It’s certainly not one of the “better known” Psalms, not at all.

It has one verse that I’ve quoted for years. An important Bible Truth. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”  Psalm 66:18, yet even that simple sentence is set in a context of grace!

The Psalm consists of only 20 verses, yet is filled with praise and adoration.

It’s “heading” or “superscript” merely declares: “To the Chief Musician, A Song or Psalm.” In other words, the composition is to be sent to the Jewish “song leader,” the “choir director,” to be set to music and sung! During times of public worship.

I earlier read that the noun “Song” in the preamble probably emphasizes the words of the Poem, it’s lyrics. While the parallel noun “Psalm” likely highlights the musical part of the Piece.

Spurgeon believed David to be the author, or at least saw no valid reason to deny that possibility. But technically, the Psalm is anonymous, stating no human writer. He is unknown. We can only say with authority (as with all Scripture) that it is divinely inspired. Written of God!

The Psalm’s first four verses constitute a world-wide “Call to Worship!” And beginning tomorrow morning we shall examine them, verse by verse. But not only the introduction … all its thrilling verses, every line! The Lord willing.

Enjoy that opening strophe now. “Make a joyful noise unto God, ALL YE LANDS. Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. ALL THE EARTH shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.” Psalm 66:1-4, like I said, “world-wide!” See the capitalized phrases.

Praise the Lord forever!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell