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. “O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come” (v. 2).
- Jehovah’s gracious provision of atonement. “Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them” (v. 3).
- Jehovah’s enriching fellowship. “Blessed is the man You choose and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple” (v. 4).
- Jehovah’s great power. “By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of the far-off seas; who established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power; You who still the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice” (vv. 5-8).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
