Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 65

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

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

Praise is the right response to God's great acts in redemption (Psalm 65:3–5) and in nature (65:5–13).

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

all people: This means all humans.

You atone: God graciously removes the guilt of sin (see Psalm 32:5).

• the one You choose and bring near: This includes people from Israel and other nations.

• Only those God sees as blameless live in his holy courts (Psalms 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 Revelation 21:22).

• God brought order to the mountains, the roaring oceans, and the pounding waves (see Psalms 95:4–5; 104:6–9).

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

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

The created world clearly shows God's power (Psalm 65:6–8). He shows his love by taking care of nature. Everything praises the Lord as all parts work together smoothly.

The streams of God and all rivers show God's power and goodness through nature's order and the regularity of the harvests (see Psalms 1:3; 36:8; 46:4; Ezekiel 47:6–12; Zechariah 14:8; Revelation 22:1).

Nature praises the Creator (see Psalm 79:13; 96:11–13; 148:3–5, 7–12; Isaiah 55:12–13).