Psalm 65 begins with a striking expression: “Praise waiteth for Thee in since, O God, in Zion” (see marginal note and New Translation). Praise will presently be heard; it is already, so to speak, in the heart, and will soon be on the lips.
Out of the experience of deep trial which always is profitable to those who are exercised by it (Hebrews 12:11), comes that name for God found in verse 2: “Thou that hearest prayer.” How many, their number only known to Him, have in all ages gone to Him in prayer, earnest, supplicating prayer, for needs both theirs and others; and found the assurance that He hears (Philippians 4:6-7), and in due course have received the answer, too, as it has pleased Him.
Verse 3 is confession, and faith’s assurance of forgiveness; verse 4 owns the election of grace, and declares the believer’s contentment with the prospect thus made his. But the dawn of that day when righteousness shall reign must bring judgment: “By terrible things in righteousness wilt Thou answer us, O God of our salvation” (verse 5). It is a mistake to suppose that the end of the present order of things in the world will be peace; that it will end in terrible judgments, many scriptures tell us.
Past the scenes of judgment, the psalmist however looks, in verses 9 to 13, to the great millennial day when the creation will no more groan, when the hills shall be girded with gladness and the meadows are clothed with flocks. What a day of rejoicing it will be!
Yet for the Christian there is a prospect far excelling the delights of the thousand years of Christ’s righteous reign; for this, one may turn to such scriptures as John 14:2-3; 17:24; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Ephesians 1:3-14, 22-23; 2:5-8; Colossians 3:20-21.