Psalms 65:5
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
Original Language Analysis
נ֤וֹרָא֨וֹת׀
By terrible things
H3372
נ֤וֹרָא֨וֹת׀
By terrible things
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 11
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
בְּצֶ֣דֶק
in righteousness
H6664
בְּצֶ֣דֶק
in righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 11
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
תַּ֭עֲנֵנוּ
wilt thou answer
H6030
תַּ֭עֲנֵנוּ
wilt thou answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
us O God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
us O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִבְטָ֥ח
who art the confidence
H4009
מִבְטָ֥ח
who art the confidence
Strong's:
H4009
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:21He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Psalms 45:4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.Isaiah 66:19And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Revelation 16:5And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.Isaiah 51:5My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.Isaiah 60:5Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
Historical Context
The 'terrible things' likely reference exodus deliverance, conquest of Canaan, or David's military victories—all involving God's fearsome intervention. These historical acts ground Israel's confidence and testify to watching nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's 'terrible' acts of judgment serve purposes of salvation?
- What does God's being 'confidence of all the earth' mean for missions and evangelism?
Analysis & Commentary
God answering 'by terrible things in righteousness' reveals that divine deliverance often comes through fearsome displays of power. The phrase 'God of our salvation' identifies YHWH as deliverer. His saving acts extend to 'all the ends of the earth,' anticipating gospel's universal reach. 'Confidence of all the earth' shows creation's dependence on the Creator.