Click here to read PSALM 66 in poetic form.
Background
Psalms 61-72 complete the Exodus book in Psalms and show the Messiah’s great atoning work. Psalm 66 gives honor and praise to God for His deliverance in troublous times.
This Psalm is separated into two main sections by the Hebrew term “Selah,” which means to pause. Each of those sections is divided into parts by the same Hebrew term “Selah.” Some Bible teachers say this connected the truths that come before and after the term.
Structure
(Verses 1,2) Sing honor and praise to God
(Verses 3,4) God’s great power over His enemies
Pause
(Verses 5-7) Come and see God’s works
Pause
(Verses 8,9) Sing honor and praise to God
(Verses 10-15) Trusting God when attacked by enemies
Pause
(Verses 16-20) Come and see what God has done for my soul
Key Scriptures
Verse 6—“He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood [stream, river] on foot: there did we rejoice in him.” This records two of the great events as Israel left Egypt and entered the Promised Land. Here in the Exodus book of Psalms, this verse mentions God parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14) when Moses led Israel out of Egypt. It also remembers God parting the waters of the Jordan River when Joshua led them into the Promised Land (Joshua 3).
Verses 9,16—“ Which holdeth our soul in life…. I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” God puts life into our souls. He is the Author of life. It is our joy to tell others how our Father saves and cares for us each day.
Verse 12—“thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” This is literally “into satisfaction.” The word “wealthy” is translated “freedom” in some texts. God brings us from bondage to freedom in Christ.
Verses 18,19—“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me.” The Psalmist did not see iniquity in his own heart. He kept a pure conscience toward God. This is what Jesus Christ always did—he always kept his heart open and honest to his Father in heaven. And God always heard and answered His Son.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
One reply on “Psalms in Poetic Form: Psalm 66”
If we can keep our hearts pure we will always have sweet fellowship with God and with Jesus Christ. Then we will see the abundance and fruit in our lives. It’s an exciting challenge and very worth the effort.