Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Original Language Analysis
הָרִ֗ים
The hills
H2022
הָרִ֗ים
The hills
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
1 of 9
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
נָ֭מַסּוּ
melted
H4549
נָ֭מַסּוּ
melted
Strong's:
H4549
Word #:
3 of 9
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י
at the presence
H6440
מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י
at the presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י
at the presence
H6440
מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י
at the presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Nahum 1:5The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.Psalms 47:2For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.Habakkuk 3:6He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.Psalms 46:6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.Joshua 3:11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Zechariah 4:14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Historical Context
Volcanic activity in the ancient Near East may have provided visual imagery, but the theological point transcends natural phenomena to assert God's unlimited power.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'mountains' (obstacles, problems, oppositions) in your life need to melt before God's presence?
- How does remembering God's power over all creation affect your confidence in prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
Mountains, representing the most stable and permanent features of creation, melting like wax before God demonstrates His absolute power over nature. The phrase 'at the presence of the LORD' (mipne Yahweh) indicates that His mere presence, not exerted effort, causes this melting. The designation 'Lord of the whole earth' (adon kol-ha'arets) asserts universal sovereignty. If mountains cannot stand before God, no human power or institution can resist Him. This verse humbles human pride and assures believers that no obstacle is too great for God.