12. wilderness—places, though not inhabited by men, fit for pasture (Leviticus 16:21; Leviticus 16:22; Job 24:5). pastures—is literally, "folds," or "enclosures for flocks"; and in Job 24:5- : it may be "lambs," the same word used and so translated in Psalms 37:20; so that "the flocks are clothed with lambs" (a figure for abundant increase) would be the form of expression. read more
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psalms 26:7; Psalms 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast. read more
Psalms 65This communal song of thanksgiving celebrates God blessing His people with a bountiful land (cf. Psalms 66-68). Other communal or community psalms of thanksgiving are 66, 107, 118, 124, and 129. The element that distinguishes a communal psalm of thanksgiving from an individual psalm of thanksgiving is "the use of plural pronouns or some other clear indicator that the congregation of Israel, rather than the individual, has gone through the crisis." [Note: Bullock, p. 163.] David... read more
2. God’s power 65:5-8David regarded answers to prayer as some of God’s awesome works (Psalms 65:5 a). These verses express God’s great power by citing a number of specific divine acts (Psalms 65:5 b-8). People from all over the world trust in Him because of His revelation in creation and in history (Psalms 65:5 b, Psalms 65:8 a)."This idealistic portrayal of universal worship is typical hymnic hyperbole, though it does anticipate eschatological reality." [Note: The NET Bible note on 65:5.] The... read more
Not only does God hear prayer, He also sends bountiful harvests. read more
These descriptions view God tending the earth as a farmer would. God is the One responsible for the abundance of crops (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6). read more
3. God’s bounty 65:9-13 read more
David pictured the earth richly plentiful with God’s blessing on fields and flocks, and he personified it as rejoicing in His goodness.In spite of man’s sin, God blesses his environment with many good things so people can prosper and rejoice (common grace). God delights to bless all people (Matthew 5:45). He is a good, as well as a great, God. [Note: See Allen, And I . . ., pp. 198-213.] read more
The allusions to the Temple worship show that this Ps. belongs to a later age than David’s. As to its occasion we can gather that a national religious festival at Jerusalem was in view (Psalms 65:1-4), that a striking national deliverance had produced a wide-spread impression of God’s power (Psalms 65:5-8), and that a favourable season gave promise of an abundant harvest (Psalms 65:9-13). The presentation of the firstfruits at the Passover (Leviticus 23:10-14) would suit the first and last... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 65:11
11. thy paths—ways of providence (Psalms 25:4; Psalms 25:10). read more