Psalms 104:9
Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
Original Language Analysis
גְּֽבוּל
a bound
H1366
גְּֽבוּל
a bound
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
שַׂ֭מְתָּ
Thou hast set
H7760
שַׂ֭מְתָּ
Thou hast set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
2 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יַֽעֲבֹר֑וּן
that they may not pass over
H5674
יַֽעֲבֹר֑וּן
that they may not pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 8
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יְ֝שֻׁב֗וּן
that they turn not again
H7725
יְ֝שֻׁב֗וּן
that they turn not again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Isaiah 54:9For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.Job 26:10He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.Jeremiah 5:22Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
Historical Context
After the flood, God promised never again to destroy the earth with water. This boundary set for waters represents a fundamental covenant commitment, observable in creation's ongoing stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's boundaries and limits in nature provide assurance of His covenant faithfulness?
- What 'boundaries' has God set in your life for protection that you might be resisting?
Analysis & Commentary
God set a boundary (gebul) that waters cannot pass, preventing another flood covering the earth. This recalls God's covenant promise to Noah (Gen 9:11-15). God's restraint of waters demonstrates His faithfulness and protective boundaries in creation. The sea's limits illustrate divine sovereignty—even chaotic forces obey appointed boundaries. Job 38:8-11 similarly describes God setting bars and doors for the sea. This provides assurance that God controls potentially destructive forces. Christ's authority over the sea fulfills this divine prerogative.