Psalms 65
AOSNPsalms 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.
Psalms 65:1-3
Praise is the right response to God's great acts in redemption (Psalm 65:3–5) and in nature (65:5–13).
Psalms 65:1
God alone deserves praise and is worthy to have vows made to him.
Psalms 65:2
all people: This means all humans.
Psalms 65:3
You atone: God graciously removes the guilt of sin (see Psalm 32:5).
Psalms 65:4
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).
Psalms 65:6-7
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).
Psalms 65:8
All over the world (Job 38:13; see Psalm 50:1–3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.
Psalms 65:9-13
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.
Psalms 65:9
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).
Psalms 65:13
Nature praises the Creator (see Psalm 79:13; 96:11–13; 148:3–5, 7–12; Isaiah 55:12–13).
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.