Psalm 66:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him,

NIV: He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot-- come, let us rejoice in him.

NASB: He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; Let’s rejoice there, in Him!

CSB: He turned the sea into dry land, and they crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him.

NLT: He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him.

KJV: He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

NKJV: He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.

The psalmist reminds the world (Psalm 66:1) about one of God's awesome deeds: turning the Red Sea into dry land for the Hebrews' safe passage. This story is recorded in Exodus chapter 14.

The entire nation of Israel had fled from Egypt (Exodus 12:51), but they found themselves hemmed in at the Red Sea with Pharaoh's elite cavalry bearing down on them (Exodus 14:1–4). There was no possible escape; but God can do what men find impossible (Luke 1:37). The Hebrews were afraid and cried out to Lord (Exodus 14:10). They expected to be killed (Exodus 14:11). Moses reassured Israel that God intended to save His people, and that the pursuing Egyptians would never be seen again (Exodus 14:13). At the Lord's direction, Moses gestured over the sea (Exodus 14:16). Then God pushed the water back so the Hebrews could cross on dry land (Exodus 14:21–22). The Egyptians tried to follow, but God let the water return and they were drowned (Exodus 14:23–29). Moses and the people celebrated with a joyful song to the Lord (Exodus 15).

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 9:10:34 PM