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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 66:13-20

The psalmist, having before stirred up all people, and all God's people in particular, to bless the Lord, here stirs up himself and engages himself to do it. I. In his devotions to his God, Ps. 66:13-15. He had called upon others to sing God's praises and to make a joyful noise with them; but, for himself, his resolutions go further, and he will praise God, 1. By costly sacrifices, which, under the law, were offered to the honour of God. All people had not wherewithal to offer these... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart ,.... There was iniquity in his heart, as there is in every good man's heart, and a great deal too; it is full of it; and it should be regarded in some sense, so as to guard against it, and pray to be kept from it, that it may not break forth into action; and so as to loath it, abhor it, and be humbled for it; but not so as to nourish and cherish it, to take delight and pleasure in it: or "if I look upon it" F8 אם ראיתי "si vidi", Pagninus, Montanus;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart - " If I have seen ( ראיתי raithi ) iniquity in my heart," if I have known it was there, and encouraged it; if I pretended to be what I was not; if I loved iniquity, while I professed to pray and be sorry for my sin; the Lord, אדני Adonai , my Prop, Stay, and Supporter, would not have heard, and I should have been left without help or support. read more

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 66:13-20

Vows fulfilled and experiences related. I. Vows FULFILLED . ( Psalms 66:13-15 .) 1 . When we are in trouble we make solemn vows of amendment and service . As the psalmist had done in his distress. 2 . The fulfilment of our religious vows will often call for great sacrifices . Not burnt offerings from us, but the more costly sacrifices of the heart and spirit. "The sacrifices of God are a broken heart and a contrite spirit." II. EXPERIENCES RELATED . ( Psalms... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:16-20

In conclusion, the psalmist calls on all pious Israelites to "hearken," while he explains to them how it is that his prayers and vows have been so effectual. It has been because his prayers and vows proceeded from a sincere and honest heart, one which was free from "iniquity" ( Psalms 66:18 ). As Hengstenberg points out, this portion of the psalm is didactic, and inculcates the lesson "that there is no way of salvation except that of well doing." God, by answering the psalmist's prayer, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. This is the inward conviction of every simple, unsophisticated soul. It is confirmed by numerous passages of Holy Writ ( Job 27:9 ; Job 31:27 ; Proverbs 15:29 ; Proverbs 28:9 ; Isaiah 1:15 ; Zechariah 7:13 ; John 9:31 , etc.). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 66:18

Prayer hindered by allowed sin. "If I regard iniquity," etc. If we read the text as in the margin of Revised Version, "If I had regarded … God would not hear [or, 'have heard'];"—this makes no practical difference. It only substitutes a special for a general statement. The lesson taught is the same— Sin allowed in the heart a fatal hindrance to our prayers being answered . I. SIN CONSCIOUSLY INDULGED DISABLES FROM PRAYER . Inconsistent with that sincerity essential to the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart - literally, “If I have seen iniquity in my heart.” That is, If I have indulged in a purpose of iniquity; if I have had a wicked end in view; if I have not been willing to forsake all sin; if I have cherished a purpose of pollution or wrong. The meaning is not literally, If I have “seen” any iniquity in my heart - for no one can look into his own heart, and not see that it is defiled by sin; but, If I have cherished it in my soul; if I have gloated over past... read more

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