Psalms65

Psalm 65 opens by declaring that praise is due to God in Zion, who hears prayer and purges iniquities. It extols God's mighty power over creation, from establishing mountains and stilling seas to causing the ends of the earth to fear His tokens. The psalm concludes by celebrating God's bountiful provision, as He waters the earth, enriches it, and crowns the year with goodness, leading all creation to rejoice in His sustaining care.
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Praise, Atonement, and Access to God

1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. ​
2
O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. ​
3
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. ​
4
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

The Lord's Awesome Power Over Creation

5
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea: ​
6
Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. ​
8
They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

God Provides for the Earth and Harvest

9
Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. ​
10
Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. ​
12
They drop upon 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 over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Study Notes for Psalms 65

Verse 1

The phrase 'Praise waiteth for thee' (KJV) is often translated 'Praise is due to you in silence,' suggesting reverent expectation and the fulfillment of vows in Zion, the center of worship.

Verse 2

The scope of God’s rule is universal; though prayer is answered in Zion, the Psalmist anticipates a time when 'all flesh' (all humanity) will approach Him.

Verse 3

The psalm acknowledges the reality of corporate sin ('our transgressions') but immediately affirms God’s role as the forgiver and purger, establishing the necessary condition for acceptable worship.

Verse 5

The 'terrible things' (Heb. *Nora'ot*) are awe-inspiring acts of power and judgment. God answers prayer through mighty, righteous interventions that display His saving power globally.

Verse 7

God’s mastery over the chaotic seas (a common ancient symbol of disorder) is paralleled by His ability to subdue the 'tumult of the people,' affirming His sovereignty over both nature and human political strife.

Verse 9

The 'river of God' is a metaphorical expression for the divine source of rain, which God uses to visit and enrich the earth, ensuring the provision of grain for humanity.

Verse 11

To 'crown the year' means bringing the agricultural cycle to a successful, fruitful completion. God’s 'paths drop fatness' describes the rich fertility left in the wake of the life-giving rains.

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