1. TYPE OF PSALM: Hymn of Public Thanksgiving The psalmist who gives thanks and praises for everything that the Lord has done for him. Enter the temple and call everyone present to hear it. This is explicitly stated in v. 16: "Come, listen and I'll tell you ...". This type of psalm is made up of three parts: a) The introduction, where the joy of praising God is expressed; b) the reason for thanksgiving, where what happened is explained and then, in response, the purpose is to offer a sacrifice as gratitude; c) and finally, a conclusion appears that may be an exhortation to join in the joy of the psalmist or to draw the teaching of what happened.
2. READ THE WORD
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever.
Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness!
What does the text say?
Introduction: Verses (vv. 2-4). The psalmist wants all mankind to sing a hymn of glory with him. He even suggests the verse that they should sing together: "How tremendous are your deeds!" (v.3). And after this start he turns to God to inform Him that everyone will cheer Him (v.4).
Reasons for thanksgiving (vv.5-15). And why should the whole earth sing? Because the Lord has done great things for humanity. He saved the people of Israel and always watches over all nations, taking care of them. Among all the beneficiaries is the psalmist in the same way.
But in the history of Israel it was not all joy, because there were very difficult periods, hence the psalmist says that they passed the test in the crucible, like silver, and were oppressed under the yoke of other nations. However, seen from the present, those tragic events in its history served to purify them, like the silver that in fire is separated from all impurities. So the psalmist comes to the temple to offer a sacrifice and to fulfill the promises that came out of his mouth when he was in trouble (vv. 14-15).
Conclusion (vv.16-20). The psalmist acknowledges that his mouth and tongue cried out for help, indeed the help has arrived and now he must fulfill what he promised. But also, everyone should know that it was the Lord who did it and they should participate in the singer's joy.
3. MEDITATE ON THE WORD. Does this reading say anything special to you?
Like the psalmist, many Christians thank God for their benefits, publicly and without shame. Finally, the gifts and benefits that a person receives do not remain in the private sphere. Each one must find a way to invite everyone to participate in their joy, especially with the testimony and good works that they will carry out in the community.
4. PRAY WITH THE WORD. What do you say to God? If we review our history, we will probably find moments when we were favored by the hand of God. Isn't it time to sing this Psalm to give thanks?
5. CONTEMPLATE THE WORD. How does your look change?
In general, we will always be able to be grateful to God for the joyous moments of our lives. On the other hand, for the moments of pain we have experienced, it is not so easy to give thanks. Psalm 66 (65) also invites us to be grateful for personal and community difficulties, since we have overcome them and have come out purified, like fine silver that had to go through fire to achieve its luminosity.
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