Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm doesn't just invite people to praise God, but calls upon "all the earth" – suggesting an expansive, universal scope even from the very first line. This isn't just a call to a specific nation, but a profound declaration that all creation will ultimately acknowledge God's sovereignty and power.
Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm begins with a powerful call for universal celebration, inviting all the earth to rejoice in God. It arises from a context of immense national deliverance, likely from a period of deep suffering and exile, as the people recount God's mighty acts and His faithfulness in bringing them back. The verses immediately following will expand on the reasons for this praise, detailing God's awe-inspiring power and His redemptive work.
The opening word of this psalm isn't just a polite suggestion; it's a powerful command. What does it truly mean to 'shout for joy' to God?
The Hebrew word translated here as 'shout for joy' implies a loud, joyful acclamation, a vibrant expression of praise. It's not a quiet murmur but a jubilant cry.
A Joyful Uproar
This isn't about reserved reverence; it's about an enthusiastic outpouring. Think of the cheers that erupt at a victory celebration or the roar of a crowd at a momentous event. This is the kind of energetic praise the psalmist calls for.
God's Worthiness
Such a powerful expression is reserved for someone incredibly worthy. The psalm is about recognizing God's mighty acts and powerful deliverance, making this exuberant praise not just fitting, but necessary.
The call to praise doesn't stop at the borders of one nation. Who is invited, and why does it matter that the whole world is included?
This psalm extends its invitation far beyond the people of Israel. 'All the earth' signals a universal scope for God's praise.
A Universal Audience
Commentators note that this call likely anticipates a time when the Gentile world will also worship God. It’s a recognition that God’s works and power are not just for one people, but are meant to be known and celebrated by all nations.
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Witnessing God's Deeds
The reason for this global invitation is God's incredible deeds. Whether it's a specific deliverance for Israel or the broader work of salvation, these acts are so significant they demand a worldwide acknowledgment. All people are called to observe and respond to God's power and faithfulness.
Understand the original words
ranan · Hebrew Verb
An imperative call to vocalize praise, typically involving loud celebration, triumphal proclamation, or acclamation of a king.
This psalm, likely originating from the exilic or post-exilic period, calls for a global celebration of God's deliverance. It highlights how God's faithfulness to Israel, particularly in bringing them back from Babylonian captivity, serves as a testimony to all nations, inviting them to worship Him.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Captivity
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the dispersal of the ten northern tribes. This event marked a significant loss of national sovereignty and religious identity for a large portion of God's people.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah is conquered by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. Jerusalem and its temple are destroyed, and a significant portion of the population is exiled to Babylon.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great overthrows the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This conquest sets the stage for the return of exiled peoples to their homelands.
538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus Allowing Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This marked the beginning of the return and restoration period.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the continuity of God's covenant with His people after the exile.
This verse echoes the call to joyful praise, extending it to all the earth and commanding a 'joyful noise' as a direct act of worship and rejoicing towards God.
Isaiah 42:10-12This passage highlights the global scope of praise, urging the inhabitants of distant lands to sing to the Lord and declare his praise, mirroring the universal call in Psalm 66:1.
Revelation 5:13This future vision depicts all creation in heaven and on earth praising God, reinforcing the idea that God's glory is worthy of acclamation from every corner of existence, as Psalm 66:1 anticipates.
Zephaniah 3:14-15This prophetic call to rejoice and shout for joy is directed at Israel, but it speaks to the universal delight in God’s presence and salvation, resonating with the expansive 'all the earth' in Psalm 66:1.
ellicottPsalms 66:1: "To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"
(1) Make a joyful noise. —Better, sing aloud, or shout. All ye lands.—The margin is better.
poolePsalms 66:1: "To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"
THE ARGUMENT The author and time of the composing of this Psalm are uncertain. This is manifest, and sufficient for our understanding of it. That it was made upon the occasion of some great and glorious deliverance afforded to the Israelites, after and out of some grievous and general calamity, and, as some not improbably conceive, that out of Babylon. The prophet exhorteth all to praise God for h…
The psalm doesn't just invite people to praise God, but calls upon "all the earth" – suggesting an expansive, universal scope even from the very first line. This isn't just a call to a specific nation, but a profound declaration that all creation will ultimately acknowledge God's sovereignty and power.
This Psalm begins with a powerful call for universal celebration, inviting all the earth to rejoice in God. It arises from a context of immense national deliverance, likely from a period of deep suffering and exile, as the people recount God's mighty acts and His faithfulness in bringing them back. The verses immediately following will expand on the reasons for this praise, detailing God's awe-inspiring power and His redemptive work.
This Psalm begins with a powerful call for universal celebration, inviting all the earth to rejoice in God. It arises from a context of immense national deliverance, likely from a period of deep suffering and exile, as the people recount God's mighty acts and His faithfulness in bringing them back. The verses immediately following will expand on the reasons for this praise, detailing God's awe-inspiring power and His redemptive work.
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth;" — The psalm doesn't just invite people to praise God, but calls upon "all the earth" – suggesting an expansive, universal scope even from the very first line. This isn't just a call to a specific nat…
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Last reviewed October 2026