Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist isn't just recounting a miracle; he's inviting everyone who "fears God" into his intimate experience. He's saying, "Come, let me tell you not just what God did, but what He did for my very soul – the deep, personal transformation that happened within me." This isn't a boast, but a heartfelt invitation to witness God's saving power touch a life.
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for the nation, the psalmist now turns to his personal testimony. He invites all who truly revere God to listen as he shares a profound spiritual experience, emphasizing that God heard his earnest cries and delivered him. This invitation serves as a prelude to his promise to fulfill the vows he made during his affliction.
Ever felt like your struggles and triumphs are just for you? This psalm says otherwise. It starts with a bold public invitation.
The psalmist doesn't just thank God privately; he calls out, "Come and hear, all you who fear God." This isn't a hushed whisper; it's a proclamation. It shows that our faith journey isn't meant to be a solo act. When God does something powerful in our lives, especially something that rescues our 'soul,' it becomes a testimony. It’s an invitation for others who also honor God to draw near and witness His faithfulness firsthand. This isn't about boasting, but about sharing God's goodness so others can be encouraged and give Him glory.
What does it mean when the psalmist says God has acted 'for my soul'? It's far more than just physical rescue.
The phrase 'for my soul' points to the deepest, most intimate work God does. It encompasses our inner life, our spiritual well-being, our very essence. The commentaries highlight that this can include deliverance from guilt, finding peace, overcoming sin, and receiving hope. It signifies a transformation that touches the core of who we are. When the psalmist shares this, he's not just recounting a historical event; he's sharing the profound impact of God's grace on his inner life, offering a glimpse into the saving power of God that addresses our deepest needs.
Why would God hear one prayer but perhaps not another? This psalm hints at a crucial element: the heart's condition.
The surrounding verses in this psalm (though not explicitly quoted in the text provided for verse 16) point to a significant theme: the efficacy of prayer is tied to the sincerity of the heart. The commentaries suggest that the psalmist's confession that God heard him implies his prayers weren't tainted by hidden sin or iniquity. When we come before God, especially when recounting His works, it's rooted in a life that's striving for integrity and honesty before Him. This isn't about earning God's favor through perfect actions, but about approaching Him with a heart that fears Him and desires to be pure, understanding that God truly hears those who are sincere in their worship and petitions.
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Understand the original words
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A state of reverential awe, respect, and submission toward God that governs one's life. It is the beginning of wisdom and characterizes those who are in a right relationship with Him.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The immaterial part of a human, representing the inner self, the seat of emotions, will, and the core of an individual's being before God.
This psalm reflects the deep relief and gratitude of the Jewish people upon the completion of the Second Temple after decades of exile. The psalmist's invitation to 'come and hear' speaks to a community gathering to celebrate God's faithfulness after immense hardship and loss, finding assurance in His deliverance.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many citizens and scattering them throughout the empire.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, including Ezekiel, to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marked a profound crisis for Jewish faith and identity.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon, ending Babylonian rule and paving the way for the return of Jewish exiles.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked the beginning of the post-exilic period.
c. 515 BC— this verse
Completion of the Second Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest, the Jewish community completed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant symbol of their restored identity.
This passage parallels the psalmist's desire to share God's work by explaining how the message of the cross, foolish to some, is the very power and wisdom of God to believers.
Luke 8:39This verse shows a similar pattern where someone, after experiencing God's deliverance (the Gerasene demoniac), is instructed to 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.'
John 9:25After Jesus heals the man born blind, the man simply states, 'One thing I know: I was blind but now I see.' This echoes the psalmist's focus on a personal, undeniable work of God in his life that he feels compelled to share.
Romans 10:14-15This passage highlights the necessity of hearing and proclaiming God's work, stating, 'How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?' This directly connects to the psalmist's invitation to 'come and hear.'
pulpitPsalms 66:16: "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."
Verses 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" (ver. 18). As Hengstenberg points out, this portion of the psalm is didactic, and inculcates the lesson…
clarkePsalms 66:16: "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."
Come and hear, all ye that fear God - While in captivity, the psalmist had sought the Lord with frequent prayer for his own personal salvation, and for the deliverance of the people; and God blessed him, heard his prayer, and turned the captivity. Now that he is returned in safety, he is determined to perform his vows to the Lord; and calls on all them that fear their Maker, who have any relig…
The psalmist isn't just recounting a miracle; he's inviting everyone who "fears God" into his intimate experience. He's saying, "Come, let me tell you not just what God did, but what He did for my very soul – the deep, personal transformation that happened within me." This isn't a boast, but a heartfelt invitation to witness God's saving power touch a life.
After recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for the nation, the psalmist now turns to his personal testimony. He invites all who truly revere God to listen as he shares a profound spiritual experience, emphasizing that God heard his earnest cries and delivered him. This invitation serves as a prelude to his promise to fulfill the vows he made during his affliction.
After recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for the nation, the psalmist now turns to his personal testimony. He invites all who truly revere God to listen as he shares a profound spiritual experience, emphasizing that God heard his earnest cries and delivered him. This invitation serves as a prelude to his promise to fulfill the vows he made during his affliction.
"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." — The psalmist isn't just recounting a miracle; he's inviting everyone who "fears God" into his intimate experience. He's saying, "Come, let me tell you not just what God did, but what He did *for my v…
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Last reviewed October 2026