Psalms 69:35
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern creation theology often personified natural elements as deities requiring appeasement. Israel's radical monotheism rejected this—creation isn't divine but created, existing to glorify its Creator (Psalm 19:1, 29:1-9, 148:1-14). Yet creation is depicted as responsive to God, praising Him and obeying His commands. Mountains skip, rivers clap, trees sing (Psalm 98:8, 114:4, Isaiah 55:12). This poetic language expresses theological reality: all creation glorifies God by fulfilling its created purpose.
The call for creation to praise God echoes the conclusion of Psalm 148 and anticipates Psalms 149-150, where everything that breathes praises Yahweh. This cosmic praise reflects creation's purpose: to manifest God's glory. Human sin marred creation, but God's redemptive work restores it. Each deliverance of His people demonstrates this restoration, warranting creation's renewed praise.
Paul taught that creation eagerly awaits believers' glorification because creation's own liberation depends on it (Romans 8:19-22). Creation fell through Adam's sin and will be restored through Christ and His redeemed people. When God delivers His servants, it's foretaste of cosmic redemption, appropriate occasion for universal praise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does calling all creation to praise God expand your vision beyond merely personal salvation to cosmic redemption?
- What does it mean that creation 'groans' awaiting redemption, and how does believers' deliverance connect to creation's hope?
- In what ways do you experience or observe creation glorifying God through fulfilling its created purpose?
Analysis & Commentary
Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. David calls all creation to join in praising God for His faithfulness to the afflicted. "Heaven and earth" (שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ/shamayim va'aretz) represents totality of creation—the cosmic spheres above and terrestrial realm below. "The seas" (יַמִּים/yammim) adds the aquatic realm, completing the triad of air, land, and water—the three domains of creation in Genesis 1.
"Every thing that moveth therein" (כָּל־רֹמֵשׂ בָּם/kol-romes bam) includes all living creatures inhabiting these realms—echoing Genesis 1's "living creatures that move" (Genesis 1:20-21, 24-25). This universal call to praise demonstrates that God's faithfulness to His people has cosmic significance. When God delivers the righteous, it vindicates His justice, demonstrates His power, and reveals His character—truths that deserve universal acclamation.
This anticipates Psalms' frequent cosmic praise choruses (Psalm 96:11-13, 98:7-9, 148:1-14) and New Testament's vision of universal worship when Christ returns (Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 5:13). Creation itself groans, awaiting redemption (Romans 8:19-22). When God delivers His people, it's downpayment on cosmic restoration, warranting all creation's praise.