and level its ridges;
The leveling of ridges refers to the preparation of the soil for planting, ensuring that it is ready to receive seeds. This process can be seen as a metaphor for God's preparation of the human heart to receive His word, as in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9). The leveling also signifies the removal of obstacles, akin to the spiritual preparation required for repentance and faith. In a broader sense, it reflects God's sovereignty in shaping and preparing the world for His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 40:4, where every valley shall be raised, and every mountain and hill made low.

You soften it with showers
The softening of the earth with showers illustrates God's gentle and nurturing care. Rain is often seen as a blessing in the Bible, a sign of God's favor and provision (Deuteronomy 11:14). This phrase can also be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who softens hearts and brings spiritual renewal, as described in Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit. The showers symbolize the outpouring of God's grace and mercy, essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

and bless its growth.
The blessing of growth signifies the result of God's provision and care. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, a bountiful harvest was a direct sign of God's blessing and favor. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where spiritual growth and fruitfulness are seen as evidence of a life rooted in Christ (John 15:5). The blessing of growth also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the prophetic vision of a restored creation in Revelation 22:1-2, where the tree of life bears fruit every month, and the leaves are for the healing of the nations.

“You soak its furrows” (Psalm 65:10a) pictures God personally filling the plowed rows of soil with abundant water.

• The verse comes right after “You care for the earth and water it” (Psalm 65:9), emphasizing that rainfall is not random chance but intentional provision.

• Job 5:10 speaks of God “giving rain to the earth and sending water upon the fields,” confirming His direct involvement.

• Psalm 147:8 says He “covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth,” underscoring His faithful supply.

• On the spiritual level, just as thirsty ground depends on rain, so every life depends on God’s daily grace (Jeremiah 17:7–8).

The second phrase (Psalm 65:10b) shows God smoothing the rough ground so seed can take root and sprouts can emerge.

• Isaiah 40:4 describes valleys raised and hills made low when the Lord acts; here He does the same in a field.

• By leveling the clods, He removes obstacles to growth—a picture of His readiness to clear away hindrances in our walk with Him (Hebrews 12:1).

• Job 38:27 highlights the Creator “satisfying the waste and desolate ground,” reminding us that even the most unpromising places change under His hand.

“You soften it with showers” (Psalm 65:10c) shows gentle, repeated rain that penetrates hardened soil.

• Hosea 6:3 promises that the Lord “will come to us like the rain,” pointing to the refreshing power of His presence.

• Deuteronomy 32:2 likens God’s teaching to “gentle rain on new grass,” indicating how truth sinks in when hearts are tender.

• Joel 2:23 celebrates the “early and latter rains,” a pattern that keeps the land fertile; likewise, God steadily nourishes believers for all seasons of life (2 Corinthians 4:16).

The final phrase (Psalm 65:10d) declares that after watering and preparing the soil, God “bless[es] its growth,” guaranteeing a fruitful outcome.

• Genesis 8:22 pledges that “seedtime and harvest… shall never cease,” showing His covenant commitment to ongoing provision.

• Leviticus 26:4 promises, “I will send you rain in its season, and the land will yield its produce.”

• Psalm 67:6 rejoices, “The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us,” linking physical abundance with the wider purpose of praise.

• Spiritually, God who begins a good work brings it to completion (Philippians 1:6), turning softened hearts into fertile ground that bears fruit (John 15:5).

Psalm 65:10 depicts the Lord as the master gardener: watering furrows, leveling ridges, softening earth with gentle showers, and crowning the process with growth. He provides what is physically necessary for crops and what is spiritually essential for His people. Our confidence rests in the same faithful God who sends rain, removes obstacles, refreshes life, and ensures an abundant harvest.

Ridges . . . furrows.--These terms would be better transposed since by "settling" (literally, pressing down) is meant the softening of the ridges of earth between the furrows. The LXX. and Vulgate have "multiply its shoots."

Showers.--Literally, multitudes (of drops).