1 Chronicles 16:14
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
Original Language Analysis
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 6
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יְהוָ֣ה
He is the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
He is the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This psalm (also Psalm 105:7) articulates Israel's monotheistic conviction that Yahweh alone is God, and His moral law governs all peoples. Post-exilic Israel needed this affirmation when surrounded by polytheistic empires.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's universal authority challenge cultural relativism and pluralistic tolerance?
- What responsibility accompanies the privilege of knowing the God whose judgments govern all nations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth—From David's psalm celebrating the ark's arrival, this verse asserts Yahweh's universal sovereignty. The pronoun Hu ('He') stands emphatic: 'HE (and no other) is Yahweh our God.' Yet His mishpatim ('judgments/ordinances') extend beyond Israel to kol-ha'arets ('all the earth').
This tension—particular covenant relationship with universal authority—defines biblical theology. Yahweh is Israel's God (covenant), yet His righteous standards govern all nations (creation). This grounds both Old Testament ethics and New Testament mission: God's judgments apply universally, so gospel proclamation must be universal (Matt 28:19).