Psalms 66:4

Commentary on Psalms 66:4 (KJV)

Psalms 66:4 declares, "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name. Selah." This verse is a powerful declaration of God's universal sovereignty and the ultimate, global recognition of His divine authority and character.

Context

Psalm 66 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, likely composed after a significant deliverance or a period of national distress from which God brought His people through. The psalm begins with a general call for "all the earth" to make a joyful noise unto God, recounting His mighty and awesome works (verses 1-7), particularly His deliverance of Israel from the Red Sea and through the wilderness. Verse 4 fits into this grand narrative, shifting from a historical recounting of God's power to a prophetic vision of its universal acknowledgment. It anticipates a future time when God's glory will be undeniable to all nations.

Key Themes

• Universal Worship: The phrase "All the earth" signifies that God's dominion extends beyond Israel to encompass every nation and people. This is a prophetic statement looking forward to a time when God's rightful place as supreme ruler will be acknowledged globally. This theme resonates with other prophetic passages envisioning a future where the Lord shall be King over all the earth and every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10).
• Ascription of Praise: Worship is expressed through active singing and adoration. To "sing unto thee" and "sing [to] thy name" emphasizes joyful, vocal praise. The "name" of God (Hebrew: shem) represents His revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His very essence. Therefore, singing to His name is an act of acknowledging and celebrating who God is in His fullness.
• God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's ultimate power and authority over all creation. It's not just a hope but a divine certainty that His glory will fill the earth (Habakkuk 2:14).
• Selah: This term, found frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical instruction. While its exact meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude, inviting the worshiper to meditate on the profound truth just stated. Here, it emphasizes the weight and significance of the universal worship promised.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "worship" here is shachah (שָׁחָה), which literally means "to bow down" or "prostrate oneself," indicating a posture of deep reverence, submission, and humility before a superior. The word for "sing" is zamar (זָמַר), conveying the idea of making music, especially with instruments, and singing praises. The combination suggests a vibrant, heartfelt, and humble adoration.

Practical Application

Psalms 66:4 offers both an encouragement and a challenge for believers today:

• Global Perspective: It reminds us that God's plan of salvation is not limited to any single group but is for "all the earth." This should inspire us to participate in missions and evangelism, sharing the good news so that more may come to worship God.
• Present Worship: While this verse points to a future fulfillment, it also calls us to join in this universal praise now. We are invited to cultivate a lifestyle of worship, singing praises to God's name, acknowledging His character, and expressing our adoration for His mighty works in our lives.
• Confidence in God's Plan: It offers assurance that ultimately, God's glory will be universally recognized. This provides hope and comfort amidst present challenges, knowing that God's sovereign plan for global worship will prevail.