Come and See What God Has Done

Reflections on Psalm 66:5–7

Introduction:

Psalm 66 invites us into something more than private devotion—it calls us into public testimony. It’s a psalm of remembrance and rejoicing, not whispered in a corner but proclaimed boldly to the world. In verses 5–7, the psalmist moves from calling all the earth to shout for joy (vv. 1–4) to a powerful declaration: “Come and see what God has done.” These verses center on God’s past interventions and His present reign—reminding us that the God who parted seas and watched over nations still reigns today.

Walter Brueggemann calls this kind of proclamation “testimony in public space.” Faith, he reminds us, is not merely interior or personal—it is demonstrative, historic, and vocal. The psalmist is not inviting us into private meditation but into communal witness. In a time when skepticism dominates and personal faith is often dismissed as subjective, Psalm 66 stands as a bold invitation to remember, rejoice, and recount what God has done.

Come and See: God’s Awesome Deeds (Psalm 66:5)

“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.”

This is the voice of one who has seen and cannot keep silent. The psalmist does not merely suggest that God has acted—he invites the world to behold it for themselves. The phrase “Come and see” echoes throughout Scripture—such as in Psalm 46:8, “Come, behold the works of the Lord.” There is a holy urgency to this call. We are being summoned to witness God’s awesome deeds, not abstract doctrines.

Charles Spurgeon described this verse as “an invitation to behold God’s redemptive acts—the spectacle of grace.” It’s not about dry theology but about living memory. These are acts—visible, impactful interventions of God on behalf of His people. And notably, the psalmist broadens the scope to “the children of man”—a reminder that God’s awesome deeds are not only for Israel but for all humanity.

In a time when we often look to human achievement as the ultimate story, this verse redirects our gaze. It says: if you want to understand the world—look first at what God has done.

 He Turned the Sea into Dry Land (Psalm 66:6)

“He turned the sea into dry land: they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him.”

This verse recalls two pivotal moments in Israel’s history: the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and the crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3. Both were miracles of divine deliverance—times when what looked impassable became a highway under God’s command. These stories formed the backbone of Israel’s memory of God’s faithfulness.

Eugene Peterson reflects on verses like this, saying they remind us to “rejoice in the re-telling of God’s saving acts.” In other words, faith is nourished by memory. When we recount what God has done, we are strengthened for what lies ahead.

Spurgeon adds, “Past mercies are to be celebrated in present praise.” Our rejoicing in God isn’t just rooted in the moment but flows from our recollection of His faithfulness in days gone by. “There did we rejoice in him.” There—in the place of deliverance—is where praise erupts. And today, the Church is still called to sing in the light of what God has done—not just in ancient times but in our own stories of redemption and provision.

He Rules Forever and Sees All (Psalm 66:7)

“Who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let not the rebellious exalt themselves.”

Now the psalmist shifts from memory to sovereignty. God is not only the One who acted in the past; He is the One who rules in the present—and forever. His power is not seasonal or momentary. His vigilance is unceasing.

Brueggemann identifies this verse as a rich theological affirmation of “God’s sovereign vigilance and moral governance.” This is not a distant deity but a ruling King whose eyes are always open. Proverbs 15:3 echoes this truth: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Donald Coggan captures the tension well: “This is both comfort and warning—His rule is enduring and His gaze is never diverted.” For the righteous, it is a source of reassurance. God sees, God knows, and God reigns. For the rebellious, however, it is a call to humility. “Let not the rebellious exalt themselves,” the psalmist warns. Those who resist God’s reign do not escape His attention.

Application: Living as Witnesses Today

So what do these verses mean for us today?

First, they call us to remember. In a world that constantly demands we move on and forget, Psalm 66 beckons us to pause and recall God’s faithfulness. When we do, our worship deepens and our trust strengthens.

Second, they urge us to testify. Our stories of deliverance—be it from sin, fear, addiction, grief, or despair—are not meant to be hidden. Like the psalmist, we’re invited to say: “Come and see what God has done.” Faith is not a private escape but a public invitation.

Finally, they remind us to reverence God’s rule. He sees the rise and fall of nations. He watches over our lives. His rule is just and eternal. In an age of shifting politics and uncertain futures, we rest in the One who never stops reigning.

Conclusion:

Psalm 66:5–7 is a call to be bold in our praise, firm in our memory, and joyful in our testimony. We serve a God who does not hide His power, who parts seas and watches nations, who rescues His people and reigns forever. In a world desperate for stability and hope, we are invited to declare with confidence: Come and see what God has done.

So today, take a moment to look back—where has God turned your sea into dry land? Where has He brought you through what felt impassable? Tell that story. Let it become part of the chorus that testifies to His awesome deeds toward the children of man.

Prayer:

Lord God,

Thank You for Your mighty deeds and faithful love. Help me to remember all You have done, to rejoice in Your saving power, and to declare Your goodness with boldness. Rule in my heart as You rule over all the earth, and let my life be a testimony to Your glory.

Amen.