Ps 66:1-20. 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.

      1. Make . . . noise--or, "Shout."

      2. his name--as in Ps 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.

      3, 4. A specimen of the praise.
      How terrible--(Compare Ps 65:8).
      submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Ps 18:44), produced by terror.

      5, 6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Ex 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.

      7. behold the nations--watch their conduct.

      8, 9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.

      9. holdeth . . . in life--literally, "putteth our soul in life"; that is, out of danger (Ps 30:3; 49:15).
      to be moved--(Compare Ps 10:6; 55:22).

      10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Isa 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).

      11. affliction--literally, "pressure," or, as in Ps 55:3, "oppression," which, laid on the
      loins--the seat of strength (De 33:11), enfeebles the frame.

      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.

      13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).

      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.

      16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God (Ps 60:4; 61:5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.

      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.

      18. If I regard iniquity in my heart--literally, "see iniquity with pleasure."