Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's Commentary
Commentary on Psalms 66
Verse 2
his name--as in Psa 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.
Verses 3–4
A specimen of the praise.
How terrible--(Compare Psa 65:8).
submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Psa 18:44), produced by terror.
Verses 5–6
The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Exo 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.
Verse 7
behold the nations--watch their conduct.
Verse 8
Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
Verse 9
holdeth . . . in life--literally, "putteth our soul in life"; that is, out of danger (Psa 30:3; Psa 49:15).
to be moved--(Compare Psa 10:6; Psa 55:22).
Verse 10
Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Isa 48:10; Pe1 1:7).
Verse 11
affliction--literally, "pressure," or, as in Psa 55:3, "oppression," which, laid on the
loins--the seat of strength (Deu 33:11), enfeebles the frame.
Verse 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.
Verses 13–14
These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Lev 22:18-23).
Verse 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.
Verse 16
With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God (Psa 60:4; Psa 61:5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.
Verse 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.
Verse 18
If I regard iniquity in my heart--literally, "see iniquity with pleasure."
Next: Psalms Chapter 67
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. (Psa. 66:1-20)
Make . . . noise--or, "Shout."