Psalm 65 explained: Thanks for Forgiveness and Harvest

Praise waiting in Zion (vv. 1-2)

Zion is the hill in Jerusalem where the temple stood, and the singer pictures praise standing ready there for God, who hears prayer and to whom all people will one day come. The vows were promises made while praying for help, usually kept by bringing an offering once the prayer was answered.

Forgiven and brought near (vv. 3-4)

The singer admits that wrongdoing had become too heavy to carry, yet God took it away. Living in the temple courtyards and enjoying the good things of God's house pictures being close to God, and may also recall the shared meals eaten at the temple after offerings.

Power over sea and nations (vv. 5-8)

In the ancient world the raging sea stood for chaos, so God calming the waves and the uproar of nations pictures God holding a wild world in order. People at the far edges of the earth, from the lands of sunrise to the lands of sunset, respond with awe and joy.

Rain and a rich harvest (vv. 9-13)

God waters the plowed fields and softens the soil, drawing on a supply of rain pictured as an overflowing river that never runs dry. The year ends full of plenty, as if goodness drips from the tracks God travels, and the pastures, flocks and grain-filled valleys seem to shout and sing.

Key verse: Psalm 65:11

Something to think about

When something good comes your way that you did nothing to cause, like rain at the right time, what do you find yourself doing with that feeling?