Psalms 66:1-20

This Ps. triumphantly celebrates a great national deliverance. The whole earth is summoned to join in the chorus of praise (Psalms 66:1). The memories of the exodus are recalled (Psalms 66:5), but only as an introduction to more recent trials and triumphs (Psalms 66:8), and the Ps. ends with vows of lavish sacrifice (Psalms 66:13), and with enthusiastic testimony to God's great goodness (Psalms 66:16). The failure of Sennacherib's invasion, and the return from Babylon have each been suggested as the occasion of the Ps., and the former is the more probable. There is a striking change from 'we' and 'us' (Psalms 66:1) to 'I' and 'me' (Psalms 66:13), which is best explained by supposing that the Psalmist at first merges himself in the nation, and afterwards regards his people's deliverance in the light of a personal blessing, as it has been an answer to personal prayer.