Psalm 66:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 66:8-12

In these verses the psalmist calls upon God's people in a special manner to praise him. Let all lands do it, but Israel's land particularly. Bless our God; bless him as ours, a God in covenant with us, and that takes care of us as his own. Let them make the voice of his praise to be heard (Ps. 66:8); for from whom should it be heard but from those who are his peculiar favourites and select attendants? Two things we have reason to bless God for:? I. Common protection (Ps. 66:9): He holdeth our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads ,.... Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it of the kings and nations of the world ruling over Israel; and may very well design the Heathen powers and antichristian states tyrannizing over Christian people. The word in the original text is singular, "a man" F3 אנוש "hominem", Pagninus, Montanus. , a frail mortal man; and may be understood of the man of sin and son of perdition; who rides upon the heads of men, exalts himself above all that is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads - Thou hast permitted us to fall under the dominion of our enemies; who have treated us as broken infantry are when the cavalry dashes among their disordered ranks, treading all under the horses' feet. We went through fire and through water - Through afflictions of the most torturing and overwhelming nature. To represent such, the metaphors of fire and water are often used in Scripture. The old Psalter considers these trials as a proof of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:1-20

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:1-20

God in history. It has been said that "History is philosophy teaching by example;" but we are taught in the Psalms to take a higher view, and to recognize God in history. It is only as we do this that we can rejoice and give thanks. I. GOD 'S HAND SHOULD BE SEEN IN HISTORY . First there is the call (verses 1, 2). Then the reason is given (verse 3). We are brought face to face with God. We are confronted with the awful manifestations of his power. The world is not a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:5-12

An invitation to study God's marvellous works towards men. I. WE SHOULD STUDY THE PHYSICAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD . ( Psalms 66:6 .) He turns the sea into dry land still, and the dry land into sea. II. WE SHOULD STUDY HIS PROVIDENTIAL RULE IN THE HISTORY OF NATIONS . How he humbles and overthrows those who rebel against his will, and exalts and establishes the people who obey his laws. III. WE SHOULD STUDY GOD 'S WORK OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:8-15

Here we reach the heart of the psalm. The people are called upon to praise God for a recent deliverance from a long period of severe affliction and oppression at the hand of enemies ( Psalms 66:8-12 ), and to join in the sacrifices which are about to be offered to God in payment of the vows made during the time of trouble ( Psalms 66:13-15 ). As the writer ascribes to himself both the making of the vows and the offering of the sacrifices, he must have been the leader of the nation at the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads. See the Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures passim, where the king in his chariot gallops over the bodies of his dead and wounded enemies. We went through fire and through water; i . e . through dangers of every kind—a proverbial expression (comp. Isaiah 43:2 ). But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place; or, "a place of refreshment" ( εἰς ἀναψυχήν , LXX .). Dr. Kay renders, "a place of rich comfort;" Professor Cheyne, "a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads - This refers evidently to some national subjection or conquest - most probably to their having been subdued by the Babylonians. Professor Alexander renders this, “Thou hast caused men to ride at our head,” as if leading them forth as captives in war. The most probable meaning, however, is that they had been subdued, as if on a field of battle, and as if their conquerors had ridden over them when prostrate on the ground. Compare the notes at Psalms... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 66:11-12

Psalms 66:11-12. Thou broughtest us into the net Which our enemies had laid for us, and which could never have taken or held us but by thy permission, and the disposal of thy providence, which gave us into their hands. Thou hast caused men Weak, mortal, and miserable men, as the word signifies, no better nor stronger than ourselves, if thou hadst not given them power over us; to ride over our heads To trample upon us, and insult over us; to abuse, nay, and make perfect slaves of us.... read more

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