Psalms 65:5

KJV

[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:

KJV (with Strong's)

By terrible things {H3372}{H8737)} in righteousness {H6664} wilt thou answer {H6030}{H8799)} us, O God {H430} of our salvation {H3468}; who art the confidence {H4009} of all the ends {H7099} of the earth {H776}, and of them that are afar off {H7350} upon the sea {H3220}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It is just that you answer us with awesome deeds, God of our salvation, you in whom all put their trust, to the ends of the earth and on distant seas.

Berean Standard Bible

With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.

American Standard Version

By terrible things thou wilt answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou that art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of them that are afar off upon the sea:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 65:5 is a profound declaration of God's awe-inspiring power, unwavering righteousness, and universal accessibility as the ultimate source of salvation. It proclaims that the Lord responds to humanity's needs and prayers through mighty, fear-inducing acts that are always perfectly just. This verse establishes God as the steadfast hope and secure trust for all people, extending His sovereign care and redemptive power to the farthest reaches of the earth and the most remote corners of the sea, underscoring His boundless dominion and unwavering faithfulness to all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 65 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by King David, expressing profound gratitude for God's abundant provision and His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant people. The psalm opens with praise for God's attentiveness to prayer and His forgiveness of sins, highlighting the blessedness of those whom He chooses to draw near to Himself in His temple, where they are "satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple" ([Psalm 65:1-4](/psalms/65-1-4 "Psalm 65:1-4 - Praise for Answered Prayer and Forgiveness")). Verse 5 marks a significant transition from the specific blessings experienced by Israel within the sanctuary to a broader, universal declaration of God's global sovereignty and His mighty acts. It moves from the intimate experience of God's presence to His overwhelming power displayed across creation and among all nations, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that celebrate His control over nature and His provision for the land, such as how He "stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people" ([Psalm 65:6-13](/psalms/65-6-13 "Psalm 65:6-13 - God's Power in Creation and Provision")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in ancient Israel, likely during a period of national prosperity or after a significant deliverance (perhaps from drought or military threat), this psalm reflects the common Israelite understanding of Yahweh as both their covenant God and the sovereign Lord of all creation. The reference to "terrible things" ([Psalm 65:5](/psalms/65-5 "Psalm 65:5 - God's Awe-Inspiring Deeds")) would resonate with Israel's historical memory of God's powerful interventions, such as the Exodus from Egypt, where God "didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters" ([Exodus 15:10](/exodus/15-10 "Exodus 15:10 - God's Mighty Deliverance at the Red Sea")), or victories over enemies, which demonstrated His might and justice. The mention of "all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea" ([Psalm 65:5](/psalms/65-5 "Psalm 65:5 - God's Universal Reach")) highlights a nascent awareness, even in the Old Testament, of God's universal reach and His ultimate claim over all humanity, transcending the boundaries of Israel. This perspective, while often overshadowed by Israel's unique covenant relationship, surfaces in passages that emphasize God's role as Creator and Ruler of all nations, as seen in the broader prophetic vision of God's reign over all peoples ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - God's Salvation to the Ends of the Earth")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 65 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Power and Righteousness**, emphasizing that God's interventions are not merely powerful but perfectly just and consistent with His holy character. These "terrible things" are awe-inspiring acts of deliverance or judgment, demonstrating His overwhelming might and moral rectitude, for "the Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works" ([Psalm 145:17](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - God's Righteousness and Holiness")). Secondly, the theme of **God as the Source of Salvation** is central, identifying Him as the ultimate deliverer, rescuer, and source of well-being for His people. He is the one who brings deliverance from danger, sin, and distress, providing comprehensive safety and flourishing, as declared elsewhere: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid" ([Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God as Salvation")). Finally, the verse introduces the profound theme of **Universal Confidence and Hope**, proclaiming God as the steadfast trust for all humanity, regardless of their geographical location or cultural background. This extends God's sovereignty and the hope He offers beyond Israel to the entire world, echoing the omnipresence and universal care of God found in other psalms, where it is affirmed that "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me" ([Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence and Guiding Hand")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Terrible things (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word, derived from the root H3372 (yârêʼ), meaning "to fear," "to revere," or "to frighten," does not denote something evil or bad in this context. Instead, it conveys a sense of awe-inspiring, dreadful, or majestic deeds. It refers to acts so mighty and overwhelming that they inspire reverence, dread, and profound respect. In biblical usage, particularly when describing God's actions, it is frequently employed to describe His miraculous works of deliverance, His powerful judgments, or His majestic self-revelations, such as the parting of the Red Sea or His appearance at Mount Sinai. It highlights the transcendent nature of God's power, which is both formidable and glorious.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, H430 (ʼĕlôhîym), is used here specifically of the supreme God. While it can refer to gods in the ordinary sense, or even magistrates, its use with the singular verb "answer" and in the context of "our salvation" clearly identifies the one true God. It emphasizes His supreme authority, divine power, and unique status as the object of worship and the source of all being. This term underscores His majestic and transcendent nature.
* **Confidence (Hebrew, _mibṭâch'_):** This noun, H4009 (mibṭâch), derived from the verb meaning "to trust" or "to be secure," signifies trust, security, hope, or refuge. It underscores the steadfast reliance and unwavering assurance that people can place on God's character, His promises, and His actions. To be the "confidence" of all the ends of the earth means that God is the ultimate, reliable source of security and hope for everyone, everywhere, in whom they can safely place their trust and find refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us":** This clause reveals God's method of intervention and response to humanity. When God "answers" His people, whether in prayer, through historical events, or by His providential hand, He does so through "terrible things"—awe-inspiring, mighty, and often fear-inducing acts that command reverence. Crucially, these acts are always performed "in righteousness," meaning they are perfectly just, morally upright, and consistent with His holy character. God's power is never arbitrary or capricious; it is always aligned with His perfect justice and redemptive purposes, ensuring that His interventions are both powerful and morally perfect.
* **"O God of our salvation":** This direct address identifies the nature and character of the God who acts. He is not merely a powerful deity, but specifically the "God of our salvation." This emphasizes His primary role as the ultimate deliverer, rescuer, and source of comprehensive well-being for His people. He is the one who brings deliverance from danger, sin, and distress, providing complete safety, flourishing, and spiritual redemption. This title highlights His covenant faithfulness and His active role in the lives of those who trust Him.
* **"[who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth":** This phrase expands God's reach and significance beyond Israel to a truly universal scope. God is not just the hope and security of His chosen nation, but the "confidence" (the secure trust and unwavering hope) for all humanity, extending to the most distant geographical locations. This proclaims His universal sovereignty, His omnipresence, and His accessibility as a source of hope and security for all peoples, regardless of their origin or immediate circumstances.
* **"and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea":** This further emphasizes the universality of God's reach and the breadth of His comprehensive care. "Afar off upon the sea" represents the most remote, isolated, and potentially vulnerable places. Those at sea were often considered to be at the mercy of unpredictable and dangerous forces, far from the perceived safety of land. Yet, even for them, God is the steadfast confidence, demonstrating His omnipresent care and sovereign control over all creation and all people, no matter how distant, precarious, or seemingly beyond human help their circumstances may be.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 65:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message with profound impact. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping phrase "all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea," which serves to emphasize the truly universal scope of God's dominion and the boundless reach of His salvific power, extending beyond any conceivable human boundary or geographical limit. The phrase "terrible things" functions as a form of **litotes** or **euphemism**, as the Hebrew _nora'ot_ (derived from H3372) implies not just "terrible" in a negative sense, but "awe-inspiring," "fearfully majestic," or "dreadfully powerful," highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's power in a way that evokes reverence and wonder rather than simple dread. The direct address, "O God of our salvation," is an example of **apostrophe**, directly speaking to God, which intensifies the personal and worshipful tone of the psalm, inviting the reader into an intimate relationship with the divine. Finally, the entire verse is rich in **theological metaphor**, portraying God as the "confidence" or "security" for all, likening Him to a firm foundation, an unshakeable rock, or a safe harbor in whom all can find refuge, stability, and unwavering trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 65:5 profoundly connects to the biblical narrative of God's universal sovereignty and His redemptive plan for all humanity. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, as "God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" ([1 Timothy 2:3-4](/1_timothy/2-3-4 "1 Timothy 2:3-4 - God's Desire for All to be Saved")). The "terrible things in righteousness" through which God answers are not merely acts of judgment but often powerful demonstrations of His justice that pave the way for salvation, echoing the mighty acts of deliverance in Israel's history that revealed His character and power. This verse posits God as the ultimate source of hope and security for every individual, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, laying a theological groundwork for the global mission of the church. It reminds us that even when God's ways seem overwhelming or beyond our comprehension, they are always rooted in His perfect righteousness and aimed at His ultimate good, inviting us to "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" ([Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Call to Universal Salvation")).

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Fearful Deeds and Holiness")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Universal Call to Salvation")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 65:5 invites us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and unwavering trust in God, recognizing that His power is not only boundless but also perfectly aligned with His righteousness. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and a desperate search for security, this verse directs our gaze to the only true source of confidence: the God of our salvation. It challenges us to expand our understanding of God's reach, acknowledging that His care extends far beyond our immediate circumstances or communities to encompass every person on earth. When we pray, we can be assured that God answers, and while His answers may come in ways that are "terrible" or awe-inspiring, they are always righteous and ultimately for our good and His glory. This should lead us to greater humility, deeper reliance on His sovereign plan, and a broader vision for God's work in the world, knowing that He is actively engaged in bringing salvation to all who look to Him, no matter how far removed they may feel. It calls us to live with a confident expectation of His righteous interventions, both in our personal lives and in the grand sweep of history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "terrible things in righteousness" shape your perspective on difficult or overwhelming circumstances in your life, leading you to awe rather than despair?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally experience God as "the confidence" or secure hope in your daily walk, especially when faced with uncertainty?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's salvation ("all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea") impact your view of evangelism and global missions, inspiring you to participate in His worldwide plan?**
* **What does it mean to truly trust in a God whose answers might be awe-inspiring and beyond your full comprehension, yet always righteous and for your ultimate good?**

### FAQ
**What does "terrible things in righteousness" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "terrible things" (Hebrew: _nora'ot_, from H3372) does not imply evil or negative actions. Instead, it refers to God's awe-inspiring, majestic, and fear-inducing deeds. These are acts of immense power and wonder that evoke reverence and profound respect, often associated with His miraculous interventions, deliverances, or judgments. The addition "in righteousness" (H6664, _tsedeq_) is crucial; it means that all of God's powerful acts are perfectly just, morally upright, and consistent with His holy character. So, it signifies that God answers prayers and intervenes in the world through mighty, overwhelming, and righteous demonstrations of His power, which inspire awe and underscore His perfect justice. For instance, the parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - God's Mighty Deliverance at the Red Sea")) was a "terrible thing" that demonstrated God's power and righteousness in delivering Israel and judging Pharaoh.

**How can God be the "confidence of all the ends of the earth" if many do not know Him?**

Answer: This declaration in Psalms 65:5 speaks to God's inherent nature and His objective reality, not necessarily the subjective experience or awareness of every individual. God *is* the ultimate source of security and hope (H4009, _mibṭâch_) for all humanity, whether they consciously acknowledge Him or not. His sovereignty extends over all creation, and His providential care sustains all life, as it is written, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being" ([Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - God Sustains All Life")). While many may not consciously place their trust in Him, He remains the steadfast foundation upon which all existence and true security rest. The psalmist's proclamation is a theological truth about God's universal dominion and His ultimate accessibility as the only reliable hope, inviting all to discover this truth and place their trust in Him. It also foreshadows the future global recognition of His Lordship, when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Universal Submission to Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 65:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's "terrible things in righteousness" and the universal "confidence." The most awe-inspiring and righteous act of God was not merely the parting of a sea or the defeat of an army, but the sending of His Son to die on the cross for the sins of humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). This act, while appearing as weakness and foolishness to the world, was the most profound demonstration of God's power over sin and death, executed in perfect righteousness to satisfy divine justice and to "declare his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ")). Jesus, as the "God of our salvation," became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation not just to Israel but to "all the ends of the earth." Through His resurrection, He conquered death, becoming the living hope and the secure "confidence" for everyone who believes, regardless of their location or background ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope Through Christ's Resurrection")). The Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")) is the direct outflow of this truth, sending believers to declare this universal confidence in Christ to the remotest parts of the earth, bridging the gap between those "afar off upon the sea" and the God who is their only true salvation and eternal hope.

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

Deuteronomy 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Psalms 45:4

And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.