kings come and go. The King of the universe is eternal. He is greater than any country; He keeps watch over the entire world. As the One who chose Israel for His own purposes, God acted as a watchman—a defender, when necessary—to see what other nations planned to do. A powerful example is His destruction of a huge Assyrian force which besieged Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king. God's angel killed tens of thousands of enemy soldiers overnight (Isaiah 37:36) and the survivors quickly fled to their own country.

The book of Revelation predicts the final defeat of the unruly, rebellious nations. John (Revelation 1:1) describes a satanic figure and kings of the earth with gathered armies to make war against Christ (Revelation 19:19). However, Christ slays them without resistance (Revelation 19:15, 19–21). Considering what God had done to "the nations" and would do, rebellion against God is unwise.

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.

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.

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.