All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name." Selah All the earthThis phrase emphasizes the universality of God's dominion and the call for all creation to acknowledge His sovereignty. In Hebrew, "all the earth" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ, kol ha'aretz) signifies not just the physical land but all its inhabitants. This reflects the biblical theme that God's glory and authority extend beyond Israel to encompass the entire world. Historically, this would have been a radical notion in a time when deities were often seen as local or national. The psalmist is proclaiming that the God of Israel is the God of all creation, a truth that resonates with the Great Commission in the New Testament, where the gospel is to be preached to all nations. bows down
The act of bowing down (שָׁחָה, shachah) is a physical expression of worship, reverence, and submission. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, bowing was a common gesture of respect and acknowledgment of authority. Here, it signifies the proper response of creation to its Creator. This act of worship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's majesty and power. It is a reminder that true worship involves both the heart and the body, aligning our entire being with God's will. to You
This phrase personalizes the act of worship, directing it specifically to God. The psalmist is not speaking of a generic spirituality but a focused devotion to the one true God. In the context of the psalm, "You" refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who has revealed Himself through His mighty acts and steadfast love. This personal relationship is central to the faith of Israel and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who invites all to come to the Father through Him. they sing praise
Singing praise (זָמַר, zamar) is a joyful expression of worship and gratitude. In the Hebrew tradition, music and song were integral to worship, often accompanied by instruments. This phrase suggests a communal and celebratory aspect of worship, where the community of believers joins together in exalting God. Singing praise is both an acknowledgment of God's past deeds and an expression of trust in His future faithfulness. It is a powerful reminder of the joy and hope found in God's presence. to Your name
In biblical terms, a name (שֵׁם, shem) represents the character and essence of a person. To sing praise to God's name is to honor His nature, attributes, and deeds. God's name is holy, reflecting His purity, righteousness, and otherness. Throughout Scripture, God's name is associated with His covenant promises and acts of salvation. By praising His name, believers affirm their trust in His character and His promises. This phrase calls us to a deeper understanding of who God is and invites us to live in a way that reflects His holiness and love. Persons / Places / Events 1. The EarthRepresents all of creation, emphasizing the universality of God's dominion and the call for all creation to worship Him. 2. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is the one who composes this song of praise, calling all to worship God. 3. GodThe central figure of worship in this verse, recognized as the sovereign Creator deserving of universal praise. 4. WorshipThe act of bowing down and singing praises, highlighting the response of creation to God's majesty. 5. The Name of GodRepresents God's character and reputation, which is worthy of praise and reverence. Teaching Points Universal WorshipRecognize that worship is not limited to a specific group but is a call for all creation. Reflect on how your life can be an act of worship to God. The Power of PraiseUnderstand the importance of singing praises to God. Consider incorporating more praise into your daily routine as a way to honor God. Reverence for God's NameGod's name is holy and worthy of respect. Evaluate how you use God's name in your speech and actions. Creation's ResponseAll of creation is designed to worship God. Contemplate how you can join in this cosmic chorus through your actions and attitudes. Anticipation of FulfillmentLook forward to the day when all will acknowledge God's sovereignty. Live in a way that anticipates and reflects this future reality. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of "all the earth" bowing down to God challenge or affirm your understanding of worship? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise into your daily life, both individually and within your community? 3. How does the reverence for God's name in Psalm 66:4 influence your view of God's character and your relationship with Him? 4. What are some practical ways you can join creation in worshiping God through your actions and lifestyle? 5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 5:13, enhance your understanding of the universal call to worship God? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 2:10-11This passage speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, echoing the universal worship theme found in Psalm 66:4. Revelation 5:13Describes all creation singing praise to God and the Lamb, reinforcing the idea of universal worship. Isaiah 45:23God declares that every knee will bow to Him, a prophecy that aligns with the worship described in Psalm 66:4. Romans 14:11Paul references Isaiah, affirming that every knee will bow to God, connecting to the theme of universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bow, Forth, Praise, Praises, Psalms, Selah, Sing, Songs, Worship, WorshipsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 66:4 4203 earth, the
8665 praise, reasons Psalm 66:1-4 8624 worship, reasons Library Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924] …
St. Augustine—On Continence The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis …
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 66:4 NIVPsalm 66:4 NLTPsalm 66:4 ESVPsalm 66:4 NASBPsalm 66:4 KJV
Psalm 66:4 Commentaries
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