Psalms 135:6
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ל
H3605
כֹּ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָפֵ֥ץ
pleased
H2654
חָפֵ֥ץ
pleased
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
יְהוָ֗ה
Whatsoever the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
Whatsoever the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָ֫שָׂ֥ה
that did
H6213
עָ֫שָׂ֥ה
that did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בַּשָּׁמַ֥יִם
he in heaven
H8064
בַּשָּׁמַ֥יִם
he in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
6 of 10
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
בַּ֝יַּמִּ֗ים
in the seas
H3220
בַּ֝יַּמִּ֗ים
in the seas
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Cross References
Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Psalms 33:9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Psalms 33:11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.Amos 4:13For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.Amos 9:6It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name.
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology viewed the 'deep places' as mysterious, often threatening realms associated with chaos and sea monsters. Canaanite mythology depicted cosmic battles between deities and sea forces. Israel's faith radically reinterpreted this: Yahweh created and controls these realms effortlessly, without struggle or opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's absolute sovereignty bring comfort in uncertain circumstances?
- What areas of your life need to be surrendered to God's sovereign will?
Analysis & Commentary
Divine sovereignty receives magnificent expression: 'Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he.' The Hebrew construction 'kol asher chaphets' emphasizes comprehensive, unhindered will - God does all His pleasure. This is not arbitrary power but purposeful sovereignty guided by infinite wisdom. The fourfold domain - heaven, earth, seas, and deep places - encompasses the entire created order. 'Deep places' (tehomot) recalls Genesis 1:2 and the primordial waters, suggesting God's authority extends even to mysterious, chaotic realms. No sphere of existence lies outside His control. This verse anticipates Ephesians 1:11, where God 'worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.' For the believer, divine sovereignty is not threatening but comforting - the God who rules all things is the same God who chose us as His treasure.