Psalms 66:5

“Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.”

Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. Psalms 66:5 (KJV)

Context:

To understand the verse better, it’s essential to consider the context of the entire psalm. Psalm 66 is a song of praise and thanksgiving for God’s deliverance and salvation. The psalmist rejoices in God’s mighty deeds and invites others to join in witnessing and acknowledging God’s works.

Invitation to Observe God’s Works:

The verse begins with an invitation: “Come and see the works of God.” It is an exhortation to witness and experience the tangible demonstrations of God’s power and faithfulness. The psalmist encourages others to pay attention to what God has done and continues to do.

God’s Terrible Deeds:

The verse also states that God is “terrible in his doing toward the children of men.” The word “terrible” here doesn’t imply fright or fear as we commonly understand it today but rather refers to the awe-inspiring, awe-inducing nature of God’s works. It emphasizes the greatness, majesty, and awe-inspiring power of God’s actions. It highlights that God’s works are beyond human comprehension and display His sovereignty and authority over creation.

God’s Actions Towards Humanity:

The phrase “toward the children of men” signifies that God’s works are directed towards humanity as a whole. It acknowledges that God interacts with and intervenes in the affairs of human beings. It speaks to God’s involvement in the lives of people, whether through acts of judgment, discipline, deliverance, or redemption.

Application and Reflection:

As we reflect on this verse, we can draw several applications:

• Invitation to Witness:Like the psalmist, we are called to invite others to witness God’s works in our lives and in the world around us. We should share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and encourage others to experience His power firsthand.
• Awe and Reverence:The verse reminds us to approach God with awe and reverence. It encourages us to acknowledge His greatness and majesty, recognizing that His actions are far beyond our understanding.
• Trusting God’s Sovereignty:The verse highlights God’s authority and control over all things. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He works all things for His purposes, even when we don’t fully understand His ways.
• Gratitude and Praise:The psalmist’s joyful response in this psalm reminds us of the importance of gratitude and praise. We should continually offer thanksgiving to God for His mighty works and faithfulness in our lives.