Psalms 65:5

By terriblethings &c. The R.V. gives a better order: By terrible things thou wilt answer us in righteousness. As God Himself is -a terrible God" (Psalms 47:2; Psalms 76:7 ff), so His acts are -terrible," inspiring His enemies with dread, and His people with reverent awe. The epithet is often applied to the mighty works of the Exodus (Deuteronomy 10:21; 2 Samuel 7:23; Isaiah 64:3; Psalms 106:22; Psalms 145:6); here to all similar deliverances, granted in answer to prayer. -Righteousness" is the principle of the divine government; and it is closely related to -salvation"; for by it God's honour is pledged to answer prayer and deliver His people. Cp. Psalms 48:10; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 45:8; Isaiah 45:21; Isaiah 51:5; &c.

who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth R.V. (cp. P.B.V.), thou that art the confidence &c. This may mean that He is the object of their unconscious trust, although they know Him not, because it is He who provides for their wants and rules their destinies (Psalms 67:4; Amos 9:7; Acts 17:23 ff); but the further thought is certainly included that His mighty deeds on behalf of His people in destroying their tyrannical oppressors will lead all the oppressed and needy throughout the world to turn to Him with a conscious trust. Cp. Isaiah 33:13.

and of them that are afar offupon the sea Better, and of the sea afar off. A slight change of text would give the phrase of Isaiah 66:19, the isles, or coastlands, afar off. But the change is unnecessary; land and sea naturally stand for the entire world.