Ps 66:1-20. The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy.
1. Make . . . noise--or, "Shout."
2. his name--as in
Ps 29:2.
make his praise glorious--literally, "place honor, His praise," or,
"as to His praise"; that is, let His praise be such as will glorify
Him, or, be honorable to Him.
3, 4. A specimen of the praise.
How terrible--(Compare
Ps 65:8).
submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection
(Ps 18:44),
produced by terror.
5, 6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Ex 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.
7. behold the nations--watch their conduct.
8, 9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
9. holdeth . . . in life--literally, "putteth our soul in life"; that
is, out of danger
(Ps 30:3; 49:15).
to be moved--(Compare
Ps 10:6; 55:22).
10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Isa 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).
11. affliction--literally, "pressure," or, as in
Ps 55:3,
"oppression," which, laid on the
loins--the seat of strength
(De 33:11),
enfeebles the frame.
12. men to ride over our heads--made us to pass.
through fire, &c.--figures describing prostration and critical
dangers (compare
Isa 43:2;
Eze 36:12).
wealthy--literally, "overflowing," or, "irrigated," and hence fertile.
13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).
15. I will offer--literally, "make to ascend," alluding to the smoke
of burnt offering, which explains the use of "incense."
incense--elsewhere always denoting the fumes of aromatics.
16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God (Ps 60:4; 61:5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.
17. he was extolled with my tongue--literally, "exaltation (was) under my tongue," as a place of deposit, whence it proceeded; that is, honoring God was habitual.
18. If I regard iniquity in my heart--literally, "see iniquity with pleasure."
