Psalms 105:21

Authorized King James Version

He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׂמ֣וֹ

H7760

He made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אָד֣וֹן

H113

him lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

לְבֵית֑וֹ

H1004

of his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּ֝מֹשֵׁ֗ל

H4910

and ruler

to rule

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קִנְיָנֽוֹ׃

H7075

of all his substance

creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 105 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?