[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:
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}:
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.
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.
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:
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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.
Psalms 65:5 (KJV) offers a profound declaration of God's awe-inspiring power, righteousness, and universal reach as the ultimate source of hope and salvation.
Context
Psalm 65 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by King David, expressing gratitude for God's abundant provision and His faithfulness to His covenant people. The preceding verses acknowledge God's forgiveness of sins and the blessedness of those who dwell in His courts. Verse 5 shifts from personal and national blessing to a broader declaration of God's global sovereignty and His mighty acts, often understood in the context of His control over creation and His deliverance of His people.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "terrible things" is nora'ot (נוראות), which conveys a sense of awe-inspiring, dreadful, or majestic deeds. It does not imply something evil or bad, but rather acts so mighty and overwhelming that they inspire reverence and fear. This term is often used to describe God's miraculous works of deliverance, such as the parting of the Red Sea or His victories over enemies. The word for "confidence" is mibṭāḥ (מבטח), meaning trust, security, or hope, underscoring the steadfast reliance people can place on God's character and actions.
Practical Application
Psalms 65:5 encourages believers to place their complete trust in God, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. Even when His answers to prayer or His interventions seem overwhelming or beyond human comprehension, they are always executed "in righteousness." This verse assures us that God is actively involved in the world, not just in the lives of His chosen people, but as the universal hope and salvation for all who seek Him, regardless of their location or circumstance. It calls us to marvel at His power and find security in His unwavering faithfulness, knowing that He hears and answers, often through mighty, awe-inspiring deeds.