Psalms 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”
Psalm 36:6 is a poetic declaration of God’s righteousness, justice, and care for all creation. In this verse, David uses grand images to describe the unshakable nature of God’s character and His provision. The mountains represent God’s righteousness, standing firm and enduring, while the “great deep” speaks to the depths of His justice. David marvels at the fact that God’s care extends to every living thing, not only to people but also to animals.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
David begins this verse by comparing God’s righteousness to the “highest mountains.” Mountains are symbols of strength, stability, and permanence, which illustrates that God’s righteousness is unchanging and unmoved by human influence. Just as the mountains are immovable, so is God’s moral perfection.
The second part of the verse, “your justice like the great deep,” suggests that God’s justice is profound, far beyond human understanding. The “great deep” refers to the vastness and mystery of the oceans, which in ancient times were often seen as symbols of the unknown. David implies that God’s justice is not always fully understood by us, but it is always fair, wise, and deep beyond measure.
Finally, David highlights God’s care for all His creation, noting that He preserves both people and animals. This statement reveals God’s compassion and attentiveness, not just to humanity but to every living creature. It reminds us that God’s love and protection are extensive and inclusive, reaching into every part of the world He created.
Historical Context
David wrote Psalm 36 during a time when survival was deeply connected to nature. People depended on the land, weather, and animals for food and livelihood. Recognizing God’s provision for animals as well as for people would have been especially meaningful in David’s context, as it was a reminder of God’s intimate involvement in every aspect of life.
In the ancient world, kings were often judged by their ability to protect and provide for their people. As Israel’s king, David knew that his rule was limited and imperfect, but he trusted in God as the ultimate Ruler who protects and provides perfectly. David’s understanding of God’s care for all creation would have been influenced by his years as a shepherd, where he experienced firsthand the beauty and interdependence of life in God’s world.
Theological Implications
Psalm 36:6 speaks to the perfection of God’s character. His righteousness is flawless, and His justice is beyond our full comprehension. The verse also reveals God’s nature as a compassionate provider, not only for humanity but for all living things. In Christian belief, this verse affirms that God’s love is expansive and unselfish, encompassing every creature.
Theologically, this verse also speaks to God’s sovereignty. The fact that He preserves and cares for all living things shows that He is not a distant or uninvolved Creator but an active, loving sustainer of life. God’s provision reflects His goodness, and His preservation of creation demonstrates His commitment to the world He made.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 36:6 uses poetic imagery to emphasize the grandeur and depth of God’s character. By comparing God’s righteousness to “the highest mountains” and His justice to “the great deep,” David invites us to see God’s qualities as vast and unchanging. These natural images provide a concrete way to understand abstract concepts, allowing readers to grasp the majesty of God’s character.
The verse also serves as a transition within the psalm. In the previous verses, David describes the wicked and their actions, but here he shifts focus to God’s pure and unchanging attributes. This contrast highlights the difference between human sinfulness and God’s perfect nature.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
- Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
- Job 11:7-9 – “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?”
These verses reinforce God’s expansive care, His compassion for all creatures, and the mystery of His justice and power.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Psalm 36:6 reminds Christians today of the security and stability found in God’s character. We live in a world that is often uncertain and ever-changing, but God’s righteousness is like the mountains—unmovable and constant. Knowing that God’s justice is like “the great deep” assures us that He sees and addresses wrongs, even when we may not understand His ways. This can bring peace to those who may feel overwhelmed by injustice in the world.
This verse also encourages Christians to appreciate God’s care for all creation. As believers, we are called to be stewards of the earth, recognizing the value of all life that God preserves and cares for. Understanding God’s compassion for all creatures can inspire us to show similar compassion in our actions and attitudes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 36:6 is a beautiful testament to God’s love for everything He has made. His care is not limited to humanity; it extends to every living creature. This inclusiveness of God’s love shows that He values and sustains all life. The verse reveals that God’s justice and righteousness are expressions of His love, as He ensures that creation is maintained and protected.
This verse reminds us that God’s love is expressed in His daily acts of sustaining life. His righteousness and justice flow from His love, showing us that He is not just a powerful deity but a compassionate Father who watches over His creation. For believers, this understanding brings comfort and a sense of belonging to God’s family.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate display of God’s righteousness, justice, and compassion. Jesus, who is called the “Good Shepherd,” reflects God’s care for humanity and for all creation. In John 10:10-11, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Through Jesus, God’s love and righteousness were displayed in the most personal way.
Jesus also taught about God’s care for all of His creation, reassuring His followers that if God cares for the birds of the air, He certainly cares for us (Matthew 6:26). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of divine justice and love, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. Through His life and teachings, Jesus demonstrated the deep and boundless love of God mentioned in Psalm 36:6.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse help you understand the nature of God’s righteousness and justice?
- In what ways can you find comfort in knowing that God’s care extends to all of His creation?
- How does the imagery of “the highest mountains” and “the great deep” shape your view of God’s character?
- What steps can you take to reflect God’s compassion and care for creation in your own life?
- How does Jesus’ example of righteousness and justice inspire you to live out your faith?
Psalm 36:6 is a reminder of God’s unwavering righteousness, His profound justice, and His care for every part of creation. For those who trust in Him, this verse brings assurance that God’s love is constant, His justice is true, and His care is unfailing. In a world filled with change and uncertainty, this verse calls us to rest in the One whose love and commitment to us are as steadfast as the mountains and as deep as the sea.