Psalm 65 Meaning Explained

A harvest hymn of cosmic gratitude. It moves from God hearing prayer in Zion to the stilling of the roaring seas and the tumult of nations, to the breathtaking care of the earth: watering its furrows, softening it with showers, crowning the year with bounty. The hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks—creation itself is a choir praising the God of salvation.

A clear explanation of Psalm 65, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 65 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
2. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
3. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
4. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
6. Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7. Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
8. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
9. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
10. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
12. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.
13. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Historical Context

Psalm 65, attributed to David, celebrates God’s providence, fruitful harvests, and His care for the earth and people.