Psalms 135:6 – “The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 135:6 is a powerful declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation. The verse proclaims that God is not limited or constrained by anyone or anything. Whatever He desires to do, He does — whether in the heavens above, on the earth below, or even in the deepest parts of the seas.
This verse reminds us that God’s will is accomplished everywhere, in every realm of existence. There is no corner of creation where God’s authority does not reach. It highlights God’s complete freedom to act according to His own good purposes. However, this power is not arbitrary or capricious. It’s rooted in His perfect wisdom, love, and goodness. Knowing that God is in control of all things should bring comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty.
Historical Context
Psalm 135 was sung during temple worship, celebrating God’s greatness and His mighty acts on behalf of Israel. In the ancient world, many surrounding nations believed in multiple gods, each with control over certain areas or forces of nature. In contrast, Israel’s faith was rooted in the belief that there is one true God who rules over everything.
This verse would have served as a strong affirmation of God’s supremacy, especially for the Israelites who lived among nations that worshiped gods associated with specific places or natural elements. By proclaiming that God does whatever He pleases everywhere — in the heavens, on the earth, and in the depths of the seas — the psalmist refutes the idea that other gods have any real power.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 135:6 emphasizes God’s omnipotence. It declares that God is all-powerful and that His will cannot be thwarted. This challenges us to recognize that God is truly in control, not only of the big events of history but also of the details of our lives.
The verse also speaks to the doctrine of God’s providence. God’s actions are not random; they are purposeful and part of His overarching plan. He is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and then stepped back. Instead, God is actively involved in sustaining His creation and guiding it toward His intended purposes.
Literary Analysis
The structure of Psalm 135:6 is straightforward yet profound. It uses parallelism to emphasize the scope of God’s power: “in the heavens,” “on the earth,” and “in the seas and all their depths.” This covers every possible realm, leaving no doubt that God’s authority is all-encompassing.
The phrase “does whatever pleases Him” highlights God’s freedom. He is not bound by human limitations or subject to the will of any other being. The repetition and comprehensive language used in the verse serve to emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty and unmatched authority over all creation.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
- Isaiah 46:10: “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
- Daniel 4:35: “He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.”
- Psalm 115:3: “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”
- Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 135:6 is a reminder that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. It reassures us that nothing happens outside of God’s will. While we may not always understand why certain things happen, we can trust that God is working all things according to His good purpose.
This verse also challenges us to surrender our worries and fears to God. If God truly does whatever pleases Him, and if we know that God is good, then we can have confidence that He is working for our good even in difficult circumstances. It invites us to let go of trying to control everything and instead rest in God’s perfect sovereignty.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although Psalm 135:6 speaks of God’s absolute power, it also implies His goodness. The fact that God does whatever pleases Him is comforting because God’s desires are rooted in His love for His people. God’s actions are always in line with His character, which means that whatever He does is ultimately for the best.
God’s sovereignty is not something to fear but to find comfort in. Unlike human rulers, who can be unpredictable or self-serving, God’s rule is always righteous and just. His power is used to care for His creation, provide for His people, and fulfill His promises.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the will of God. Throughout His life, Jesus consistently submitted to the Father’s will, even when it led Him to the cross (Luke 22:42). In Christ, we see the ultimate example of someone who trusted fully in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus also demonstrated God’s power and authority over all creation. He calmed storms, healed the sick, and even raised the dead, showing that He had control over the heavens, the earth, and the seas. After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This affirms that through Christ, we see the fulfillment of Psalm 135:6 — God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding God’s sovereignty change the way you approach challenges in your life?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to trust that God is in control?
- How can you find peace in knowing that God’s plans are always good, even when they don’t align with your desires?
- In what ways can you surrender your fears to God, knowing He does what pleases Him?
- How does Jesus’ example of submitting to God’s will inspire you to do the same?
Psalm 135:6 reminds us that God’s power and authority extend over all creation. Let’s live in confidence, trusting that God is in control and that He is working all things according to His perfect plan.