Psalms 135:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 135:7
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
Chapter Context
Psalms 135 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 135:7
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
Analysis
God's sovereignty over nature receives poetic elaboration through meteorological phenomena: vapours rising, lightning flashing, wind emerging from divine 'treasuries' (otsarotav). The Hebrew 'nesi'im' (vapours, mists) describes water vapor ascending from earth's extremities - a process ancients observed but could not explain scientifically. The phrase 'lightnings for the rain' captures the connection between electrical storms and precipitation. Most striking is the image of wind stored in God's treasuries, suggesting divine storehouses from which He dispenses atmospheric forces. This language, nearly identical to Jeremiah 10:13, portrays God as cosmic manager with unlimited resources. Weather, often feared and worshiped by pagans (Baal was a storm god), is merely a tool in Yahweh's hand. Jesus demonstrated this same authority when He rebuked wind and waves (Mark 4:39).
Historical Context
This verse is virtually identical to Jeremiah 10:13 and 51:16, suggesting either common liturgical source or deliberate quotation. Baal worship, prevalent in Canaan, centered on the storm god believed to control rain and agricultural fertility. By attributing weather phenomena to Yahweh, Israel directly challenged Baal's supposed domain.
Reflection
- How do natural phenomena like weather remind you of God's creative power?
- What aspects of creation most powerfully declare God's glory to you?
Cross-References
- Light: Jeremiah 10:13, 51:16
- Parallel theme: Psalms 148:8, Zechariah 10:1, John 3:8