Psalms 148:6

Authorized King James Version

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He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּעֲמִידֵ֣ם He hath also stablished H5975
וַיַּעֲמִידֵ֣ם He hath also stablished
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 1 of 7
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לָעַ֣ד them for ever H5703
לָעַ֣ד them for ever
Strong's: H5703
Word #: 2 of 7
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
לְעוֹלָ֑ם and ever H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם and ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
חָק a decree H2706
חָק a decree
Strong's: H2706
Word #: 4 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
נָ֝תַ֗ן he hath made H5414
נָ֝תַ֗ן he hath made
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 5 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲבֽוֹר׃ which shall not pass H5674
יַעֲבֽוֹר׃ which shall not pass
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 7 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

Analysis & Commentary

He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. This verse grounds cosmic praise in divine sovereignty and immutability. The Hebrew vaya'amidem la'ad le'olam (וַיַּעֲמִידֵם לָעַד לְעוֹלָם) uses ya'amid (establish, make stand) with the strongest temporal language: "for ever and ever" (la'ad le'olam)—perpetual, enduring existence. God established creation's order with permanence and stability.

"He hath made a decree which shall not pass" (choq-natan velo ya'avor, חָק־נָתַן וְלֹא יַעֲבוֹר) uses legal terminology. Choq (חָק) is a statute, ordinance, or prescribed law; natan (gave/made) indicates authoritative establishment; lo ya'avor (shall not pass/transgress) means it cannot be violated, changed, or ended. God imposed laws governing creation—physical laws, celestial mechanics, seasonal cycles—that function with absolute reliability because His decree sustains them.

Jeremiah 31:35-36 declares God's covenant with Israel is as certain as His ordinances governing sun, moon, and stars. Jesus affirmed this stability: "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law" (Matthew 5:18). Yet 2 Peter 3:10-13 prophesies present heavens and earth will be dissolved, replaced by "new heavens and a new earth." God's decree establishes creation's current order, but He retains sovereign freedom to create new heavens and earth when redemptive history consummates.

Historical Context

Ancient peoples observed celestial regularity—predictable solar and lunar cycles, seasonal patterns, tidal movements—and attributed this to divine decree. Pagan cultures often saw gods as capricious, requiring appeasement to maintain cosmic order. Israel's theology insisted Yahweh established creation's laws with unchanging faithfulness. This reliability enabled agriculture (planting and harvest seasons), navigation (by stars), and calendar keeping (lunar months), all testifying to the Creator's wisdom and covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection