Psalms 65:13

KJV

The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

KJV (with Strong's)

The pastures {H3733} are clothed {H3847}{H8804)} with flocks {H6629}; the valleys {H6010} also are covered over {H5848}{H8799)} with corn {H1250}; they shout for joy {H7321}{H8709)}, they also sing {H7891}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the meadows are clothed with flocks and the valleys blanketed with grain, so they shout for joy and break into song.

Berean Standard Bible

The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are decked with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.

American Standard Version

The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered over with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 65:13 serves as the triumphant crescendo of a psalm of thanksgiving, painting a vibrant picture of God's abundant provision and the resulting joy throughout creation. It depicts fertile pastures so teeming with livestock that they appear "clothed," and valleys so laden with ripe grain that they are "covered," culminating in the personified land itself erupting in shouts of joy and song. This verse stands as a powerful testament to the Creator's meticulous, benevolent, and sustaining care for His creation, showcasing the tangible and exuberant results of divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 65 is a richly layered psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's majesty, power, and especially His bounteous provision through the natural world. The psalmist begins by acknowledging God's worthiness of praise in Zion, highlighting His responsiveness to prayer and His gracious forgiveness of sins (e.g., [Psalm 65:1-4](/psalms/65-1-4 "Psalm 65:1-4 - God Hears Prayer and Forgives Sins")). This establishes a foundational truth of divine accessibility and grace, setting the stage for the subsequent awe-filled descriptions of God's cosmic power. The psalm then transitions to extolling God's sovereignty over creation, depicting Him as the one who establishes the mountains, stills the tumultuous seas, and calms the uproar of nations (e.g., [Psalm 65:5-8](/psalms/65-5-8 "Psalm 65:5-8 - God's Power Over Creation and Nations")). The latter half of the psalm, commencing in [Psalm 65:9](/psalms/65-9 "Psalm 65:9 - God Visits the Earth"), shifts focus to God's active and meticulous involvement in preparing the earth for sustenance. Verses 9-12 intricately detail God's visitation of the earth, watering its furrows, settling its ridges, and blessing its springing produce, leading directly to the overflowing abundance described in verse 13. This verse, therefore, functions as the joyful, climactic culmination of God's ongoing, faithful care for the land, showcasing the tangible and exuberant results of His divine blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the rhythms of life and the very means of survival were intrinsically linked to the land and its productivity. In such a context, consistent rainfall, fertile soil, and successful harvests were not merely economic factors but were understood as direct, tangible manifestations of God's covenant blessings and unwavering faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Conversely, periods of drought, famine, or pestilence were often interpreted as divine judgment or a withdrawal of blessing. The vivid imagery of "pastures clothed with flocks" and "valleys covered over with corn" would have resonated profoundly with a people whose daily existence and well-being depended entirely on such agricultural and pastoral prosperity. This verse captures the ideal state of divine blessing, where the land itself thrives under God's benevolent hand, assuring the people of His consistent provision and care—a stark and welcome contrast to the often harsh and arid conditions prevalent in the Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 65:13 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Psalm 65 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Provision and Abundance**, portraying God as the ultimate, generous provider whose blessing results in overwhelming fertility and plenty. The imagery speaks to an overflowing supply of sustenance, demonstrating God's lavish generosity toward His creation. Secondly, a striking and central theme is the **Joy in Creation**, expressed through the profound personification of nature itself. The pastures and valleys are not merely abundant; they "shout for joy" and "sing," suggesting that the entire created order, in its flourishing state, offers a resounding chorus of praise to its Creator. This invites humanity to join in this cosmic, joyful response, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Psalm 96:11-12](/psalms/96-11-12 "Psalm 96:11-12 - Let the Heavens and Earth Rejoice") and [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - Mountains and Hills Sing for Joy"). Thirdly, the scene of prosperity powerfully underscores **God's Faithfulness** to His covenant promises and His consistent, reliable care for the earth and its inhabitants. It serves as a profound testament to His benevolent oversight and the dependable cycle of seasons He established from the very beginning (e.g., [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Covenant with Noah Regarding Seasons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pastures (Hebrew, _kar'_):** From H3733, this word refers to a meadow or rich grazing land, often associated with sheep. The root suggests plumpness, implying a place where animals become fat and well-fed. Here, it signifies lush, verdant areas ideal for livestock, underscoring the quality and abundance of the land's yield for animals.
* **Clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** From H3847, this primitive root means "to wrap around" or "to put on a garment." Used metaphorically here, it conveys that the flocks are so numerous and dense that they literally cover the landscape, as if the land itself is wearing them like a garment. This implies an overwhelming density, prosperity, and a visual spectacle of abundance in animal husbandry, far beyond mere presence.
* **Covered over (Hebrew, _ʻâṭaph'_):** From H5848, this primitive root means "to shroud" or "clothe." Similar to "clothed," this verb suggests a vast, unbroken expanse. When applied to "corn," it paints a picture of fields so thoroughly laden with ripe grain that the ground is completely hidden. This signifies an exceptionally successful and widespread harvest, indicating God's comprehensive blessing on agriculture.
* **Shout for joy (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** From H7321, this primitive root means "to mar" (by breaking) or figuratively "to split the ears with sound," i.e., to shout for alarm or joy. In this context, it emphasizes an audible, exuberant, and unrestrained celebration. It denotes a loud, triumphant sound, underscoring the profound sense of gladness and praise that God's provision brings to the entire created order, as if nature itself is joining in a chorus of adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The pastures are clothed with flocks":** This clause vividly depicts the overwhelming abundance of livestock. "Pastures" (Hebrew: _kar_) refers to lush, fertile grazing lands. The imagery of being "clothed" with flocks suggests an immense number of sheep, goats, or cattle, so many that they literally cover the landscape, indicating immense prosperity in animal husbandry and a thriving, well-fed population. This is a visual metaphor for superabundant animal life.
* **"the valleys also are covered over with corn":** This clause shifts focus to agricultural bounty. "Valleys" (Hebrew: _ʻêmeq_) are often fertile plains or lowlands suitable for cultivation. "Corn" (Hebrew: _bâr_) is a general term for grain, such as wheat or barley. Being "covered over" signifies an exceptionally rich and widespread harvest, with fields so full of ripe grain that the ground beneath is completely obscured, promising ample food and sustenance for the community.
* **"they shout for joy, they also sing":** This climactic phrase employs powerful personification. "They" refers to the pastures and valleys, or by extension, the entire flourishing creation. The verbs "shout for joy" (_rûwaʻ_) and "sing" (_shîyr_) attribute human expressions of exuberant celebration and worship to the natural world. This suggests that the very abundance, beauty, and fruitfulness of creation, as a direct result of God's blessing, spontaneously erupts in a chorus of praise, inviting humanity to join in this universal adoration of the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 65:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine abundance and creation's joyful response. The most prominent is **Personification**, where inanimate objects—the pastures and valleys—are endowed with human qualities of emotion and expression: they "shout for joy" and "sing." This device elevates the natural world from mere scenery to active participants in praise, suggesting that God's provision is so overwhelming that creation itself cannot help but respond with exuberant adoration. This also enhances the sense of cosmic harmony and the interconnectedness of all things under God's benevolent rule. Furthermore, **Imagery** is richly used, painting a vivid and sensory picture for the reader. Phrases like "clothed with flocks" and "covered over with corn" create strong visual impressions of overwhelming density and widespread bounty, appealing directly to the senses and making the abstract concept of divine blessing tangible and immediate. Lastly, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two initial clauses ("The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn") express similar ideas of abundance using different but related imagery, reinforcing the central theme of God's comprehensive provision. The subsequent parallel verbs "shout for joy" and "sing" similarly intensify the expression of creation's joyful response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 65:13 stands as a profound theological statement about God's intimate and benevolent involvement in His creation. It affirms His role as the ultimate Sustainer and Provider, whose faithfulness ensures the cycles of nature and the flourishing of all life. The abundance depicted is not merely a natural occurrence but a direct manifestation of divine blessing, inviting humanity to recognize God's hand in every aspect of their sustenance. This verse also highlights the responsive nature of creation, suggesting that the very act of God's provision elicits a spontaneous, joyful chorus from the earth itself, a powerful reminder that all of creation bears witness to His glory and goodness. It challenges believers to cultivate a similar spirit of gratitude and praise, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good things and fostering a deep sense of trust in His ongoing care.

* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27-28 "God Provides for All Creatures")
* [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Mountains and Hills Sing for Joy")
* [Psalm 98:8](/psalms/98-8 "Rivers Clap, Mountains Sing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 65:13 calls believers to a deeper appreciation for God's ongoing provision in their lives, extending far beyond the agricultural context. While the imagery is rooted in ancient agrarian life, the principle of God's abundant care and the appropriate response of joy and praise remains timeless and universally applicable. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude, recognizing God's active hand not just in grand miracles but in the daily, consistent blessings of sustenance, health, natural beauty, and the reliable rhythms of life. Every meal, every thriving plant, every animal, and indeed, every breath we take, is a testament to His meticulous and generous care. Just as the valleys "shout for joy" and "sing," we are called to respond to God's goodness with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good things. This perspective fosters a spirit of contentment, hope, and deep trust, reminding us that the God who faithfully provides for the earth will also faithfully provide for our spiritual and physical needs, often in ways that exceed our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's hand in daily provisions (like food, shelter, and natural beauty) deepen your sense of gratitude and trust in Him?**
* **In what practical ways can you, like the "shouting" and "singing" creation, express your joy and praise for God's abundant care in your life today?**
* **What specific "pastures" or "valleys" (areas of your life or circumstances) currently reflect God's overflowing blessing and abundance, and how can you acknowledge His provision there?**
* **How does the faithfulness of God in providing for the earth assure you of His faithfulness in meeting your personal needs, both physical and spiritual, especially in times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**What does "corn" mean in this verse, and is it relevant today?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "corn" (Hebrew: _bâr_, H1250) is a general term for grain, such as wheat or barley, not specifically maize (which was unknown in the ancient Near East). It represents the staple food source derived from a successful harvest, essential for human and animal sustenance. While the specific crop may differ across cultures and eras, the principle remains highly relevant today. It signifies God's consistent provision of essential sustenance for humanity, whether through modern agriculture, global supply chains, or the daily food we consume. The verse assures us that God continues to bless the earth to yield its produce for our well-being, inviting us to recognize His hand in our daily bread and to live with gratitude for His sustaining care.

**How can inanimate pastures and valleys "shout for joy" and "sing"?**

Answer: This is a powerful example of **personification**, a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. The psalmist uses this imagery to convey the overwhelming and undeniable joy that God's abundant provision brings to the entire created order. It's not meant to be taken literally, but rather to express the profound and exuberant praise that creation implicitly offers to its Creator simply by flourishing under His care. It suggests that the beauty, order, and fruitfulness of the natural world are themselves a silent, yet powerful, testament to God's glory, inviting humanity to join in this cosmic chorus of praise, as seen in [Psalm 96:11-12](/psalms/96-11-12 "Psalm 96:11-12 - Let the Heavens and Earth Rejoice") and [Psalm 148:7-10](/psalms/148-7-10 "Psalm 148:7-10 - Praise from All Creation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 65:13 celebrates God's physical provision through a bountiful harvest, its imagery finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual abundance and new creation brought forth by Jesus Christ. Just as the pastures are "clothed with flocks" and valleys "covered over with corn," Christ is the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), who provides an overflowing abundance for all who believe. His sacrifice on the cross, like the fertile ground, yields an immeasurable harvest of forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, transforming barren hearts into spiritual gardens that "shout for joy" and "sing" with new life. Through Christ, we are not merely sustained but are made [new creations](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to bear the fruit of righteousness (e.g., [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). The cosmic joy of creation in Psalms 65:13 foreshadows the ultimate redemption of all creation through Christ, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, and the entire universe will resound with praise to the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"), ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and all creation fully participates in unending worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Isaiah 35:1

¶ The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Psalms 98:7

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Isaiah 30:23

Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.