Psalms 95:5

Authorized King James Version

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֣וֹ

הַ֭יָּם

H3220

The sea

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

וְה֣וּא

H1931

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

עָשָׂ֑הוּ

H6213

is his and he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְ֝יַבֶּ֗שֶׁת

H3006

the dry

dry ground

יָדָ֥יו

H3027

it and his hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יָצָֽרוּ׃

H3335

formed

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?