Psalms 65:8

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 65:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
Psalms 65:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 65

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens, etc.] The tokens of his wrath and displeasure at wicked men, seen in the punishments inflicted on them, which cause them to fear and tremble. Some interpret them of the sun, moon, and stars, which are set for “signs”, as the word f856 used signifies; and which declare the glory of God to the uttermost parts of the earth, and strike men with awe and reverence of him; and others of thunder and lightning, which are sometimes very dreadful and terrible. Moreover, the word f857 signifies signs and wonders, marvellous things, miraculous operations; and may be understood of those that were wrought in the first times of the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“outgoings of . . . rejoice--all people from east to west.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They also that dwell in the utter-most parts - That is, Those who dwell in the remotest regions; far from civilized lands; far from those places where people are instructed as to the causes of the events which occur, and as to the being and character of the great God who performs these wonders. The idea is, that even they see enough of the evidences of the divine presence and power to fill their minds with awe. In other words, there are in all lands evidences of the Divine existence and might. There is enough to fill the minds of people with awe, and to make them solemn. Are afraid - Thus the thunder, the storm, the tempest, the earthquake, the eclipse of the sun or the moon, fill the minds…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thy tokens - Terrible thunders and lightnings, and earthquakes, and comets or other strange meteors, or works of God in the air. Morning - The successive courses of the morning and evening; or of the sun and moon which go forth at those times. Thus the whole verse speaks of the natural works of God, the former clause, of such as are extraordinary and terrible, the latter of such as are ordinary and delightful. Psalms 65:9”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“65:8 All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“in the: Psa 2:8 afraid: Thunder and lightning, storms and tempests, eclipses and meteors, tornadoes and earthquakes, are proofs to all that there is a Supreme Being, who is wonderful and terrible in His acts. Psa 48:5, Psa 48:6, Psa 66:3, Psa 126:2, Psa 135:9; Exo 15:14-16; Jos 2:9-11; Hab. 3:3-19; Act 5:38, Act 5:39; Rev 11:13 outgoings: Psa 19:5, Psa 74:16, Psa 104:20-23, Psa 136:8; Gen 8:22; Deu 4:19; Job 38:12 the morning: The rising and setting sun, the morning and evening twilight, the invariable succession of day and night, are all ordained by Thee, and contribute to the happiness and continuance of man and beast. rejoice: or, sing, Psa 65:13, Psa 148:3 Psalms 65:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification