TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 104:31–35. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The psalmist concludes this meditation with speaking,
I.Praise to God, which is chiefly intended in the psalm.
1.He is to be praised,
(1.)As a great God, and a God of matchless perfection: The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever, Psa 104:31. It shall endure to the end of time in his works of creation and providence; it shall endure to eternity in the felicity and adorations of saints and angels. Man's glory is fading; God's glory is everlasting. Creatures change, but with the Creator there is no variableness.
(2.)As a gracious God: The Lord shall rejoice in his works. He continues that complacency in the products of his own wisdom and goodness which he had when he saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, and rested the seventh day. We often do that which, upon the review, we cannot rejoice in, but are displeased at, and wish undone again, blaming our own management. But God always rejoices in his works, because they are all done in wisdom. We regret our bounty and beneficence, but God never does; he rejoices in the works of his grace: his gifts and callings are without repentance.
(3.)As a God of almighty power (Psa 104:32): He looks on the earth, and it trembles, as unable to bear his frowns - trembles, as Sinai did, at the presence of the Lord. He touches the hills, and they smoke. The volcanoes, or burning mountains, such as Aetna, are emblems of the power of God's wrath fastening upon proud unhumbled sinners. If an angry look and a touch have such effects, what will the weight of his heavy hand do and the operations of his outstretched arm? Who knows the power of his anger? Who then dares set it at defiance? God rejoices in his works because they are all so observant of him; and he will in like manner take pleasure in those that fear him and that tremble at his word.
2.The psalmist will himself be much in praising him (Psa 104:33): "I will sing unto the Lord, unto my God, will praise him as Jehovah, the Creator, and as my God, a God in covenant with me, and this not now only, but as long as I live, and while I have my being." Because we have our being from God, and depend upon him for the support and continuance of it, as long as we live and have our being we must continue to praise God; and when we have no life, no being, on earth, we hope to have a better life and better being in a better world and there to be doing this work in a better manner and in better company.
II.Joy to himself (Psa 104:34):
My meditation of him shall be sweet; it shall be fixed and close; it shall be affecting and influencing; and therefore it shall be sweet. Thoughts of God will then be most pleasing, when they are most powerful. Note, Divine meditation is a very sweet duty to all that are sanctified: "I will be glad in the Lord; it shall be a pleasure to me to praise him; I will be glad of all opportunities to set forth his glory; and I will rejoice in the Lord always and in him only." All my joys shall centre in him, and in him they shall be full.
III.Terror to the wicked (Psa 104:35): Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth; and let the wicked be no more.
1.Those that oppose the God of power, and fight against him, will certainly be consumed; none can prosper that harden themselves against the Almighty.
2.Those that rebel against the light of such convincing evidence of God's being, and refuse to serve him whom all the creatures serve, will justly be consumed. Those that make that earth to groan under the burden of their impieties which God thus fills with his riches deserve to be consumed out of it, and that it should spue them out.
3.Those that heartily desire to praise God themselves cannot but have a holy indignation at those that blaspheme and dishonour him, and a holy satisfaction in the prospect of their destruction and the honour that God will get to himself upon them. Even this ought to be the matter of their praise: "While sinners are consumed out of the earth, let my soul bless the Lord that I am not cast away with the workers of iniquity, but distinguished from them by the special grace of God. When the wicked are no more I hope to be praising God world without end; and therefore, Praise you the Lord; let all about me join with me in praising God. Hallelujah; sing praise to Jehovah." This is the first time that we meet with Hallelujah; and it comes in here upon occasion of the destruction of the wicked; and the last time we meet with it is upon a similar occasion. When the New Testament Babylon is consumed, this is the burden of the song, Hallelujah, Rev 19:1, Rev 19:3, Rev 19:4, Rev 19:6.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Who looks on the earth, and makes it tremble; who touches the hills, and they shall smoke" [Psalm 104:32]. O earth, you were exulting in your good, to yourself you ascribed your fullness and opulence; behold, the Lord looks on you, and causes you to tremble. May He look on you, and make you tremble: for the trembling of humility is better than the confidence of pride....For it is God, he says, which works in you. For this reason then with trembling, because God works in you. Because He gave, because what you have comes not from you, you shall work with fear and trembling, for if you fear not Him, He will take away what He gave. Work, therefore, with trembling. Hear another Psalm: "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice unto Him with trembling." If we must rejoice with trembling, God beholds us, there comes an earthquake; when God looks upon us, let our hearts tremble; then will God rest there. Hear Him in another passage: "Upon whom shall My Spirit rest? Even on him that is lowly and quiet, and who trembles at My Word." [Isaiah 66:2]
"Who looks on the earth, and makes it tremble; who touches the hills, and they shall smoke" [Psalm 104:32]. The hills were proud, and boastful of themselves, God had not touched them: He touches them, and they shall smoke. What means the smoking of the hills? That they pray unto the Lord. Behold great hills, proud hills, vast hills, prayed not to God: they wished themselves to be entreated, and entreated not Him who was above them. For what powerful, arrogant, proud man is there upon the earth, who deigns humbly to entreat God? I speak of the ungodly, not of the "cedars of Libanus, which the Lord has planted." Every ungodly man, unhappy soul, knows not how to entreat God, while he wishes himself to be entreated by men. He is a hill; it is needful that God touch him, that he may smoke: when he has begun to smoke, he will offer prayers unto God, as it were the sacrifice of his heart. He smokes unto God, he then beats his breast: he begins to weep, for smoke does elicit tears.
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Summary
Psalms 104:32 offers a breathtaking portrayal of God's immediate and overwhelming sovereignty over His creation. With a mere glance or touch, the very foundations of the earth and its most formidable elements respond in profound submission to His divine will, demonstrating His effortless and absolute control. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of God's active presence and dynamic interaction with the world He meticulously designed, evoking a deep sense of awe at His unparalleled majesty and omnipotence.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It beautifully echoes the creation narrative found in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, detailing God's work in forming the heavens, earth, seas, and all living creatures. The psalm progresses through various aspects of creation—light, water, mountains, plants, animals, and humanity—highlighting God's wisdom and provision for all life. Verse 32, positioned near the psalm's conclusion, serves as a climactic declaration of God's ongoing, dynamic power, underscoring that the same God who intricately designed creation also wields immense, immediate authority over its most formidable elements. This verse moves beyond the initial act of creation to emphasize God's continuous, active involvement and effortless command over the physical world, reinforcing the theme of His perpetual sovereignty.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity were often attributed to the unpredictable whims of various gods or impersonal forces, leading to fear and superstition. However, for ancient Israel, these events were understood as direct manifestations of Yahweh's singular, sovereign power. This worldview contrasts sharply with polytheistic beliefs, emphasizing that the God of Israel is not merely one deity among many, nor is He confined to a specific domain; rather, He is the supreme Creator and Controller of all things. The imagery of smoking hills, in particular, would evoke powerful memories of God's dramatic appearance on Mount Sinai, where the mountain "was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire" (Exodus 19:18). This cultural memory reinforced the idea of God's tangible, overwhelming presence and power, demonstrating that His presence is not merely spiritual but can profoundly impact the physical realm.
Key Themes
Psalms 104:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty, unequivocally demonstrating His absolute power; His simple "look" causes the earth to "tremble," and His "touch" makes the hills "smoke," conveying an effortless display of divine strength far beyond human comprehension. This effortless command over creation also inspires Awe and Reverence, as the earth's profound reactions evoke a sense of holy fear and humility before the Creator's immense power and majesty, echoing the psalmist's call to worship God in Psalm 96:9. Furthermore, the imagery of smoking hills directly connects to the theme of Divine Presence, recalling the dramatic manifestations of God's glory, particularly at Mount Sinai, reinforcing that God's active presence is powerful enough to transform and affect the physical landscape itself, demonstrating His immanence and immediate control over His creation, as also seen in Exodus 3:2-5.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H5027) signifies to scan, to look intently at, or to regard with pleasure, favor, or care. In this context, it describes God's comprehensive and penetrating gaze. It is not a casual glance but an active, sovereign act of attention. God's awareness and focus alone are sufficient to initiate profound effects in the physical world, highlighting His omnipresence and the immediate efficacy of His will.
This verb (H7460) means to shudder (more or less violently) or to tremble. Here, it describes the earth's profound, immediate, and involuntary response to God's mere gaze. It indicates that creation is not inert but alive and responsive to its Maker's presence, conveying a deep, visceral reaction—a fundamental shaking that signifies the earth's inherent submission to its Creator.
This vivid term (H6225) means to smoke, whether literal or figurative, and can also imply anger. It frequently appears in the Old Testament to describe the visible manifestation of God's glory, judgment, or presence, often in conjunction with fire, storms, or theophany. It evokes images of a burning, active, and awe-inspiring divine encounter, reminiscent of the smoking mountain at Sinai. Here, it suggests an intense, almost volcanic reaction of the hills to God's touch, signifying His consuming power and holiness.
Verse Breakdown
"He looketh on the earth"
This clause emphasizes God's sovereign and all-encompassing gaze. It portrays God not as a distant deity but as one who actively observes and engages with His creation. His "looking" is an act of divine attention, demonstrating His intimate awareness and command over the vastness of the earth.
"and it trembleth"
The immediate and profound consequence of God's gaze is the earth's trembling. This signifies the earth's inherent responsiveness and submission to its Creator. The trembling is not a sign of fear in a human sense, but a natural, involuntary reaction of a created entity to the overwhelming power and presence of its Maker, demonstrating His absolute control over its very foundations and stability.
"he toucheth the hills"
This phrase implies a direct, intimate, yet effortless interaction. God's "touch" is not a laborious effort but a simple, potent act of contact. The hills, often symbols of stability, permanence, and strength in ancient cultures, are shown to be utterly subject to His will, demonstrating that even the most formidable and seemingly unmovable elements of creation are pliable in His hands.
"and they smoke"
The hills' response to God's touch is to smoke. This imagery powerfully evokes the fiery, often consuming, manifestations of God's presence, as famously seen on Mount Sinai. It suggests a transformation, a visible sign of divine power and holiness that consumes or activates the physical landscape, indicating a profound and immediate impact of God's immanent power and glory.
Literary Devices
Psalms 104:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey God's immense power and sovereignty. Anthropomorphism is central, attributing human actions—"looketh" and "toucheth"—to God. This device makes God's interaction with creation relatable and emphasizes the directness and ease with which He exercises His power, even while acknowledging His transcendence. The verse also relies heavily on vivid Imagery, painting a picture of a responsive earth and smoking hills. This sensory language creates a powerful mental image of divine might, evoking a sense of awe and wonder, allowing the reader to visualize the profound impact of God's presence. Furthermore, the structure demonstrates Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, with the two clauses mirroring each other in structure and meaning ("He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth" and "he toucheth the hills, and they smoke"). This reinforces the central message of God's effortless and immediate control over creation, presenting two distinct yet complementary illustrations of His sovereign power, amplifying the impact of His authority.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly underscores God's active and immediate sovereignty over all creation, not merely as an initial act but as an ongoing reality. It portrays a God who is intimately involved with His world, whose mere attention or contact elicits a powerful and undeniable response from the physical realm. This highlights His transcendence—His being utterly distinct and superior to creation—while simultaneously affirming His immanence—His active presence within it. The trembling earth and smoking hills serve as potent symbols of divine power and holiness, echoing biblical narratives where God's presence is often accompanied by dramatic natural phenomena, reminding humanity of their utter dependence and His absolute authority. This divine power is not chaotic but purposeful, demonstrating God's ultimate control over all things, from the grandest cosmic movements to the most minute details of existence.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 104:32 offers a profound and necessary reminder of God's unparalleled power and sovereign control in a world often perceived as chaotic, unpredictable, or beyond divine influence. For believers, this verse should cultivate a deep sense of trust and security. If God can cause the earth to tremble and mountains to smoke with a mere glance or touch, then no personal trial, global crisis, or seemingly insurmountable obstacle is beyond His capacity to manage or transform. This understanding should lead to a posture of humble worship, recognizing our smallness in comparison to such an awesome God, yet simultaneously experiencing the comfort of being under the care of One so mighty. It calls us to move beyond intellectual assent to God's power and to live in a state of continuous awe, allowing His majesty to shape our perspective on life, our challenges, and our ultimate hope. This verse invites us to rest in the assurance that the same God who effortlessly commands the cosmos is intimately involved in our lives, capable of bringing order out of chaos and peace into our storms.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse imply God is literally looking and touching the earth, or is it symbolic?
While the language uses anthropomorphic terms ("looketh," "toucheth"), it is primarily symbolic and metaphorical, conveying profound theological truths about God's power and presence rather than describing a literal, physical interaction. God is Spirit (John 4:24), and His actions are not limited by human physical constraints. The purpose of this anthropomorphism is to make God's immense power relatable and comprehensible to human understanding. It emphasizes the immediacy, effortlessness, and absolute efficacy of His divine will. Just as a king's mere word can command, so God's "look" or "touch" signifies His sovereign attention and the direct, undeniable impact of His will on creation. It underscores that creation is utterly responsive to its Maker, demonstrating His omnipresence and omnipotence, as the heavens declare His glory and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 104:32, with its vivid portrayal of God's effortless power over creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that it was through Christ that "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, the very "look" and "touch" that cause the earth to tremble and the hills to smoke are expressions of the power inherent in the Son, who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). We see this divine authority manifest in Christ's earthly ministry when He commanded the wind and waves, and "they obeyed him" (Mark 4:39-41), demonstrating His dominion over the very elements that respond to the Father in Psalms 104:32. This same power is evident in His miracles, such as healing the sick with a touch (Matthew 8:3) and casting out demons with a word (Matthew 8:16). Ultimately, the power that causes creation to tremble before God is the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20), overcoming the chaos of sin and death, and promises a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1). Thus, Psalms 104:32 points to the majestic power of God, fully embodied and revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the sovereign Lord of all creation and the author of our salvation.