Psalms 66:7
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
בִּגְבוּרָת֨וֹ׀
by his power
H1369
בִּגְבוּרָת֨וֹ׀
by his power
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
2 of 11
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
עוֹלָ֗ם
for ever
H5769
עוֹלָ֗ם
for ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
עֵ֭ינָיו
his eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינָיו
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בַּגּוֹיִ֣ם
the nations
H1471
בַּגּוֹיִ֣ם
the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 11
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
תִּצְפֶּ֑ינָה
behold
H6822
תִּצְפֶּ֑ינָה
behold
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
הַסּוֹרְרִ֓ים׀
let not the rebellious
H5637
הַסּוֹרְרִ֓ים׀
let not the rebellious
Strong's:
H5637
Word #:
7 of 11
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Historical Context
Written in a context where surrounding nations constantly threatened Israel, this verse reassured God's people that no earthly power escapes His notice or control. His eternal rule guarantees the ultimate vindication of His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's eternal, sovereign rule over all nations provide comfort amid political turmoil and uncertainty?
- In what ways might you be tempted to 'exalt yourself' rather than submit to God's righteous authority?
- How should the knowledge that God's eyes constantly behold all nations shape your prayers for world events?
Analysis & Commentary
God's eternal reign ('ruleth by his power for ever') establishes the foundation for confidence in His providential oversight of all nations. His eyes 'behold the nations' speaks to His omniscience and active governance of world affairs. The warning against rebellion reflects the futility of resisting divine sovereignty—a theme echoed in Psalm 2:1-4. God's watchfulness ensures both justice for His people and judgment on the proud.