The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 65
In brief
Psalm 65 is a song of praise by David for the God who hears prayer. It acknowledges the weight of sins and the grace of forgiveness, then celebrates the happiness of living in God's presence. It then turns to creation: God sets the mountains firm, calms the seas, waters the earth and crowns the year with his bounty. Pastures and valleys are covered with flocks and grain, in a song of joy.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Praise waits for you, God, in Zion. Vows shall be performed to you.
2You who hear prayer, all men will come to you.
3Sins overwhelmed me, but you atoned for our transgressions.
4Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
5By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are far away on the sea.
6By your power, you form the mountains, having armed yourself with strength.
7You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
8They also who dwell in faraway places are afraid at your wonders. You call the morning’s dawn and the evening with songs of joy.
9You visit the earth, and water it. You greatly enrich it. The river of God is full of water. You provide them grain, for so you have ordained it.
10You drench its furrows. You level its ridges. You soften it with showers. You bless it with a crop.
11You crown the year with your bounty. Your carts overflow with abundance.
12The wilderness grasslands overflow. The hills are clothed with gladness.
13The pastures are covered with flocks. The valleys also are clothed with grain. They shout for joy! They also sing.
Key verses
You who hear prayer, all men will come to you.
God is defined as the one who hears prayer. The verse announces that all people will come to him, which opens prayer beyond Israel.
Sins overwhelmed me, but you atoned for our transgressions.
David does not hide the weight of sins. God's forgiveness is what makes it possible to draw near to him.
Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
The happiness David speaks of is not first material but being able to dwell in God's courts and be satisfied by his presence.
You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
The one who calms the roar of the seas also calms the tumult of the peoples. The same power works on nature and on nations.
You crown the year with your bounty. Your carts overflow with abundance.
God crowns the year with his bounty. The fertility of the land is received as a gift, which invites gratitude rather than self-sufficiency.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 65
What does Psalm 65 mean?
It is a psalm of thanksgiving. It celebrates a God who hears prayer, forgives sins and welcomes us into his presence. It also acknowledges his power over creation, which makes the wheat grow and fills the pastures. Altogether it invites gratitude for forgiveness and for the gifts of each day.
Who wrote Psalm 65?
The title attributes it to David and says it is a song for the choir director. It mentions Zion and vows fulfilled, which suggests a worship song, perhaps linked to harvest festivals. The text gives no precise historical circumstance.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 65?
Begin with verse 2: thank God for hearing your prayer. At verse 3, simply confess what weighs on you and receive his forgiveness. Then move on through verses 9 to 13, noting the gifts you have received this year. Finish with a prayer of thanks aloud.
Articles quoting Psalm 65
World English Bible translation — public domain.