Psalms 144:5

Authorized King James Version

Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

O LORD

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

הַט

H5186

Bow

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

שָׁמֶ֣יךָ

H8064

thy heavens

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

וְתֵרֵ֑ד

H3381

and come down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

גַּ֖ע

H5060

touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בֶּהָרִ֣ים

H2022

the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְֽיֶעֱשָֽׁנוּ׃

H6225

and they shall smoke

to smoke, whether literal or figurative

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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 144 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?