Psalm 65
Psalm 65 is a song of thanksgiving that praises God for His abundant blessings. It reflects on God’s gracious forgiveness, His care over creation, and His provision for the earth. The psalm emphasizes how God answers prayers, brings joy, and ensures fruitful harvests, illustrating the intimate relationship between God’s sovereignty and the flourishing of nature and humanity.
Psalm 65:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;
And to You the vow shall be performed.
2 O You who hear prayer,
To You all flesh will come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.
4 Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.
God is praised in Zion because He is faithful in hearing prayers and forgiving iniquities. His mercy draws people to Him, providing atonement for sins and granting access to His presence. The psalmist highlights the privilege of those chosen by God to dwell in His courts, emphasizing the joy and satisfaction found in His house.
Psalm 65:5-8 (NKJV)
5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas;
6 Who established the mountains by His strength,
Being clothed with power;
7 You who still the noise of the seas,
The noise of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs;
You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.
The psalmist praises God’s mighty acts, which inspire awe among all nations. God’s strength is evident in the stability of the mountains, His control over the seas, and His ability to calm the tumult among peoples. Even those in distant lands recognize and fear His wonders. God’s presence brings joy from dawn to dusk, symbolizing His constant care over creation.
Psalm 65:9-13 (NKJV)
9 You visit the earth and water it,
You greatly enrich it;
The river of God is full of water;
You provide their grain,
For so You have prepared it.
10 You water its ridges abundantly,
You settle its furrows;
You make it soft with showers,
You bless its growth.
11 You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.
This section celebrates God’s provision through nature. God waters the earth, ensuring a fruitful harvest. His care enriches the soil, making it productive and full of life. The imagery of abundance reflects how God’s blessings touch every part of creation, from the wilderness to the hills and valleys. The psalm concludes with a vision of joyful creation, as flocks and grain-filled fields seem to sing and rejoice in response to God’s goodness.