Psalms 74:17
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֭צַּבְתָּ
Thou hast set
H5324
הִ֭צַּבְתָּ
Thou hast set
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
2 of 9
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קַ֥יִץ
summer
H7019
קַ֥יִץ
summer
Strong's:
H7019
Word #:
6 of 9
harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:8When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.Acts 17:26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.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
The seasonal cycle was crucial for agricultural societies yet mysterious—pagan religions credited fertility gods (Baal, etc.). This psalm insists the LORD alone controls seasons, growth, and harvest. Job 38-41 similarly uses creation to establish God's wisdom and power. Acts 14:17 applies this: God's provision of "seasons and fruitful years" testifies to His goodness toward all people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do regular natural cycles (seasons, sunrise/sunset) testify to God's faithful governance?
- In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over "all borders" address anxiety about chaos and disorder?
- How does Christ's calming the storm demonstrate His divine authority over creation (Mark 4:39)?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm continues creation theology: "Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter" (Hebrew atah hitzavta kol-g-vulot eretz qayitz va-choref atah y-tzartam). "Set borders" indicates God's sovereign establishment of geographical and natural boundaries. "Made" (Hebrew yatzar) is the potter's forming—deliberate creative shaping. The seasonal cycle demonstrates ongoing providential governance. The verse argues: God who orders all creation can certainly reorder the chaos of Israel's destruction.