Psalms 97:5

Authorized King James Version

The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָרִ֗ים

H2022

The hills

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

כַּדּוֹנַ֗ג

H1749

like wax

wax

נָ֭מַסּוּ

H4549

melted

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י

H6440

at the presence

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

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י

H6440

at the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲד֣וֹן

H113

of the Lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the whole earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?