Psalms 135:6

Authorized King James Version

Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֤ל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָפֵ֥ץ

H2654

pleased

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

Whatsoever the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עָ֫שָׂ֥ה

H6213

that did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּשָּׁמַ֥יִם

H8064

he in heaven

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

וּבָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

and in earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּ֝יַּמִּ֗ים

H3220

in the seas

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְכָל

H3605

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

#10

תְּהֹמֽוֹת׃

H8415

and all deep places

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?