Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.
Come and see what God has done, his awesome dealings with humankind.
Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.
Come, and see the works of God; He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Commentary for Psalms 66:5
Psalm 66:5 is part of a larger psalm that is generally categorized as a hymn of praise, likely composed for liturgical use in the Jewish temple. The historical context of the psalm is not precisely known, but it is believed to have been written after the Babylonian Exile, as it reflects a time when the Jewish people had experienced both the discipline and the faithfulness of God.
The verse itself, "Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men," emphasizes two key themes. Firstly, it invites all to witness and acknowledge the mighty acts of God. This call to "come and see" suggests a public declaration and recognition of God's power and deeds. The use of the word "terrible" in this context does not carry the modern connotation of something being bad, but rather conveys the idea of God's actions being awe-inspiring, majestic, and powerful in a way that demands respect and reverence.
Secondly, the verse highlights the fearsome or awesome nature of God's interventions in human history. The term "terrible" can also imply that God's actions are to be feared because they are just and authoritative. The phrase "toward the children of men" indicates that these actions are particularly relevant to humanity, suggesting that God's works have a direct impact on people's lives, both in terms of judgment and salvation.
Overall, Psalm 66:5 calls for an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the grandeur of His deeds, which are both wondrous and fearsome to those who witness them. It serves as a reminder of the power and majesty of God, encouraging believers to reflect on and respond to His greatness with awe and reverence.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model