Psalm 65

Introduction.—Ps. 65 has been called a glorious harvest hymn of praise to God. Its three divisions express praise to God for (1) His moral qualities (vs. 1–4), (2) His power and majesty in nature (vs. 5–8), and (3) the abundant harvest (vs. 9–13). The third section is one of the most exquisite exhibits of idyllic nature poetry in the psalms.

On the superscription see pp. 619, 627.

1. Praise waiteth for thee. Literally, “to thee is silence—praise” (see on Ps. 62:1). “When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God” (DA 363).

Sion. Elsewhere in the OT always “Zion” (see on Ps. 48:2).

2. That hearest. A characteristic of God frequently noted in the psalms (see Ps. 69:33).

All flesh. The psalmist’s faith extends beyond Israel, to men of all races and climes (see Ps. 22:27, 28).

3. Iniquities. Literally, “words of iniquities,” or “things of iniquities.” The psalmist mentions his own guilt before he makes reference to that of his people (see Dan. 9:20).

Shalt purge them away. From the Heb. kaphar, commonly translated “to atone for” (Ex. 29:37; etc.; see on Ps. 32:1).

4. Blessed. See on Ps. 1:1.

Dwell in thy courts. It was an Israelite’s unique privilege to worship in the sacred courts of the sanctuary. Three times a year all mature Hebrew males were required to come to the sanctuary for the celebration of religious services. Those who lived nearby might have constant access to its courts.

Temple. Heb. hekal. The word may refer to either the Temple (of Solomon) or the tabernacle (see on Ps. 5:7).

5. Terrible things. That is, things that inspire men with fear or awe and with a realization of God’s power and glory.

Wilt thou answer. For the psalmist’s prayer see v. 2.

God of our salvation. See Ps. 27:1; 62:2, 6.

Ends of the earth. As in v. 2, the psalmist includes as beneficiaries all men who recognize God as the only source of confidence (see v. 8).

Upon the sea. Parallel with the preceding phrase (see Ps. 107:23–30). In addition to trusting in winds and sea currents, in navigational ability, and in the sea-worthiness of ships, mariners should trust in God.

6. The mountains. See Ps. 36:6; 95:4. Few things give more sublime concept of God’s strength than the contemplation of lofty mountains. The Alps, the Himalayas, and the Rockies are silent witnesses to the power of God.

Girded. God is figuratively represented as girded with power (see Ps. 93:1), an allusion to the practice of a man’s girding himself when about to exert his strength. In Bible lands it is still a common sight to see a man gather in the loose folds of his outer garments and tuck them under his belt so that he will be unhampered in the task that he is about to perform.

7. Stilleth. God’s power in quieting the storm is especially significant to men, who have no control over the sea. The OT writers frequently refer to this manifestation of God’s power (see Job. 38:8–11; Isa. 50:2; 51:10; cf. Matt. 8:23–27; Mark. 4:36–41).

Noise. Heb. shaХon, “din,” or “roar.”

Tumult of the people. The waters and the people are frequently mentioned together (see Isa. 17:12; cf. Isa. 8:7; Rev. 17:15).

8. Uttermost parts. Regions far from civilized lands, whose inhabitants may not have known God as it was the privilege of the Hebrews to know Him.

Afraid at thy tokens. They are awe-struck by the evidences of God’s power in the forces of nature (see Rom. 1:19, 20; DA 638). Reverence is becoming to those who see in nature the glory of God.

Outgoings. Literally, “goings forth,” “places of departure,” or “risings.” Perhaps the poet has in mind the splendid pictures of sunrise and sunset. Happy the man who finds his delight in nature, and is led to nature’s God.

9. Thou visitest the earth. God is adored as the Giver of an abundant harvest. In the beautiful verses of this section of the psalm (vs. 9–13) the psalmist adores God for His bountiful providence in the harvest, tracing the various steps in the processes of nature, until the glorious culmination is reached. The verses are a graphic description of the hills and valleys of Palestine, terraced tier on tier, and covered with olives, vines, and expanses of wheat, barley, and millet. Especially because of this section of the poem, Ps. 65 has been called The Farmer’s Psalm. Nature is not celebrated for its own sake, but only as it points to God.

Waterest. Compare Job 36:27, 28; 37:6; Job 38:26–28.

River of God. A reference to the abundance of water provided. God’s reservoir of water in the heavens is always full.

Corn. Heb.dagan, “grain,” a generic term which includes any grain commonly used for making bread.

Hast so provided. God prepares the earth for the harvest and then gives the harvest. The harvest depends upon the preparation of the ground and upon the rain, and both depend upon God. God follows the order of things that He has ordained, working through natural law.

10. Ridges. Elsewhere, “furrows” (see Job 31:38, 39:10).

Settlest. Literally, “makest level,” or “causest to go down.”

Furrows. Rather, “clods.” The Hebrew text contains the idea that the rain falls on the clods between the furrows and levels the ground.

The springing thereof. The vegetation that springs from the soil under the blessing of the rain.

11. Thou crownest. The beauty and abundance of flowers, fruits, and grain are like a crown on the head of the year.

12. They drop. That is, with the “fatness” shed from God.

Wilderness. Not necessarily the desolate desert, but an uninhabited region, which may produce wild grasses and flowers and shrubs to some extent.

Rejoice on every side. Literally, “are girded with joy.” The hills, covered with vines and trees, are personified as girded with happiness.

13. Valleys. The arable and fertile valley lands are clothed with waving grain (see on v. 9), as the hills are clothed with flocks.

Shout. As a climax of personification, the meadows in the valleys, rich with undulating grain, shout and sing for the very joy of being. All nature rejoices in God.

Ellen G. White comments

5 PK 133; 8T 41

5–7MH 418

5–118T 275

6 DA 20; GC 66

8 MH 418

8–13PK 133

9–11COL 81

11 Ed 43; MH 418