Psalms 102:19
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִ֭שְׁקִיף
For he hath looked down
H8259
הִ֭שְׁקִיף
For he hath looked down
Strong's:
H8259
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
מִמְּר֣וֹם
from the height
H4791
מִמְּר֣וֹם
from the height
Strong's:
H4791
Word #:
3 of 9
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
of his sanctuary
H6944
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
of his sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 9
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
did the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
did the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִשָּׁמַ֤יִם׀
from heaven
H8064
מִשָּׁמַ֤יִם׀
from heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
6 of 9
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
Cross References
Deuteronomy 26:15Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.Psalms 14:2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.Job 22:12Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!1 Kings 8:39Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)1 Kings 8:43Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples often believed their gods were limited to specific geographical regions. Israel's God, by contrast, rules from heaven over all the earth, able to see and act everywhere simultaneously.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's heavenly perspective on your circumstances differ from your earthly viewpoint?
- What comfort do you find in knowing that Christ intercedes for you from God's throne?
Analysis & Commentary
God looking down from His heavenly sanctuary (qodesh) emphasizes His transcendence and sovereign vantage point. 'From heaven did the LORD behold the earth' assures that nothing escapes His notice. This divine surveillance isn't threatening but comforting—God sees His people's suffering and will intervene. The Reformed doctrine of God's omniscience and providence guarantees that He governs all events for His glory and His people's good. Christ, seated at God's right hand (Heb 1:3), now exercises this heavenly authority.