The Bible Says
Psalm 66:5-7 Meaning

In Psalm 66:5-7, the psalmist proclaims the majesty of God and calls everyone to admire His mighty deeds. He declares, Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men (v. 5). This is an open invitation for believers and skeptics alike to witness firsthand what the Lord has done throughout history. By highlighting God’s powerful interventions on behalf of humanity, the psalmist sets the stage for a deeper acknowledgment of the Almighty's authority.

The word translated here as awesome underlines how God’s works inspire reverence and amazement. The psalmist points specifically to acts of deliverance, provisions, and wonders that showcase divine control over creation. When we consider biblical accounts of God saving His people — such as freeing them from captivity or granting them victory in impossible circumstances — it becomes clear that His might is not a distant fable, but a present and active force.

This call to come and see underscores the personal nature of faith. Believers are encouraged to survey both biblical history and their own lives, recognizing the unmistakable hand of the Almighty. The psalmist’s words remind us that we can draw closer to the Lord by meditating on the evidence of His love, compassion, and capability to rescue and protect those who trust Him.

Continuing this reflection, the psalmist celebrates God’s power in the next verse: He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; There let us rejoice in Him (v. 6). This imagery harkens back to monumental events in Israel’s history, such as the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. The Red Sea lies between the northeast of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and this miraculous drying of its waters allowed the Israelites safe passage away from their oppressors.

The psalmist also alludes to the crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3, another miraculous barrier that God parted for His people to enter the Promised Land. The Jordan River is a major waterway in the Middle East, flowing from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, and this event continued to demonstrate the Lord’s dedication to fulfill His covenant promises. With both the Red Sea and the Jordan River, God proved His sovereign power over nature and established a lasting testimony of His faithfulness.

The phrase There let us rejoice in Him calls believers to respond with praise and gratitude. The natural reaction to witnessing such divine intervention is worship. By reflecting on these historical moments, people in every generation can grasp that the same God who parted seas remains at work in the everyday trials and triumphs of His followers. Rejoicing in the Lord becomes a spiritual discipline anchored in remembering what He has done.

The psalmist concludes this section by proclaiming, He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves (v. 7). Here, he underscores the unending reign of God, a reign unbound by human limits or the constraints of time. God’s authority is eternal, stretching from the earliest days of creation into the distant future. The reference to divine vigilance indicates that no peoples or institutions operate outside His sight or beyond His jurisdiction.

In describing God’s watchful governance, the psalmist offers reassurance that the world does not spin aimlessly. Human affairs, the rise and fall of rulers, and the shifting currents of politics are all considered under the might and scope of the Almighty. This theme resonates with other scriptural passages that emphasize God seeing and knowing all circumstances (for example, 2 Chronicles 16:9), assuring us that He is neither distant nor indifferent.

The cautioned warning to the rebellious — Let not the rebellious exalt themselves — is a sober reminder that no person or group can triumph by defying God’s rule. In biblical narratives, those who attempt to exalt themselves above the Lord or live in hardened unbelief frequently experience downfall, as seen at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Under God’s constant watch, prideful pursuits are destined to fail, pointing us back to the centrality of humility and worship.