Psalms 65:9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

Thou visitest {H6485}{H8804)} the earth {H776}, and waterest {H7783}{H8787)} it: thou greatly {H7227} enrichest {H6238}{H8686)} it with the river {H6388} of God {H430}, which is full {H4390}{H8804)} of water {H4325}: thou preparest {H3559}{H8686)} them corn {H1715}, when thou hast so provided {H3559}{H8686)} for it.

You care for the earth and water it, you enrich it greatly; with the river of God, full of water, you provide them grain and prepare the ground.

You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth.

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it; The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so prepared the earth.

Context

Psalm 65 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving, often associated with the critical provision of rain and the bounty of the harvest. It opens by declaring God's majesty and power, acknowledging His forgiveness of sins and His benevolent control over creation. Verse 9 specifically turns to the practical demonstration of God's power and goodness in sustaining life on earth, highlighting His active role as the ultimate provider of sustenance.

Key Themes

  • God's Active Providence: This verse beautifully illustrates God's direct involvement in the natural world. He "visitest" and "waterest" the earth, not as a distant deity, but as an engaged Creator who actively oversees the processes necessary for life. This divine visitation ensures the earth's fertility.
  • Divine Abundance: The phrase "the river of God, which is full of water" speaks to the boundless nature of God's provision. It's not a meager supply but an overflowing abundance, ensuring that the earth is "greatly enriche[d]". This imagery conveys a sense of lavish blessing and ensures that God's supply is always sufficient.
  • Sustainer of Life: The ultimate purpose of this divine watering is the preparation of "corn" (grain), which is essential for human and animal sustenance. It reminds us that our daily bread comes directly from God's hand, mediated through the natural world He designed and sustains. This echoes the concept of God providing our daily bread and highlights His ongoing care for humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "river of God" (Hebrew: nahar Elohim) is a poetic metaphor rather than a literal earthly river. It signifies the divine source of abundant water, primarily rain, which is absolutely essential for agriculture in arid lands. It emphasizes that this life-giving water originates from God Himself, a supernatural provision that fills the earth with fertility. The "corn" (Hebrew: dagan) refers broadly to grain or produce, signifying the foundational food source for human life and civilization.

Related Scriptures

This verse aligns with many other Scriptures that portray God as the ultimate provider and sustainer. For example, in Acts 14:17, Paul testifies that God "gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Similarly, Deuteronomy 11:14 speaks of God giving the rain in its season. The theme of God's abundant provision through water also resonates with spiritual truths, such as the living water Jesus offers in John 4:10, signifying spiritual sustenance.

Practical Application

Psalm 65:9 calls us to a deeper appreciation for God's consistent and abundant provision. It encourages us to look beyond immediate sources and recognize the divine hand orchestrating the cycles of nature that sustain all life. This verse fosters a spirit of profound gratitude for daily sustenance, reminding us that every meal is a testament to God's faithfulness and generosity. It also reinforces our dependence on Him, not just for spiritual needs, but for the very fabric of our physical existence and well-being.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 46:4

    [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

  • Psalms 104:13

    He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

  • Psalms 104:15

    And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

  • Revelation 22:1

    ¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

  • Joel 2:23

    Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].

  • Joel 2:26

    And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

  • Psalms 68:9

    Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

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