What does Psalm 66:2 mean?
A person's "name" represents their reputation and authority. Government officials act "in the name of" their state. God's "name" has glory because of His holy, good, loving, merciful, and just character. This verse continues a call for the entire world to worship the God of Israel (Psalm 66:1). Of course, both Jewish and Gentile people have been in rebellion against God from the beginning. Genesis 11 tells how mankind attempted to establish their own name, after the flood. They cooperated to build a tower that reached high into the sky (Genesis 11:1–4). They seem to have wanted a high platform for prestige, a good view of the stars, or a way of mitigating any future floods from God. However, their plan failed. God descended, confused the builders' language, and scattered them over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:5–8).One day, Jesus will return to earth and the tribes of Israel will repent and believe on Him as their Messiah. After that, the nations of the world will be converted. They will go to Jerusalem annually to worship the Lord (Zechariah 14:16). They will bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10–11).
Psalm 66:1–9 opens with a call to praise extended to the entire world. The psalmist declares God's awesome might. He reflects on the Lord's incredible acts of power. Among these are His provision for Israel's safe passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22). God is watching the whole earth; no one should arrogantly think they can defy Him. God's people should be particularly worshipful for the ways God has preserved them.
This psalm appeals to the entire world to worship the Lord. His great works, such as giving Israel safe passage through the Red Sea, should be praised. Because God watches the world, no one should presume they can rebel without consequences. God tested Israel heavily but brought the nation to an abundant place. The psalmist declares that he will fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices, because God answered his prayer. Verses 1–9 speak to the nations of earth; verses 10–15 are spoken to God; verses 16–20 are addressed to the congregation.
