Psalm 66:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.

NIV: Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

NASB: Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will pretend to obey You.

CSB: Say to God, "How awe-inspiring are your works! Your enemies will cringe before you because of your great strength.

NLT: Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.

KJV: Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

NKJV: Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.

Twice in these early verses, the psalmist refers to God's deeds as "awesome" (Psalm 66:5). In modern English, that word is typically used to mean "very good." But its earlier meaning is that something produces "awe:" an overwhelming feeling of wonder, reverence, and even fear. All these ideas are tied to the Hebrew word used, which is yare'.

God's actions reveal great power, which causes enemies to cower before Him. The writer will cite the parting of the Red Sea as an example of God's mighty deeds (Psalm 66:6). The Old Testament overflows with descriptions of incredible and powerful things which the Lord has done. Creation demonstrates God's mighty power (Psalm 19:1). He simply spoke, and everything sprang into existence (Hebrews 11:3).

When the Hebrews journeyed through the wilderness, God defeated their enemies and provided a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them (Exodus 13:21–22). He miraculously provided water from a rock to quench their thirst (Exodus 17:3–6) and sent manna and quail to satisfy their hunger (Psalm 105:40–42). He opened the ground to swallow the rebellious Korah and his companions (Numbers 16:28–31). He enabled His people to conquer Canaan and settle in it (Deuteronomy 7:1–8). In Canaan, God's power brought down the walls of Jericho without any attack from His people (Joshua 6). Rahab, a non-Israelite noticed how the inhabitants of Jericho cringed in fear because of God's mighty power on Israel's behalf (Joshua 2:9).

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.