Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#65

65. Praise Is Your Right, O God, in Zion

Text Information

• First Line: Praise is your right, O God, in Zion
• Title: Praise Is Your Right, O God, in Zion
• Versifier: Stanley Wiersma (1980)
• Meter: 96 96 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 65
• Topic: Election; Praise & Adoration; Harvest; Lord's Supper; Opening of Worship; Peace; Providence; Thanksgiving & Gratitude
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications
• ONE LICENSE: 120851

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 65
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1985)
• Meter: 96 96 D
• Key: e minor
• Source: Genevan Psalter, 1543
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

Praise for God's boundless goodness to his people

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-4
st. 2 =vv. 5-8
st. 3 =vv. 9-13

Psalm 65's praise of God's goodness ranges across the spectrum of his mercies: God forgives the people's sins so that they may enjoy sweet communion with him at the temple (st. 1); stills the turbulence of the nations so that his people are secure in their land (st. 2); blesses the promised land with a taste of Eden (st. 3). The range of these reflections and the power and beauty of their imagery make this psalm one of the most beloved in the psalter.

Stanley Wiersma (PHH 25) versified Psalm 65 in 1980 for the Psalter Hymnal. A hymn based on this psalm is found at 458.

Liturgical Use:
Thanksgiving Day and other occasions of gratitude for God's blessings; whenever the church looks forward to redemption in the new creation.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

GENEVAN 65 appears twice in the Genevan Psalter. It was originally composed to accompany Psalm 72 in the 1551 edition of that psalter and was later matched with Theodore de Beze's versification of Psalm 65 in the 1554 edition. Composed in Aeolian (minor), this tune consists of four long phrases in bar form (AABC) unified by similar melodic and rhythmic patterns. Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) wrote the harmonization in 1985. Because 65 is a joyful psalm, it calls for jubilant singing, brisk accompaniment, and a moderate tempo.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook