Psalms 103:19
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּ֭שָּׁמַיִם
in the heavens
H8064
בַּ֭שָּׁמַיִם
in the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הֵכִ֣ין
hath prepared
H3559
הֵכִ֣ין
hath prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Cross References
Psalms 47:2For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Psalms 9:7But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.Psalms 11:4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Hebrews 8:1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Psalms 2:4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.Daniel 4:25That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.Daniel 4:17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings established thrones as symbols of their authority. God's throne being in heaven signified His authority transcended earthly kingdoms. This cosmic kingship would comfort Israel when earthly kingdoms oppressed them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's universal sovereignty provide comfort when earthly powers seem out of control?
- What areas of your life do you struggle to submit to God's kingly rule?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God has 'prepared' (kun, meaning established firmly) His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom 'rules over all' (mashal ba-kol). This cosmic sovereignty means no realm escapes God's authority. The Reformed doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty recognizes that He governs all events, from cosmic to personal, for His glory and His people's good. Christ is seated on this throne (Rev 3:21), exercising universal authority (Matt 28:18) until all enemies submit (1 Cor 15:25).