Psalms 66:4

Psalms 66:4

Verse 4: “All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.” The verse expands the prior call to worship into a universal vision: every nation will worship God and join in singing. The Samuel/Temple-era audience would have heard this as both confirmation of God’s sovereignty and proclamation of a future era when foreign nations recognize the God of Israel. The inclusion of “Selah” indicates a pause for reflection, allowing the weight of this destiny to sink in. The verse emphasizes not only individual worship but the cosmic scope of God’s reign.

This passage highlights the universality of salvation history and worship. It echoes promises in Isaiah and Revelation about Gentiles entering into worship of the one true God. It presents a cosmic worship schema in which the nations are drawn into praise, illustrating the inclusivity of God’s plan and the transnational nature of faith. The text also ties the beauty of worship to the recognition of God’s name and deeds, grounding praise in both character and acts.

Today, this can shape mission-minded worship and ecumenical collaboration. Churches can partner with diverse communities to create shared worship experiences, reflecting the global reach of God’s people. It can inspire cultural exchange—music, language, art—that honors God while elevating minority voices. On an individual level, commit to praying for or supporting international missions, welcoming international students, workers, or refugees into your church and community. The verse invites believers to be intentional about including people from different backgrounds in worship and fellowship.

Cross-References: Psalm 2:8-9; Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 7:9-10; Colossians 1:22-23; Romans 15:9-12