Psalms 65:1-13 - Homilies By C. Short

Reasons for praising God.

"Can hardly doubt that this psalm was composed on the occasion of an abundant harvest, and was intended to be sung as a hymn of thanksgiving by the whole congregation gathered before God in Zion." God is praised under three aspects.

I. AS THE GOD OF THE CHURCH . ( Psalms 65:1-5 .) "Whom thou choosest, and causest to approach."

1 . He is the Hearer of all true prayer. ( Psalms 65:2 .) "Unto thee doth all flesh come" in dependence and prayer.

2 . He pardons iniquity and transgression. ( Psalms 65:3 .) Pardons those who become conscious of their sins, and are persistent.

3 . Satisfies the desires of those whom he draws to himself. ( Psalms 65:4 .) God inspires the worship he rewards with such satisfying blessings.

4 . Manifests his righteousness in the salvation of his people.

II. AS THE GOD WHO REVEALS HIMSELF IN NATURE . ( Psalms 65:6-8 .)

1 . His work in nature manifests omnipotence. ( Psalms 65:6 .) "Setteth fast the mountains," etc.

2 . He overrules the greatest disturbances of nature and the nations. ( Psalms 65:7 .)

3 . Man and nature both ultimately subject to him.

3 . Man is afraid, but nature sings of God in the morning and in the evening. ( Psalms 65:8 .) The ignorant heathen are afraid, not those who know God.

III. AS THE GOD OF THE HARVEST . ( Psalms 65:9-13 .)

1 . God is the great Husbandman. ( Psalms 65:9 , Psalms 65:10 .) He prepares and enriches the soil to receive the corn.

2 . He makes the wilderness and the hills to rejoice with their abundance. ( Psalms 65:11 , Psalms 65:12 .)

3 . God is the great Shepherd of the earth. ( Psalms 65:13 .) The pastures are clothed with flocks.—S.