Psalm 65: The Farmer’s Psalm
|
It seems appropriate to place Psalm 65, “a glorious harvest hymn,” at this time in the chronology of David’s reign. It might have been penned following the three-year famine mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:1. This awe-inspiring psalm praises “God for (1) His moral qualities (vs. 1–4), (2) His power and majesty in nature (vs. 5–8), and (3) the abundant harvest (vs. 9–13).” “Praise waiteth for thee, O God” (v. 1). “When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God.” God cares for those who recognize their need for mercy and forgiveness.
The Father has created a way for all to receive salvation (John 3:16). All humanity may place confidence in the Divine Creator (Psalm 65:5).
His power raised majestic mountains (v. 6).
His power calms the turbulent sea (v. 7).
Humans stand awestruck by His power as expressed through the forces of nature (v. 8). The beauty of a sunrise and the serenity of a sunset inspire reflection on God’s wondrous creation (v. 8). “The psalmist adores God for His bountiful providence in the harvest, tracing the various steps in the processes of nature, until the glorious culmination is reached. The verses are a graphic description of the hills and valleys of Palestine, terraced tier on tier, and covered with olives, vines, and expanses of wheat, barley, and millet. Especially because of this section of the poem, [Psalm] 65 has been called The Farmer’s Psalm.” “The meadows in the valleys, rich with undulating grain, shout and sing for the very joy of being. All nature rejoices in God.” “Lo, the scene of verdure brightening! / See the rising grain appear; / Look again! the fields are whitening, / For the harvesttime is near.”
