Psalms 115:3

Authorized King James Version

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But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Original Language Analysis

וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ But our God H430
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ But our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 1 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
בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם is in the heavens H8064
בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם is in the heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 2 of 6
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
כֹּ֭ל H3605
כֹּ֭ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָפֵ֣ץ whatsoever he hath pleased H2654
חָפֵ֣ץ whatsoever he hath pleased
Strong's: H2654
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
עָשָֽׂה׃ he hath done H6213
עָשָֽׂה׃ he hath done
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis & Commentary

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. This verse responds to pagan mockery ("Where is now their God?" v.2) with confident assertion of God's sovereignty. While idols are confined to temples, Yahweh dwells in heavens, ruling over all creation with absolute authority.

"But our God" (וֵאלֹהֵינוּ/ve'Eloheinu) contrasts Israel's God with pagan idols described in following verses. The possessive "our" emphasizes covenant relationship. The adversative "but" introduces stark contrast: unlike lifeless idols, our God lives and acts.

"Is in the heavens" (בַשָּׁמַיִם/bashamayim) doesn't limit God to location but establishes His transcendence, sovereignty, and freedom from human manipulation. He isn't confined to shrines or controlled by priests. His throne transcends earthly limitations. From heaven, He governs all creation. This echoes Solomon's dedication prayer: "the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee" (1 Kings 8:27).

"He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased" (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר־חָפֵץ עָשָׂה/kol asher-chafetz asah) declares absolute divine sovereignty. Chafetz means to delight in, take pleasure in, desire. God's actions flow from His will and pleasure, not external constraint. Asah (done, made, accomplished) indicates completed action. Whatever God wills, He accomplishes. No force can thwart His purposes.

This sovereignty extends across creation, history, and redemption. God created worlds by His word (Hebrews 11:3). He raises and deposits kings (Daniel 2:21). He accomplishes salvation through Christ (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing occurs outside His sovereign will—whether permitting evil temporarily or accomplishing good eternally. This doesn't make God arbitrary tyrant but assures believers: no chaos, accident, or evil can ultimately defeat divine purposes.

Historical Context

The contrast between Yahweh and pagan idols runs throughout Old Testament. When Philistines captured the Ark, their god Dagon fell prostrate before it and broke apart (1 Samuel 5:1-5). When Elijah challenged Baal's prophets at Carmel, their god couldn't respond despite frantic rituals, but Yahweh answered immediately with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20-39). When Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, his gods proved powerless while Yahweh destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight (2 Kings 19:35).

Isaiah extensively mocks idol worship: craftsmen cut down trees, burn part for cooking, carve the rest into gods, then bow to their own handiwork (Isaiah 44:9-20). The absurdity is obvious—gods who cannot see, speak, hear, or move, requiring human transport and protection. Yet people worshiped such idols, perhaps finding comfort in controlling their deities through ritual and manipulation.

Ancient Near Eastern religion centered on influencing gods through sacrifice, incantation, and ceremony. Humans believed proper rituals compelled divine action. Fertility cults used sexual rituals attempting to ensure crop abundance. Nations paraded idol statues during battle hoping to guarantee victory. Religion became mechanism for controlling divine forces.

Biblical faith radically differs: Yahweh cannot be manipulated or controlled. He acts according to His sovereign will and pleasure. This initially seems threatening—if God acts as He pleases, what protects us? But covenant provides assurance: God's pleasure includes keeping His promises, maintaining His faithful love, and accomplishing redemption. His sovereignty exercises itself consistently with His revealed character—holy, just, merciful, faithful.

Paul affirms this sovereignty: God "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11). Jesus taught: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father" (Matthew 10:29). Nothing escapes God's sovereign control—from sparrows to empires to salvation itself. This should produce profound peace: if God rules all and His character is faithful love, believers can trust completely even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Questions for Reflection