Psalms 104:5

[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

Who laid {H3245} the foundations {H4349} of the earth {H776}, that it should not be removed {H4131} for ever {H5769}{H5703}.

You fixed the earth on its foundations, never to be moved.

He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved.

Who laid the foundations of the earth, That it should not be moved for ever.

Commentary

Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn celebrating God as the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all things, echoing the grand narrative of Genesis 1. Verse 5 specifically highlights God's foundational work in establishing the earth, emphasizing its divine design and enduring stability.

Context

This verse is part of a grand poetic description of creation, where the psalmist praises God for His wisdom and majesty displayed in the natural world. Psalms 104 moves through various aspects of creation—from the heavens and waters to the mountains, valleys, plants, animals, and the cycles of nature—all sustained by God's continuous providence. Verse 5 serves as a foundational statement, asserting God's initial act of establishing the earth itself.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omnipotence and Wisdom in Creation: The phrase "Who laid the foundations of the earth" underscores God's unparalleled power and intricate design in establishing the world. He is presented as the ultimate architect, not merely forming but *founding* the earth upon a secure base. This speaks to a deliberate, intentional act of creation by an all-wise God.
  • The Earth's Enduring Stability: The declaration "that it should not be removed for ever" speaks to the incredible permanence and resilience of God's creation. Despite natural phenomena or human activity, the earth, by divine decree, remains stable and firm in its appointed place. This stability is a profound testament to God's ongoing providential care that upholds all things.
  • God's Sustaining Providence: While speaking of initial creation, the verse also implies God's continuous preservation of the earth. The stability is not inherent to the earth itself but is maintained by the will and power of its Creator.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "foundations" (yesodah) denotes a firm, established base, reinforcing the idea of a securely built structure. It speaks of something laid down with purpose and strength.
  • "Removed" comes from the Hebrew mot, which means to totter, shake, or slip. The verse assures us that the earth will not be shaken from its place or slip into chaos.
  • "For ever" (olam) implies perpetuity or eternity, signifying the enduring nature of God's creative work and His covenant with creation, ensuring its steadfastness through generations.

Practical Application

This verse invites us to marvel at God's incredible power and wisdom. It fosters a sense of awe and worship for the One who established our world with such precision and stability. In a world that often feels unstable or uncertain, the unchanging stability of the earth, anchored by God's decree, offers profound comfort and a basis for trust. It reminds us that our Creator is faithful and reliable, not only in the grand cosmic design but also in our personal lives. We can rest in the assurance that the God who laid the earth's foundations is also the one who is the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, and He holds all things, including our lives, securely in His hands.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 26:7

    He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, [and] hangeth the earth upon nothing.

  • Psalms 24:2

    For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

  • Psalms 33:9

    For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

  • Psalms 96:10

    ¶ Say among the heathen [that] the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • Psalms 136:6

    To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
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