Psalms 65:5

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

נ֤וֹרָא֨וֹת׀

H3372

By terrible things

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

בְּצֶ֣דֶק

H6664

in righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

תַּ֭עֲנֵנוּ

H6030

wilt thou answer

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

H430

us O God

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

יִשְׁעֵ֑נוּ

H3468

of our salvation

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

מִבְטָ֥ח

H4009

who art the confidence

properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קַצְוֵי

H7099

of all the ends

a limit

אֶ֝֗רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

וְיָ֣ם

H3220

upon the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#11

רְחֹקִֽים׃

H7350

and of them that are afar off

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?