Psalm 65

1. While there have been some psalms of praise previous to this, Psalm 65 begins a “string” of several consecutive praise psalms. These psalms are probably the most well-known, as many think the Psalms are filled with almost nothing except praise psalms. As we have seen, though, the Psalms contain the entire range of human emotion. Psalm 65 contains no complaints and asks no curses upon enemies. It is filled from start to finish with words of praise.

2. David begins verse 3 with words expressing his sinfulness, but still praises God, because the Father forgives. When it comes down to it, there is no better reason to praise God than this.

3. Verse 4 is an awesome description of how blessed one is who follows God. There is satisfaction, of the ultimate kind, in being near God.

4. The second part of verse 5 shows us that God is greater than any other “god.” Many nations had dozens of “gods” who were only “over” a certain location or part of creation. In contrast, God is over “all the ends of the earth and the farthest sea.”

5. Verses 6-8 are an outline of God’s power. He made the mountains. He stills the roaring seas. He puts down people’s uprisings. He makes dawn and sunset. People are amazed at Him. “What a mighty God we serve!”

6. The final section (9-13) deals with how God blesses the crops of the Israelites. For this reason, many think this psalm was written for a feast (maybe Passover or Tabernacles). Either the psalm was intended as a prayer for God’s blessings on the crops, or it was a psalm of thanksgiving for God’s blessings. Whatever the case, these verses remind us to thank God for even things that seem “normal” in our life.