The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice" as just mountains being happy, but the verse is actually using these grand, iconic mountains to represent all of creation. Their "rejoicing" is a poetic way of saying they are a testament to God's power and goodness, singing His praise simply by existing and fulfilling their purpose.
The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins by praising God's steadfast love and faithfulness, especially in His covenant with David. The psalmist then expands this praise to include all of creation, personifying mountains like Tabor and Hermon, and encompassing the vastness of the world from north to south, as active participants in declaring God's glory. This cosmic praise serves as a powerful contrast to the later lament in the psalm about God seemingly abandoning His covenant promises.
Have you ever looked at the vastness of the world and felt overwhelmed by its scale? This verse reminds us that the One who designed it all is worthy of our awe.
A Cosmic Sweep
The Psalmist starts by pointing to the creation of the 'north and the south.' This isn't just about geography; it's a poetic way of encompassing the entire globe. It declares that God is the sovereign creator of everything, from the furthest reaches of the north to the deepest parts of the south.
Majestic Landmarks
Then, the verse zooms in on specific, prominent landmarks: Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon. These weren't just random hills; they were significant features in the landscape of Israel, often used as symbols of beauty and strength. By naming them, the Psalmist highlights that God's creative power is evident even in the most striking and recognizable parts of His creation.
What if the mountains themselves could sing? This verse suggests that creation isn't just 'there' – it actively responds to its Maker.
Nature's Response
The verse dramatically states that 'Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.' This is a powerful piece of imagery where inanimate objects are personified, indicating that creation participates in praising God.
The Purpose of Existence
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This 'rejoicing' isn't random emotion. It signifies that creation fulfills its intended purpose when it reflects the glory of God. The mountains, by their very existence and splendor, point to the Creator. Their fruitfulness and beauty are a result of God's sustaining power and a cause for His people to rejoice in Him.
Understand the original words
bara · Hebrew Verb
An act of divine workmanship; in the biblical context, it refers to God's unique ability to bring things into existence, emphasizing His role as Creator and Sustainer.
ranan · Hebrew Verb
A personification of creation offering worship; it signifies that all of nature acknowledges the sovereignty and worthiness of God.
In the face of the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, the Psalmist proclaims God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, from the farthest reaches of the north and south to the prominent mountains of Tabor and Hermon, asserting that all of nature testifies to His power and faithfulness.
c. 9th century BC
Rise of Assyrian Empire
The powerful Assyrian Empire began to expand its influence southwards, posing a significant threat to the northern kingdoms of Israel and Aram (Syria).
c. 8th century BC
Prophetic Warnings to Israel
Prophets like Amos and Hosea delivered messages of judgment against Israel and Judah, often referencing the prominent mountains like Tabor, to warn of impending destruction due to unfaithfulness.
732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III conquered much of northern Israel, deporting a significant portion of the population. This marked a severe blow to the northern kingdom.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The capital of the northern kingdom, Samaria, fell to the Assyrians under Sargon II, leading to the final destruction of Israel and further deportations.
c. 600s BC
Exilic Period Begins
The Babylonian Empire rose to power, and under Nebuchadnezzar, began deporting people from Judah to Babylon, starting with the elite and skilled workers.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, destroyed the city and the Temple of Solomon, and exiled the majority of the remaining population to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
This passage echoes the theme of God's sovereign control over the physical world, stating He has set boundaries for the seas and proclaimed, 'Here you may come but no further; here I will raise your proud waves.' It highlights His power over nature, similar to how Psalm 89:12 speaks of mountains rejoicing in His name.
Psalm 19:1This psalm declares, 'The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.' It shows how creation, like the mountains Tabor and Hermon, inherently testifies to God's existence and power, singing His praise.
Psalm 148:7-9This passage calls upon various parts of creation—sea creatures, heavenly bodies, mountains, and hills—to praise the Lord. It broadens the scope of creation's praise, reinforcing the idea that even geographical features like Tabor and Hermon are meant to express God's glory.
Isaiah 55:12This verse prophesies a future restoration where 'you shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you.' It directly links the rejoicing of mountains with God's redemptive actions, paralleling the sentiment in Psalm 89:12.
clarkePsalms 89:12: "The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name."
The north and the south - It is generally supposed that by these four terms all the four quarters of the globe are intended. Tabor, a mountain of Galilee, was on the west of Mount Hermon, which was beyond Jordan, to the east of the source of that river.
ellicottPsalms 89:12: "The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name."
(12) Tabor and Hermon. —Introduced not only as standing roughly for west and east, but for their prominence and importance in the landscape. (Comp. Hosea 5:1 .) Shall rejoice.—Better, sing for joy.
It's easy to read "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice" as just mountains being happy, but the verse is actually using these grand, iconic mountains to represent all of creation. Their "rejoicing" is a poetic way of saying they are a testament to God's power and goodness, singing His praise simply by existing and fulfilling their purpose.
This psalm begins by praising God's steadfast love and faithfulness, especially in His covenant with David. The psalmist then expands this praise to include all of creation, personifying mountains like Tabor and Hermon, and encompassing the vastness of the world from north to south, as active participants in declaring God's glory. This cosmic praise serves as a powerful contrast to the later lament in the psalm about God seemingly abandoning His covenant promises.
This psalm begins by praising God's steadfast love and faithfulness, especially in His covenant with David. The psalmist then expands this praise to include all of creation, personifying mountains like Tabor and Hermon, and encompassing the vastness of the world from north to south, as active participants in declaring God's glory. This cosmic praise serves as a powerful contrast to the later lament in the psalm about God seemingly abandoning His covenant promises.
"The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name." — It's easy to read "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice" as just mountains being happy, but the verse is actually using these grand, iconic mountains to represent all of creation. Their "rejoicing" is a po…
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Last reviewed October 2026