Psalms 65:8

They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

They also that dwell {H3427}{H8802)} in the uttermost parts {H7099} are afraid {H3372}{H8799)} at thy tokens {H226}: thou makest the outgoings {H4161} of the morning {H1242} and evening {H6153} to rejoice {H7442}{H8686)}.

This is why those living at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your signs. The places where the sun rises and sets you cause to sing for joy.

Those who live far away fear Your wonders; You make the dawn and sunset shout for joy.

They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

Commentary

Psalm 65:8 beautifully portrays God's universal power and benevolent control over all creation. This verse highlights how the divine majesty elicits awe across the globe and how the very cycles of nature bear witness to His joyful and orderly governance.

Context

Psalm 65 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving, attributed to David. It opens with themes of worship and forgiveness in Zion (Psalm 65:1-4), then transitions to God's mighty acts as the deliverer and sustainer of the earth. The psalmist moves from God's work in the spiritual realm (forgiving iniquity) to His magnificent work in the natural world, demonstrating His sovereignty over both humanity and creation. Verse 8 fits perfectly within this broader scope of divine power and provision that brings forth praise from all corners.

Key Themes

  • God's Universal Sovereignty and Awe: The phrase "They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens" conveys that God's power and influence are not limited to a specific region or people. His "tokens" (signs or wonders, often referring to natural phenomena like storms, earthquakes, or even the consistent order of the cosmos) are so profound that they inspire reverence, wonder, and perhaps a holy fear even in the most distant lands. This acknowledges a global recognition of the Creator's might.
  • Divine Order and Joy in Creation: "Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice" is a poetic and profound declaration. It speaks to God's meticulous and joyful orchestration of the daily cycle of dawn and dusk. Far from being mere mechanical occurrences, the rising of the sun and the fading of the light into evening are depicted as acts of divine artistry that bring joy to creation itself, celebrating the consistent and benevolent order established by God. This theme echoes the idea that the heavens declare the glory of God.
  • Nature's Testimony to God: The verse implies that creation itself, through its orderly processes and awe-inspiring displays, serves as a constant witness to God's existence, power, and character. Even without direct revelation, the natural world compels an acknowledgment of a divine architect.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "uttermost parts" is qetseh (ืงึฐืฆึตื”), meaning "end, border, extremity," emphasizing the global reach of God's influence. "Tokens" comes from otot (ืึนืชื•ึนืช), which refers to "signs, wonders, or proofs," indicating observable manifestations of God's power. The "outgoings" (motsa, ืžื•ึนืฆึธื) of the morning and evening refer to the rising and setting of the sun, personified here as rejoicing, highlighting the vibrant and purposeful nature of God's daily work in the cosmos.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to look at the world around us with renewed wonder and appreciation for God's handiwork. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign Everywhere: No place is beyond His reach or influence. This can bring comfort and assurance that God is present and active no matter where we are or what circumstances we face.
  • Find Joy in Daily Rhythms: The consistent rising of the sun and the beauty of twilight are not mundane, but rather daily invitations to observe God's faithfulness and find joy in His creative order. It encourages us to acknowledge God in the simple, consistent patterns of life, just as His mercies are new every morning.
  • Cultivate Awe: In a world that often seeks to explain away the miraculous, Psalm 65:8 calls us to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for the Creator, recognizing His power in both grand natural events and the quiet beauty of each new day. This awe can lead to profound worship and a deeper understanding of God's majesty.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 148:3

    Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

  • Psalms 136:8

    The sun to rule by day: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Psalms 104:20

    Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep [forth].

  • Psalms 104:23

    Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

  • Psalms 126:2

    Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

  • Psalms 74:16

    The day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

  • Psalms 48:5

    They saw [it, and] so they marvelled; they were troubled, [and] hasted away.
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