Psalms 104:5
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יָֽסַד
Who laid
H3245
יָֽסַד
Who laid
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
1 of 8
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְכוֹנֶ֑יהָ
the foundations
H4349
מְכוֹנֶ֑יהָ
the foundations
Strong's:
H4349
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
תִּ֝מּ֗וֹט
that it should not be removed
H4131
תִּ֝מּ֗וֹט
that it should not be removed
Strong's:
H4131
Word #:
6 of 8
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
Cross References
Job 26:7He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.Psalms 24:2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.Psalms 33:9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.Psalms 96:10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Psalms 136:6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 93:1The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Revelation 6:14And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.Ecclesiastes 1:4One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
Historical Context
Ancient creation myths featured chaotic, unstable worlds. Israel's understanding of an earth firmly established by God demonstrated the Creator's superior power and intentional design compared to pagan deities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ordered stability of creation point you to trust God's faithful character?
- What does Christ's role in creating and sustaining the universe reveal about His deity?
Analysis & Commentary
God 'laid the foundations of the earth' so firmly 'it should not be removed for ever.' This speaks to creation's stability and order, grounded in God's sovereign establishment. The Hebrew kun (established) suggests intentional, permanent placement. While the earth will ultimately be renewed (2 Pet 3:13, Rev 21:1), God's original creative work demonstrates His power and reliability. Christ, through whom all things were created (Col 1:16), sustains creation by His powerful word (Heb 1:3). The Reformed doctrine of providence recognizes God's ongoing sustaining of creation.