United Commentaries

Ps.51.1-65.13

These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.

Ps.65.1-13

This psalm recounts the reasons why all people should praise and revere God for his almighty power and merciful care for his universe.

Ps.65.1-3

Praise is the appropriate response to God’s majestic deeds in redemption (65:3-5) and in nature (65:5-13).

Ps.65.1

God alone deserves praise and is worthy to have vows made to him.

Ps.65.2

All of us means all humans.

Ps.65.3

you forgive: God graciously removes the guilt of sin (see 32:5).

Ps.65.4

those you choose to bring near: This includes people from Israel and from other nations.

Only those whom God sees as blameless live in his holy courts (Pss 15 and 24).

At the Temple, God’s earthly palace, all nations can gather to experience God’s holy presence. No structure can separate humans from God (see Rev 21:22).

Ps.65.6-7

God brought order to the mountains, the raging oceans, and the pounding waves (see Pss 95:4-5; 104:6-9).

The psalmist compares the chaotic forces of nature with the rebellion of the nations (see 2:1-12; 33:6-11; 46:6).

Ps.65.8

All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.

Ps.65.9-13

The created order provides clear evidence of God’s power (65:6-8). He shows his love by maintaining nature. Everything praises the Lord as all the parts fit together harmoniously.

Ps.65.9

The river of God and all rivers demonstrate God’s victorious power and goodness through the order in nature and the regularity of the harvests (see 1:3; 36:8; 46:4; Ezek 47:6-12; Zech 14:8; Rev 22:1).

Ps.65.13

Nature bursts out in praise of the Creator (see 79:13; 96:11-13; 148:3-5, 7-12; Isa 55:12-13).