The English word “worship” was originally spelled “worthship”. This etymological fact clearly exposes the fundamental purpose of worship—to acknowledge the worthiness of God in reverent joy and grateful praise. Several psalms were written to acknowledge Jehovah’s utter praiseworthiness. Psalm 65 is one of them.
The psalm begins with a recognition of the solemn responsibility of praise and worship due God. “Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed” (v. 1). This flows into a consideration of two primary reasons for God’s worthship—God’s goodness as manifested in the spiritual blessings He bestows (vv. 1-8) and His goodness as seen in the physical blessings He graces our lives with (vv. 9-13). In each section of the psalm, specific blessings are identified.
When enumerating the spiritual blessings that God’s goodness bestows, David writes of:
- Jehovah’s listening ear.
- Jehovah’s gracious provision of atonement.
- Jehovah’s enriching fellowship.
- Jehovah’s great power.
When enumerating the physical blessings that God’s goodness bestows, David writes of:
- God’s provision of a fertile earth. “You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth” (vv. 9-10).
- God’s generous blessing of an abundant harvest. “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing” (vv. 11-13).
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
