Psalm 66:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm. Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

NIV: For the director of music. A song. A psalm. Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

NASB: Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;

CSB: Let the whole earth shout joyfully to God!

NLT: Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!

KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm.} Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm.} Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!

The psalmist calls on the whole world, including both Israel and the Gentile nations, to worship the Lord.

God called Israel His chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2). In the Old Testament, phrases such as "the nations" or other references to Gentiles are often symbolic of unbelief. However, this does not mean that God had no love for cultures outside of Israel. In fact, God chose Israel to be His witness to the Gentiles (Isaiah 43:10).

Further, the Lord chose Israel to be the nation through which salvation would come. Jesus provided salvation by shedding His blood on the cross; He was born of the tribe of Judah and descended from Israel's beloved King David. John 4:22 says, "salvation is from the Jews." John 3:16 makes it clear that the offer of salvation is not limited to the Jews; it extends to the whole world. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

The good news of salvation provides ample reason for all the earth to shout joyfully to God!

The title of the psalm refers to a "choirmaster," or "chief musician." This seems to have been the person who led group worship, such as near the temple.

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.

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.