Psalms 65:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Psalm 65:8 powerfully declares God's majestic sovereignty, extending His influence from the farthest reaches of the earth to the consistent daily cycles of the cosmos. It portrays a universal response of reverent awe from humanity, even in the most distant lands, in response to His divine "tokens" or signs. Simultaneously, the verse beautifully personifies the very outgoings of morning and evening as joyful witnesses to God's consistent, benevolent, and purposeful governance. This encapsulates the boundless scope of God's glory, inspiring both profound reverence and delight in His magnificent works across all creation and time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 65 is a profound psalm of praise and thanksgiving, traditionally attributed to David, celebrating God's comprehensive goodness and power. The psalm initiates with themes of worship, prayer, and the profound forgiveness of sins experienced in Zion, underscoring God's readiness to hear and satisfy the spiritual longings of His people, as seen in [Psalm 65:1-4](/psalms/65-1-4 "Psalm 65:1-4 - God Hears Prayer and Forgives Sins"). It then seamlessly transitions from God's redemptive work within humanity to His magnificent acts in the natural world, thereby demonstrating His holistic and comprehensive sovereignty over both spiritual life and physical creation. Verses 5-8 specifically focus on God's awe-inspiring deeds as the deliverer, sustainer, and ultimate controller of the earth, highlighting His supreme power over the tumultuous seas and the nations. Verse 8, with its vivid portrayal of universal awe and the personified rejoicing of natural cycles, serves as a powerful capstone to this section, broadening the scope of God's praise from the specific context of Zion to encompass the entire globe and the very fabric of time.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in ancient Israel, this psalm reflects a worldview where the divine presence was intimately intertwined with natural phenomena. In a historical period when many surrounding cultures worshipped various nature deities (such as Baal, associated with storms and fertility, or Shamash, the sun god), the psalmist unequivocally attributes all natural order, power, and bounty to the one true God, Yahweh. The phrase "uttermost parts" would have referred to the known extremities of the world, emphasizing that God's dominion was not confined to the geographical boundaries of Israel or the Near East but extended to all peoples and lands, even those beyond their direct knowledge or influence. The consistent and reliable cycles of morning and evening were not taken for granted but were perceived as direct, tangible evidence of God's ongoing, providential care and faithfulness—a stark contrast to the often unpredictable and capricious gods of pagan religions. This perspective affirmed God's unique omnipotence and omnipresence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 65 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **God's Universal Sovereignty and Awe**, asserting that His power and influence are not limited by geography, human boundaries, or cultural distinctions. His "tokens" or signs inspire reverence and holy fear even in the most remote regions, demonstrating a global, inherent recognition of the Creator's might, a theme powerfully echoed in [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - God is Exalted Among the Nations"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Joy in Creation**, portraying the daily cycles of dawn and dusk not as mere mechanical occurrences but as acts of divine artistry that bring joy to creation itself. This poetic personification emphasizes the consistent, benevolent, and purposeful order established by God, reminiscent of the declaration in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God") that "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Finally, the verse speaks to **Nature's Continuous Testimony to God**, implying that creation itself, through its orderly processes and awe-inspiring displays, serves as a constant and compelling witness to God's existence, power, and character, compelling an acknowledgment of a divine architect even without direct verbal revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uttermost parts (Hebrew, _qetsev'_):** This word (H7099) denotes "a limit; end, edge, uttermost participle." In Psalm 65:8, it functions as a hyperbolic expression to convey the idea of God's influence and power reaching universally, beyond any localized or national boundaries, extending to the entire inhabited earth. It emphasizes the comprehensiveness and boundless nature of His dominion, suggesting that no place is outside the sphere of His majestic presence and power.
* **Tokens (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This term (H226) signifies "a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.; mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token." In this context, "tokens" refer to the observable manifestations of God's power in the natural world—such as grand cosmic displays, the consistent order of the seasons, or specific awe-inspiring events. The "fear" they inspire is not merely terror but a profound, reverent awe and recognition of divine majesty and irresistible power, compelling acknowledgment of the Creator.
* **Outgoings (Hebrew, _môwtsâʼ_):** This word (H4161) literally means "a going forth, i.e. (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit." Specifically, in relation to morning and evening, it refers to the rising of the sun (dawn) and the setting of the sun (dusk). The use of the plural suggests the consistent, daily occurrences of these natural events. The personification of these "outgoings" as "rejoicing" attributes a vibrant, purposeful, and joyful quality to God's daily work in the cosmos, indicating that creation itself participates in the praise of its Creator.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens":** This initial clause establishes the universal scope of God's impact and the pervasive nature of His revelation. "They also" indicates that beyond those in Zion who consciously worship God, even those residing in the most distant and remote regions of the world are compelled to acknowledge His power and presence. Their "fear" is not merely a cowering terror but a profound, reverent awe and astonishment in the face of God's "tokens"—His observable signs and wonders in creation. These manifestations serve as undeniable proofs of His existence, power, and majesty, eliciting a natural response of humility, recognition, and reverence from all humanity, regardless of their specific knowledge of Him through special revelation.
* **"thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice":** This second clause shifts focus to God's benevolent and orderly control over the daily rhythms of nature. The "outgoings of the morning and evening" refer to the rising and setting of the sun, symbolizing the consistent, predictable, and beautiful cycles of day and night. The powerful poetic device of personification ("thou makest... to rejoice") attributes a joyful, celebratory quality to these natural occurrences. This implies that the very structure and flow of time, orchestrated by God, are not merely mechanical or indifferent but are imbued with divine delight and purpose, contributing to the overall harmony and praise of creation. It highlights God's active, ongoing, and joyful involvement in sustaining and delighting in the world He has made.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 65:8 is richly adorned with **Personification**, most notably in the phrase "thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice." This attributes human emotions and actions (rejoicing) to inanimate concepts (the daily cycles of dawn and dusk), vividly portraying creation as an active, joyful participant in God's praise rather than a passive entity. The phrase "uttermost parts" employs **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used for emphasis, to underscore the truly global and boundless reach of God's power and influence, demonstrating that no corner of the earth is beyond His dominion. The "tokens" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where the observable signs and wonders in creation stand in for the invisible power, presence, and attributes of God Himself, serving as tangible evidence of His divine nature. Furthermore, the overall structure of the verse, moving from the universal human response to God's power to the universal natural response to His order, demonstrates a profound form of **Poetic Parallelism**, where two distinct but related ideas reinforce the central theme of God's all-encompassing sovereignty and the universal testimony to His glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 65:8 powerfully articulates the doctrine of general revelation, asserting that God's existence, eternal power, and divine nature are clearly discernible through the created order. The "tokens" that inspire awe in the "uttermost parts" are the undeniable evidences of God's handiwork, compelling a universal, albeit often unarticulated, recognition of a transcendent Creator. This verse emphasizes God's active and joyful involvement in sustaining the cosmos, portraying Him not as a distant, deistic deity but as one who meticulously orchestrates the daily rhythms of life. The "rejoicing" of morning and evening speaks to the inherent goodness, beauty, and purposeful design of God's creation, which is designed to reflect His glory and invite praise from all corners of existence. It highlights that creation itself is a continuous act of worship, testifying to the faithfulness, benevolent order, and joyous character of its Maker.

* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Seen in Creation")
* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Job 38:12-15](/job/38-12-15 "Job 38:12-15 - God's Control Over Dawn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 65:8 serves as a profound invitation to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder in our daily lives, recognizing God's active presence and benevolent control in every aspect of creation. In a world often consumed by human-centric concerns, this verse reminds us that God's majesty extends far beyond our immediate circumstances or understanding, encompassing the entire globe and the very fabric of time. It encourages us to pause and appreciate the consistent, joyful rhythms of nature—the sunrise and sunset—not as mundane occurrences but as daily miracles orchestrated by a faithful and loving Creator. By acknowledging God's sovereignty over the "uttermost parts," we find comfort in knowing that no place or situation is beyond His reach or care, fostering a global perspective that sees all humanity as subject to His divine influence. This awe-inspiring recognition of His power in both grand natural events and the quiet beauty of each new day should lead us to profound worship, a deeper trust in His unwavering faithfulness, and a renewed sense of our place within His magnificent creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over the "uttermost parts" impact your understanding of His presence and power in your own life and in global events?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and wonder at God's "tokens" (signs in creation) in your daily routine, moving beyond mere observation to genuine reverence?**
* **How does the idea of the morning and evening "rejoicing" challenge your perception of the natural world and inspire you to find joy and purpose in God's consistent order?**
* **What practical steps can you take to acknowledge God's handiwork more intentionally throughout your day, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "uttermost parts" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "uttermost parts" (Hebrew: _qetsev_) signifies the farthest or most distant regions of the earth, encompassing all known and unknown geographical extremities. It is a poetic and hyperbolic expression used to emphasize the universal reach of God's power and influence. It means that God's dominion is not limited to a specific land or people, such as Israel, but extends to every corner of the globe, inspiring awe and recognition even among those who may not have direct knowledge of His special revelation. This highlights God's omnipresence and His overarching sovereignty over all nations and creation, as also suggested in [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the Ends of the Earth Will Remember and Turn to the Lord").

**What are "tokens" in the context of Psalm 65:8?**

Answer: "Tokens" (Hebrew: _ʼôwth_) refers to signs, wonders, or proofs. In this verse, they represent the observable manifestations of God's power in the natural world. These can include awe-inspiring natural phenomena like storms, earthquakes, the vastness of the cosmos, or the consistent, orderly cycles of nature itself. These "tokens" serve as undeniable evidence of God's existence, majesty, and power, compelling a response of reverent awe or fear from all who witness them, regardless of their location. They are the means by which God's invisible attributes are clearly perceived, as described in [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Seen in Creation").

**How can the morning and evening "rejoice"?**

Answer: The phrase "thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice" is a beautiful example of **personification**, a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. Morning and evening, as cycles of time, cannot literally rejoice. Instead, this poetic language conveys that the consistent, beautiful, and life-sustaining rhythms of dawn and dusk are not merely mechanical occurrences but are imbued with divine purpose and delight. They reflect the joy and order that God has woven into the fabric of creation, and in their perfect operation, they metaphorically celebrate the faithfulness and goodness of their Creator. It suggests that creation itself is a vibrant, active participant in glorifying God, as seen in the call for all creation to praise the Lord in [Psalm 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - Praise the Lord from the Heavens and Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 65:8, with its declaration of God's universal sovereignty and the joyful testimony of creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom all things were made, but also the one by whom all things hold together, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"). The "tokens" that inspire awe in the "uttermost parts" are ultimately signs pointing to the Creator who became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God's glory in a tangible way ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The very "outgoings of the morning and evening" that rejoice speak to the consistent, life-giving order established by Christ, who upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds the Universe")). The universal reverence described in the Psalm foreshadows the day when, through Christ's redemptive work, "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Confession")). In Christ, the awe inspired by general revelation in creation is transformed into worship of the incarnate God, and the joy of the natural world anticipates the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, brought about by His complete and victorious redemptive work ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

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.