Psalm 65: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 65 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Praise waits for God in Zion, where vows shall be performed (vv. 1-2). The psalmist acknowledges that sins have overwhelmed him, but God has atoned for transgressions, blessing those whom He chooses to come near (vv. 3-4). God answers with awesome deeds of righteousness, being the hope of those far away on the sea (vv. 5-8). He visits the earth and waters it, enriching it with a full river and providing grain as ordained (vv. 9-11). God drenches the earth's furrows and levels its ridges, blessing the land with a crop. The wilderness and hills overflow with gladness, while pastures are filled with flocks and valleys are clothed with grain, prompting them to shout for joy and sing (vv. 12-13).

Key verse

“By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are far away on the sea;”
Psalms 65:5 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 65:1–2 Praise and Vows in Zion
Psalm 65:3–4 Atonement and Blessing
Psalm 65:5–8 God’s Awesome Deeds
Psalm 65:9–11 Provision for the Earth
Psalm 65:12–13 Abundant Joy in Creation

Discussion questions

In v1, what is meant by 'Praise waits for you, God, in Zion'?
What does the phrase 'You crown the year with your bounty' in v11 suggest about God's provision?
The phrase 'You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth' in v5: what does it imply about God's relationship with all nations?
In vv. 9-10, how does the imagery of watering the earth connect to the theme of divine care?
When have you felt overwhelmed by sins, as described in v3, and experienced God's atonement?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 65: Isaiah 41, Psalm 36, Joel 2.

Before next time: read Psalm 66.