Psalms 65.
David praiseth God for his grace. The blessedness of God's chosen, by reason of benefits.
To the chief musician. A Psalm and Song of David.
Title. שׁיר לדוד מזמור למנצח lamnatseach mizmor ledavid shiir.— This psalm is attributed to David, and, by the contents of it, appears to have been made after some great drought; and therefore some suppose it to relate to the famine mentioned 2 Samuel 21. Dr. Delaney says, it is on all hands agreed to have been composed upon the ceasing of that calamity. See on Psalms 65:9. It is further said, by some, to have a spiritual sense; significative of the preaching of the apostles, who converted the heathen by the promulgation of the Gospel.
Psalms 65:1. Praise waiteth for thee— Or, as the words may be rendered, Silence to thee is praise. This, according to Mr. Martin, refers to the religious silence of the whole congregation in the tabernacle, while the priest offered incense in the sanctuary. Thus St. Luke tells us, that the whole multitude of the people were praying without, or offering up their silent devotions in that part of the temple which was appointed for them, while Zacharias was within the sanctuary at the time of incense, Luke 1:10.

Psalms 65:3. Iniquities prevail, &c.— Our iniquities prevail against us; but thou art he who blottest out our transgressions. This was an encouragement for all men to address their prayers to God, who was so ready to hear them. Green and Mudge.

Psalms 65:4. The man whom thou choosest— He felicitates the happy lot of the priests who had near and constant access to God; and he adds, We shall be satisfied, &c. i.e. "Though we cannot all enjoy that privilege; yet we are all permitted to taste and partake of the sacrifices of thanksgiving, which are offered to thee in thy house for the benefits that we have received from thee." See Psalms 36:8.

Psalms 65:5. By terrible things, &c.— Wonderful things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, &c. By these are meant the works of God's providence, mentioned in the following verses; which, however they may be disregarded by us, through our familiarity with them, are most stupendous, amazing, and awful; such as will always engage the inquiry, and excite the wonder, of the profoundest philosophers, but will for ever surpass their comprehension.

Psalms 65:8. They also that dwell, &c.— That is, "The remotest and most barbarous people are struck with the dread of thee, when thou alarmest them by any unusual tokens of thy power;" such as extraordinary thunders, lightnings, and storms.