Psalm 66: Exalting God’s Awesome Works — A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

✨ Executive Summary

Psalm 66, a powerful hymn of praise, calls all the earth to “Shout for Joy to God,” extolling His awesome works and miraculous deliverance of His people. This psalm, deeply resonant with Coptic Orthodox theology, reflects on God’s testing and refining, comparing it to the purifying fire. It emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving and fulfilling vows to God. The psalm’s journey from tribulation to triumphant praise mirrors the Christian journey, from the trials of this world to the eternal joy of salvation. We examine how this psalm connects to the broader biblical narrative, Patristic interpretations, and its practical implications for our lives today. Discover how to truly “Exalt God’s Awesome Works” through repentance, obedience, and unwavering faith, finding strength and hope in His unfailing love. As we delve deeper, we’ll see how this Psalm is a potent reminder to constantly magnify the glory of God.

Psalm 66 is a profound invitation to experience and express authentic worship. It’s more than just singing hymns; it’s about understanding the depth of God’s saving actions and responding with heartfelt gratitude. This psalm provides a framework for our spiritual lives, guiding us from acknowledging God’s sovereignty to embracing a life of thanksgiving. Let us embark on this journey, allowing the words of Psalm 66 to ignite within us a passionate love for our Creator and Savior. We must remember that to Exalt God’s Awesome Works means living a life dedicated to Him.

📖 Commentary Sections

Psalm 66:1-2 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

NKJV: Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.

The psalm opens with a universal call to worship: “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!” This isn’t a quiet, reserved acknowledgment, but a resounding expression of joy and adoration. The phrase “joyful shout” evokes a sense of exuberance and uncontainable gratitude. We, as Orthodox Christians, understand that worship is not merely an intellectual exercise but a heartfelt response to God’s grace. Think of the deacon’s proclamation during the Divine Liturgy, calling us to attention before the Holy Anaphora. This verse commands the entire earth – all peoples, nations, and tongues – to participate in praising God’s name.

St. Athanasius the Apostolic says, “Ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ἡμῶν ἐκκέχυται διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν” (For the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us) (Romans 5:5, *De Incarnatione*, PG 25:192). This indwelling love compels us to proclaim His glory.

Spiritual Application: Let your praise be genuine and heartfelt. Do not be afraid to express your joy in the Lord, both privately and corporately. Sing, shout, pray, and live in a way that glorifies His name. Remember to Exalt God’s Awesome Works in every aspect of your life.

Psalm 66:3-4 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name.

NKJV: Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.”

Here, the psalmist invites us to reflect on God’s “awesome works.” The word “awesome” conveys not just fear, but a deep sense of respect, reverence, and wonder. It speaks of the power that makes enemies submit. Consider the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), a pivotal moment in Israel’s history where God’s power was undeniably displayed, causing Pharaoh’s army to be utterly destroyed. This verse acknowledges that all the earth will ultimately worship Him, albeit some through unwilling submission.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, reflecting on God’s power, stated, “Διὰ τοῦτο καὶ φόβος καὶ τρόμος ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν κτίσιν, ὅτι ὁ κτίστης καὶ δεσπότης πάντων, ὡς δυνατὸς, καὶ ἰσχυρὸς, καὶ κραταιὸς” (Therefore, fear and trembling are upon all creation, because the Creator and Lord of all is powerful, strong, and mighty) (*Commentary on Isaiah*, PG 70:488).

Spiritual Application: Meditate on God’s power manifested in creation, in history, and in your own life. Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, not born of terror, but of deep reverence and submission. Seek to understand that even our challenges can show us how to Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Psalm 66:5-7 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

NKJV: Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

This section calls for active participation in witnessing and contemplating God’s deeds. The Exodus is again referenced, emphasizing the miraculous nature of God’s intervention. The “sea turned into dry land” is a powerful image of God’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The psalm also highlights God’s eternal rule and His watchful gaze over all nations, warning against rebellion and self-exaltation. In Coptic tradition, this is understood as a call to humility and submission to God’s will.

The crossing of the Red Sea prefigures our own salvation through baptism, where we pass from the bondage of sin into the freedom of Christ. Just as God parted the waters for the Israelites, He makes a way for us where there seems to be no way. This is a continuous miracle, a constant affirmation to Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Spiritual Application: Actively seek opportunities to witness God’s work in the world and in your own life. Share your testimonies with others, encouraging them to recognize His presence and power. Remain humble and obedient to God’s will, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things. Let humility be the ground where you can truly Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Psalm 66:8-12 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

NKJV: Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our loins. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

These verses transition from outward praise to an acknowledgment of God’s providential care, even in the midst of suffering. The image of being “tried as silver is tried” speaks to the refining process God uses to purify our hearts and strengthen our faith. The trials and tribulations described – being brought into a net, affliction upon the loins, and going through fire and water – represent the various challenges we face in life. However, the ultimate promise is that God will bring us “out to rich fulfillment” or a “wealthy place.” This evokes the promise of eternal life, where the struggles of this world will fade into insignificance compared to the glory that awaits us.

The Coptic Church often refers to trials as opportunities for spiritual growth. As St. Isaac the Syrian writes, “Διὰ τῶν θλίψεων εὑρίσκει ὁ Θεὸς τὴν θύραν τῆς καρδίας” (Through tribulations, God finds the door to the heart). Suffering, therefore, is not meaningless but a pathway to deeper intimacy with God. It allows us to more truly Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Spiritual Application: Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth. Remember that God is with you even in the midst of suffering, refining you and preparing you for greater glory. Trust in His promise to bring you out of affliction into a place of abundance. Let us learn that even in moments of darkness, we can still Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Psalm 66:13-15 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats.

NKJV: I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows, Which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble. I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fatlings, With the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats.

The psalmist expresses his intention to fulfill his vows to God with offerings and sacrifices. This speaks to the importance of honoring our commitments to God, especially those made during times of difficulty. While the Old Testament sacrifices were physical offerings, in the New Covenant, our sacrifices are spiritual – offering our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), offering prayers and thanksgiving, and performing acts of service to others.

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, keeping vows is a serious matter. We understand that promises made to God should be fulfilled with sincerity and diligence. This reflects our commitment to honesty and integrity in all our dealings, both with God and with others. By keeping our promises, we also Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on any vows or promises you have made to God. Take steps to fulfill them with sincerity and dedication. Remember that your words have power, and your commitments should be taken seriously. Let your actions reflect your devotion to God. Strive to always Exalt God’s Awesome Works through fulfilling your promises.

Psalm 66:16-20 (KJV & NKJV)

KJV: Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

NKJV: Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

The psalm concludes with a personal testimony of God’s faithfulness. The psalmist invites those who “fear God” (those who reverence and obey Him) to listen to his declaration of what God has done for his soul. This highlights the importance of sharing our testimonies as a means of encouraging and edifying others. He acknowledges that harboring iniquity in the heart hinders our prayers, but affirms that God has heard and answered his prayer because of His mercy and grace. This is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of prayer and the boundless compassion of God.

St. John Chrysostom writes, “Οὐ γὰρ τὸ λέγειν μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ πράττειν δεῖ” (It is not enough to speak, but also to do) (*Homilies on Matthew*, PG 58:534). Our prayers must be accompanied by a life that is pleasing to God.

Spiritual Application: Share your personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness with others. Encourage those around you by recounting the ways in which God has worked in your life. Examine your heart and confess any unconfessed sin that may be hindering your relationship with God. Trust in His mercy and grace to hear and answer your prayers. Make every action one that lets you Exalt God’s Awesome Works.

💡 Key Reflections on Psalm 66

Psalm 66 offers several key reflections on the nature of God and our relationship with Him:

• Universal Call to Worship: All the earth is called to praise God, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
• God’s Awesome Power: God’s power is evident in His miraculous works, leading to both awe and submission.
• Providential Care Amidst Suffering: God allows trials to refine us, ultimately bringing us to a place of abundance.
• Importance of Fulfilling Vows: We should honor our commitments to God with sincerity and diligence.
• Power of Prayer: God hears and answers the prayers of those who approach Him with a sincere heart.
• Sharing Our Testimonies: Sharing our experiences with God is vital to edifying and encouraging one another.

❓ FAQ

Q: Why is it important to “fear God” as mentioned in Psalm 66?

A: Fearing God is not about being terrified of Him, but rather about having a deep reverence, respect, and awe for His power, holiness, and authority. It involves a desire to obey His commandments and live a life that is pleasing to Him. True fear of God leads to wisdom and a deeper relationship with Him.

Q: How can I apply the concept of being “tried as silver is tried” in my own life?

A: Recognize that challenges and difficulties are opportunities for spiritual growth. Allow God to refine you through these experiences, removing impurities and strengthening your faith. Embrace the process, trusting that God will ultimately bring you out stronger and more refined than before. Think of it as a refining fire that burns away what is unessential, revealing the pure silver within.

Q: What are some practical ways to fulfill my vows to God today?

A: Fulfilling vows can involve specific commitments you have made, such as dedicating time to prayer, serving others, or supporting a particular ministry. More broadly, it involves living a life of integrity, keeping your promises, and honoring your word in all your dealings. It also includes offering God our best, whether in service, gifts, or devotion.

Q: How do I ensure that my prayers are heard by God, as mentioned in the psalm?

A: The psalm suggests that harboring iniquity in the heart hinders our prayers. Confess and repent of any unconfessed sin. Approach God with a sincere and humble heart, seeking His will and aligning your desires with His. Persist in prayer, trusting in His mercy and grace to hear and answer you according to His perfect plan. Remember, it’s about a relationship, and Exalt God’s Awesome Works through genuine sincerity.

🎉 Conclusion

Psalm 66 is a timeless call to worship, a testament to God’s awesome power, and a source of hope in the midst of suffering. It reminds us that God is sovereign, powerful, and merciful, and that He is worthy of our praise and adoration. By reflecting on His works, fulfilling our vows, and approaching Him in prayer, we can experience His transforming power in our lives. Let us heed the call to Exalt God’s Awesome Works, allowing His glory to shine through us to all the world. This is a continuous calling and it is how we express our love and gratitude. Let us truly Exalt God’s Awesome Works in every thought, word, and deed.

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Psalm 66: A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on exalting God’s awesome works through worship, praise, thanksgiving, and faithful obedience.