Psalm 95:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.

NIV: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

NASB: In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are also His.

CSB: The depths of the earth are in his hand, and the mountain peaks are his.

NLT: He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.

KJV: In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

NKJV: In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.

The Lord's people should approach Him with gratitude and praise (Psalm 95:2), because He is the One who makes and sustains all things. God is the owner and sustainer of everything in creation (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11), including the highest and lowest parts of the earth. All things were created "by him … through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). Further, it is God's power that causes all things to continue to exist (Colossians 1:17). Without His sustaining power, everything would evaporate into chaos or oblivion.

Scripture often uses the imagery of high mountains and deep seas or valleys to represent the furthest reaches of creation (Psalm 104:8; Proverbs 8:24–25; Isaiah 40:12). This passage includes those ideas as part of describing the Lord as the One and Only true God (Psalm 95:3). The following section of this psalm (Psalm 95:6) will repeat God's roles as our Creator when encouraging trusting obedience.

Psalm 95:1–5 opens with a call for grateful worship of God. Everything that exists is part of His creation—so His people ought to respond with their praise. The next section transitions to a warning about Israel's stubborn disobedience after the exodus from Egypt (Psalm 95:6–7).

The psalm begins with a call to worship, gratitude, and celebration of the Lord. God is great and a great King above all gods. He rules over the oceans and lands, which He created. The psalmist then turns to a warning about a time when Israel resisted the Lord's leadership. That entire generation was denied God's "rest," including being barred from entering the Promised Land.

"Enthronement" psalms make up this portion of Scripture. Because they speak of God's rule, they are also labelled "theocratic." Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 96—99 have similar themes. These songs anticipate the Lord God ruling over the entire world. This perspective often aims at the future when the Messiah Jesus will personally oversee earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). The last portion of the song is quoted in the New Testament book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15, 4:3–7).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 12:33:35 PM