Psalms 24:2
For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֭וּא
H1931
ה֭וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַמִּ֣ים
it upon the seas
H3220
יַמִּ֣ים
it upon the seas
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 8
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
יְסָדָ֑הּ
For he hath founded
H3245
יְסָדָ֑הּ
For he hath founded
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
5 of 8
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 136:6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.Jeremiah 5:22Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?Psalms 96:10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.Job 38:4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Genesis 8:22While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern creation myths depicted gods battling chaos-waters. Genesis and Psalms present Yahweh as sovereign Creator who effortlessly orders chaos, demonstrating His absolute power. The 'seas' and 'floods' represent potential chaos that God controls completely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as Creator-Owner affect your view of material possessions?
- What does God's sovereignty over 'chaos waters' teach about His control of your circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's ownership of earth is grounded in creation: 'he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.' Ancient cosmology viewed earth as established above chaotic waters. Reformed theology emphasizes creatio ex nihilo and God's sovereign ordering of creation. Because God created all things, He owns all things (Ps. 50:12). This establishes divine authority over all human claims to property—we are stewards, not ultimate owners. God's creative work grounds His right to worship and obedience.