Psalm 66 (65):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What did he convey? Through your performance, may His name be honored. But what does it mean to perform? To play involves taking up the instrument known as the psaltery and using rhythm and hand movements to complement the voices. So, if you rejoice that God may listen, also perform so that those around you can both see and hear, but not for your own glory. For if your good deeds are done for self-glorification, the response remains the same as the one given to similar individuals: “Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward” (Matt. 6:2). Moreover, “Or else there shall be no reward unto you from your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). You may ask, should I then conceal my deeds to avoid doing them before others? Absolutely not. What does He instruct?

The proclamation serves as a triumphant anthem celebrating the defeat of adversaries. Likewise, following the overthrow of the rulers of this world with Christ's arrival, all nations are urged to sing songs of triumph.

The Prophet conveys that all humanity joins in our praise, collectively honoring God. It is rightly asserted by the Jews that all people are invited to partake in this communion, for through them came the salvation meant for everyone. Just as the Jews were freed from the captivity of Babylon, so too has every individual been liberated from the harsh anguish of the adversary.

Call upon the Lord, all the earth. (Ps. 46: 2.) This declaration signifies the triumphant proclamation of those who emerge victorious in warfare, a sound that instills great fear in their adversaries at the onset of their conquest, as explained in the commentary on Psalm 46 (Ps. 46: 2). David, therefore, calls upon the Israelites to lift their voices in a victory song to God, for He has instilled fear in the Babylonians who oppressed them and has liberated those Jews who were enslaved. He speaks of all the earth, referring to all the inhabitants who dwell upon it, as observed in the translation by Simmachus. It is important to note, dear reader, that through these words, David foreshadows the gathering of all nations.

The introductory remarks serve as a general prologue, immediately followed by specific declarations. As the Prophet directs his message to the entirety of creation, it is clear that this signifies a prophecy regarding the future expansion of God's kingdom, a theme that was profoundly unveiled through the arrival of Christ the Redeemer. The subsequent statement reinforces this concept with even greater emphasis, aiming to awaken those who are complacent and reluctant to exalt God. To sing to the name of God equates to exalting His sacred name, ensuring it receives honor from all. The expression is reiterated with different phrasing, as if to convey that believers should glorify God in both spirit and body, without claiming glory for themselves, and instead dedicate all efforts to the praise of God.

Ultimately, without ceasing in the hymn of praise to God, for the anticipated resurrection of the faithful, David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, crafted this psalm. In it, he articulates a prophetic expression of gratitude to God on behalf of the people who have returned from Babylonian exile—symbolizing demonic oppression. This psalm particularly conveys thanks for the fulfillment of the blessedness promised to all believers, following the conclusion of earthly challenges and sufferings, which awaits the faithful resurrection that will occur fully at the culmination of time during the general resurrection. Praise reflects the humanity of Christ, while glory pertains to His divinity, with both aspects being exalted. The phrase "all the earth" refers to the nations of the world. Just as the Jews were liberated from Babylonian bondage, so too has humanity been freed from the torment of the devil through the Incarnation of God and the Savior.

In light of the extraordinary deeds of God demonstrated through the history of His chosen people, the Psalmist calls upon all nations to join in lifting up the name of God, extolling His wondrous works, and offering Him praise. How much more appropriate, then, is it for the Holy Church to invite all nations to honor an event that brings salvation to the entire world, such as the Resurrection of Christ?