Psalms 135:6-7
Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about God's power; it's about His delightful sovereignty. It emphasizes that everything God does, from the vast heavens to the deepest seas, is because He pleased to do it, highlighting His perfect freedom and the goodness inherent in His every action.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's greatness, contrasting Him with the useless idols of the nations. The verses immediately preceding and following highlight that the God of Israel is supreme, the Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire universe, not confined to any one place or limited in His power. This declaration of His absolute authority serves to bolster confidence in Him, especially for those facing oppression or the ridicule of those who worship other gods.
Does God really do whatever He wants? This verse declares it boldly.
This verse is a powerful statement of God's sovereignty. It's not just that God can do anything, but that He does do anything according to His pleasure. This isn't about God being capricious; rather, His actions flow from His perfect character. The commentaries highlight that God's power is limited only by His own perfect nature – His truth and goodness. So, when the psalmist says 'Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,' it means His actions are always righteous, wise, and aligned with His ultimate purposes.
From the highest heavens to the deepest trenches, where does God's rule end?
The verse makes a sweeping declaration of God's authority over the entire cosmos. It breaks down creation into comprehensive realms: 'in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.' This isn't just a poetic listing; it's meant to convey completeness. 'Heaven' speaks of the celestial realms, 'earth' of the terrestrial, 'seas' of the vast waters, and 'all deeps' refers to the unknown depths, both of the oceans and the earth itself. This emphasizes that no part of creation is outside of God's sovereign control and active involvement.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His eternal self-existence and His faithfulness to His people. It signifies the One who reveals Himself and enters into a relationship with humanity.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The vast expanse above the earth, often viewed as the dwelling place of God’s glory and the center of His sovereign rule over creation. It signifies the spiritual realm that transcends the physical limitations of the earth.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 135:6, emphasizing God's sovereign power to create both light and darkness, peace and trouble, highlighting His absolute control over all aspects of existence.
Jeremiah 10:12-13These verses provide a powerful parallel, describing God's wisdom and might displayed in creation—the heavens, the clouds, the storms, and the depths of the earth—reinforcing the theme of His unique power over all things.
Job 38:1-11This passage showcases God's dominion over the seas and the 'deep places' by questioning Job about the foundations of the earth and the boundaries of the ocean, demonstrating His absolute authority and knowledge of His creation.
Ephesians 1:11This New Testament verse aligns with the concept of God's pleasure, stating that He works all things according to the counsel of His will, underscoring that His actions, both in heaven and earth, stem from His divine purpose.
clarkePsalms 135:6: "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."
Whatsoever the Lord pleased - All that he has done is right, and therefore it is pleasing in his sight. He is the author of all existence. Angels, men, spirits, the heavens, the earth, and all their contents, were made by him, and are under his control.
pulpitPsalms 135:6: "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."
Verse 6. - Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he (comp. Psalm 115:3). God's power is only limited by his own attributes of truth and goodness. He cannot contradict his own reason, or his own moral qualities. Otherwise he can do anything and everything. In heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. This is intended as a complete division of space: (1) the heavens ab…
The verse isn't just about God's power; it's about His delightful sovereignty. It emphasizes that everything God does, from the vast heavens to the deepest seas, is because He pleased to do it, highlighting His perfect freedom and the goodness inherent in His every action.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's greatness, contrasting Him with the useless idols of the nations. The verses immediately preceding and following highlight that the God of Israel is supreme, the Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire universe, not confined to any one place or limited in His power. This declaration of His absolute authority serves to bolster confidence in Him, especially for those facing oppression or the ridicule of those who worship other gods.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's greatness, contrasting Him with the useless idols of the nations. The verses immediately preceding and following highlight that the God of Israel is supreme, the Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire universe, not confined to any one place or limited in His power. This declaration of His absolute authority serves to bolster confidence in Him, especially for those facing oppression or the ridicule of those who worship other gods.
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"Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind…" — The verse isn't just about God's power; it's about His delightful sovereignty. It emphasizes that everything God does, from the vast heavens to the deepest seas, is because He pleased to do it, h…
