Shout Joyful Praises – Psalm 66: 1-4
Psalm 66:1-4
- Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
- 2Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
- 3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
- 4All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
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Shout joyful Praises
The Jews and Gentiles are asked to sing. The author of Psalm 66:1-4 is telling them to sing to God with joy in their hearts. Furthermore, when we sing to the Lord, we should always make it a high-spirited song of praise. That is, sing louder than we would with a normal song and with much more enthusiasm. Sing praises to God with a joyful exuberant heart!
The honour of His name
The author is telling people of all nations to let God’s grace and his merciful acts be the subject of our songs.
All ye lands…
- It is believed that this Psalmist was speaking of the call to the Gentiles to come into the fold alongside the Jews.
- At that time, only the people of Israel knew of God and so the author perhaps prophesies that one day all nations will know of the Lord.
Thine enemies submit themselves unto thee…
- This is not saying that God makes people submit to him.
- God has given us the free-will to make our own choices.
- However, there are times when God will use their own choices to show that he means business.
How is God in control of all things?
Many people believe that this song was sung at a time when God gave the Jews deliverance from something.
- God may have just delivered the Jews from Egypt and perhaps they were singing this song on the journey home.
- The following is just one example of how the enemies submit themselves to God.
- The Pharaoh of Egypt gave his word (a few times) about releasing the Jews from captivity.
- And then, not live up to that promise.
- Some people believe that God’s anger brought the plagues upon Egypt.
- In fact, the Pharaoh brought the plagues upon his people by not living up to his word.
- So, the Pharaoh and his followers, using their own choices, suffered God’s wrath.
All the earth shall worship thee…
- It’s important that we worship the Lord by singing to him.
- As a result from singing, our hearts can expand in joy.
- But also we need to be speaking to him in prayer, meditation, reading his word, etc.
- It is a 2-way street which includes speaking and listening.
Prophecy?
The next three verses were most likely a prophecy. Telling of a time when everyone will bow down to the Lord, at the second coming.
- At the end of days, the faithful will obey God and willingly be singing and praising his name.
- However, some will only pretend they are faithful.
- In fact, some people will reject God completely.
- Regardless, all people will bow in front of God, on that day.
And shall sing unto thee…
- The Lord loves to hear us sing and praise him.
- It doesn’t matter what our voice sounds like.
- He enjoys it when we worship him in song.
They shall sing to thy name…
- Long ago people’s names meant something.
- The names were a way of identifying a person’s character.
- When we use to the Lord’s name, we are praising and honouring who he is and what he stands for.
- God has many names which show his character.
Selah…
There are 3 different opinions as to what the word Selah means:
- Musical notation signifying a rest to singers and/or instruments
- Become loud, more exuberant
- Pause and reflect
The above verses tell us that one day all the earth will worship the Heavenly Father.
My Prayer for Psalm 66:1-4
Adonai (Lord Master)
I rejoice in you! I love to sing praises to you and to your name because I enjoy honouring you.
Father, I know you are mighty and powerful and I also know that you are a just God. Everything that happens to me is seen by you, allowed by you because of free-will.
One day I will see the entire picture of my life. Not only will I see why certain events happened, but I will agree that the tribulations I went through, had a purpose.
At the second coming of Jesus, your Word tells us that one day every knee will bow in reverence to the Lord, regardless of our beliefs.
Thank you Lord
I thank you Father that I know and love you. I am blessed that my name is already written in the Lambs Book of Life. And that I am secured a spot with you forever.
It is my pleasure to sing my praises to you. Furthermore, to honour and give my love to you and you alone. You are the one and only true God; my heavenly Father.
All for your glory.
In The name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Side note:
Jesus is coming soon. Jesus has given the free will choice to each and every person. That is, to be with or against the Lord. Your choosing!
Please think carefully about that selection.