Praise for God's boundless goodness to his people

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-4
st. 2 =vv. 5-8
st. 3 =vv. 9-13

Psalm 65's praise of God's goodness ranges across the spectrum of his mercies: God forgives the people's sins so that they may enjoy sweet communion with him at the temple (st. 1); stills the turbulence of the nations so that his people are secure in their land (st. 2); blesses the promised land with a taste of Eden (st. 3). The range of these reflections and the power and beauty of their imagery make this psalm one of the most beloved in the psalter.

Stanley Wiersma (PHH 25) versified Psalm 65 in 1980 for the Psalter Hymnal. A hymn based on this psalm is found at 458.

Liturgical Use:
Thanksgiving Day and other occasions of gratitude for God's blessings; whenever the church looks forward to redemption in the new creation.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook