Psalm 65:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

NIV: The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

NASB: They who dwell at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the sunrise and the sunset shout for joy.

CSB: Those who live far away are awed by your signs; you make east and west shout for joy.

NLT: Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.

KJV: They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

NKJV: They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.

David has been describing God's power using examples from nature (Psalm 65:6–7). Raging seas are one example of forces beyond human control. Yet the Lord, the Creator, has the power to make them calm (Mark 4:35–41). Scripture compares the rebellion of humanity, and ungodly nations, to the chaos of a stormy ocean (Isaiah 17:12–13). Yet when God brings His peace, those nations will be still, silent (Psalm 65:1), and struck with wonder.

Praise for the Lord is built into the mechanisms of nature (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1). Proclaiming peace and God's greatness are natural responses to His goodness. The angel of the Lord who announced the birth of Jesus said, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). This was followed by numbers of angels saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" (Luke 2:13–14).

Today, Christians around the world are called to proclaim peace and joy for those who believe in Jesus (Ephesians 2:13–17; Acts 10:35–37). People from every possible culture and background, all throughout history, are among those who believe God and will experience eternity with Him (Psalm 2; Isaiah 60:1–5; Matthew 25:31–40; Revelation 5:6–10; 20—22).

Psalm 65:5–8 describes how God gives Gentile nations witness to His existence and power. He is the hope of all the nations, not merely a benefactor to Israel. The signs mentioned in this passage are part of what is known as natural revelation (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1).

David begins by anticipating praise to the Lord, expecting that He will bring atonement, fellowship, and blessing. The psalm mentions God's miraculous examples before referring to various natural examples of His provision. These benefits are both visible and available to all people of the world.

Psalms 65—68 express praise to the Lord using frequent references to nature and harvest. Only this and psalm 68 are explicitly credited to David. This song also thanks God for His kindness to His people; it encourages worshipers to offer thanksgiving. The song might have been meant to celebrate an especially abundant harvest.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.