Psalm 66 is an appropriate focus for Pentecost Sunday because this feast day marks the end of Eastertide. Psalm 66 is associated with the mightiest act of God, resurrection from death. The ancient church entitled Psalm 66, “a psalm of resurrection.” Psalm 66 gives us words to celebrate the mightiest acts of our Triune God: the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower the Church, and the promised soon return of Jesus and his eternal reign. It also gives us an example of an individual expressing joy to YHWH and sharing it with other faithful people.
Psalm 66 can be divided into 3 parts, the first in the form of a hymn, actually two hymns. We do not know what the historical situation or specific trouble was.
- Universal praise of God’s kingship (1-7)
- Community praise of God’s kingship (8-12)
- Individual thanksgiving (13-20)
Quotes below are from The Message of the Psalms by Walter Bruggemann unless otherwise noted.
Part 1, verses 1-7, summons and reason for praise
The Exodus is the “paradigmatic liberation event to which all subsequent events point.” (p. 137)
“The current deliverance is a replication of that model deliverance.” (p. 138)
“God’s work of rescue invites joy.” (Taylor, Open and Unafraid, p. 99)
How or when has God rescued and delivered you?
Part 2, verses 8-12, summons and reason for praise
“The psalmist does not think for one moment that the trouble is an accident that falls outside God’s power or concern. Nor does it occur to the poet that this is grounds for rejection of Yahweh. Nor is it suggested that this is punishment. This psalm is incredibly submissive about the point of trouble, but in the context of the psalm, this acknowledgment of the trouble is only preparation for the real point. The psalm is not really interested in questions about how we came to be in trouble. The accent is on the release and restoration which is worked by this same God.” (p. 138)
What is surprising about these reasons for praise?
Part 3, verses 13-20, an individual’s response
“This psalm shows the move from communal affirmation to individual appreciation, which is what wealways do in biblical faith.” (p.139)
How might this model help you experience and express your joy in God?