Chapter Sixty-Six

In the Hebrew Bible the psalm is not attributed to any author in its superscription; the Septuagint and the Vulgate, however, point to David. The connection of this psalm’s content with the previous one is in the same tone of praise and triumph; likewise the invitation to all peoples to glorify God is found in both psalms; and the similarity of content with the circumstances of Hezekiah’s life, when after his miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians (Ps 66:5-6), he received through the prophet Isaiah promises of a great harvest (Ps 66:7 verse), see Isa 37:30, all this prompts us to consider the writer of the psalm to be King Hezekiah himself or one of his contemporaries, who sang the praises of the Lord in the king’s name.

Pour out Your mercies upon us, O Lord, so that all peoples may know You and praise You (2–4). May all tribes rejoice and praise You as the righteous Judge of all peoples (5–6). You have sent great mercy; the earth has given an abundant harvest. May the Lord prolong His mercies upon us and may all the ends of the universe hold Him in awe (7–8)!

Psalm 66:2. O God! Be merciful to us and bless us; let Your face shine upon us, “Light”—a symbol of good. “To illuminate... with Your face”—to turn the face of good will, to grant mercy.

Psalm 66:3. so that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. “That Your way may be known”—not in the sense of studying the law and the ways of moral perfection, but the study of God’s deeds, showing that He—the only and true God, from whom alone depends salvation.

Psalm 66:5. Let the peoples be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and guide the nations on earth. “For You judge the peoples”—a reference to the fact of the destruction of the Assyrian army under the walls of Jerusalem, which became known to all the inhabitants of Asia Minor. In this fact was revealed the just judgment of the Lord over those unworthy of Him who mocked Him, and in it an indication that God rules over all peoples.