Psalms 66:4 - Meaning and Interpretation

Verse: "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."

Overview of Psalms 66:4

This verse speaks to the universal worship and adoration that is due to God from all of creation. It acknowledges His sovereignty and power, stating that all the earth will ultimately recognize Him and worship Him.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of worship described in this verse. He notes that every nation and all people are called to recognize God’s supremacy. The verse expresses both a prophecy of worship and a command for acknowledgment of God’s authority.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights that the phrase "All the earth" indicates a future fulfillment of worship among all nations. He stresses that while some may currently reject God, ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His lordship. The singing signifies joy and recognition of divine majesty.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke focuses on the implications of worship and the joy associated with it. He points out that the act of singing reflects not just duty but profound joy in recognizing God’s presence and power. The Selah at the end of the verse suggests a pause for reflection on these significant truths, inviting readers to consider the weight of worship.

Cross-References for Psalms 66:4

This verse has connections with several other Biblical texts that enrich its meaning:

• Philippians 2:10-11: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
• Revelation 15:4: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”
• Isaiah 66:23: “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.”
• Psalm 95:6: “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”
• Revelation 5:13: “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”
• Romans 14:11: “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
• Psalm 100:1-2: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The theme of universal worship is evident throughout Scripture. Similar verses reinforce the idea that worship is not limited to any one group but encompasses all of humanity as it acknowledges God’s greatness.

• Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing: Utilizing a Bible concordance can help one find verses that refer to worship and adoration, enriching your understanding of God's universal reign.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Many study Bibles offer cross-reference systems that can aid in locating thematic connections among verses that speak about worship.
• Identifying Connections: In studying Psalms 66:4, reflecting on how it connects with passages in both the Old Testament and New Testament enhances the interpretation of worship's significance.

Conclusion

Psalms 66:4 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the proper response of humanity—worship and adoration. Every verse that relates to this theme builds a broader understanding of biblical worship, culminating in an inter-Biblical dialogue that enriches faith and practice.