Psalms 104:9

KJV

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast set {H7760} a bound {H1366} that they may not pass over {H5674}; that they turn not again {H7725} to cover {H3680} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You determined a boundary they could not cross; they were never to cover the earth again.

Berean Standard Bible

You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth.

American Standard Version

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; That they turn not again to cover the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:9 stands as a profound testament to God's enduring sovereignty and meticulous wisdom in creation. It declares the divine establishment of immutable boundaries for the world's vast waters, preventing them from overwhelming the dry land as they once threatened to do. This verse not only celebrates God's immense power in ordaining the natural order but also offers a deep assurance of His faithfulness in sustaining the earth's stability, echoing His covenantal promises and providing a foundation for trust in His ongoing care for creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating God as the majestic Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It closely parallels the [creation account in Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), detailing God's work from forming the heavens and light (verses 1-4) to establishing the earth and seas (verses 5-9), and then providing for all living creatures and vegetation (verses 10-18). Verse 9 specifically reflects the third day of creation, when God gathered the waters into seas and made the dry land appear, as described in [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Genesis 1:9-10 - Separation of Waters and Dry Land"). It serves as a climax to the initial creative acts concerning the earth's formation, emphasizing the permanence of the divine order established at creation and setting the stage for the flourishing of life that follows in the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water, particularly the sea, was often viewed as a chaotic, untamable, and even threatening force. Many creation myths depicted a struggle between a divine being and primordial waters or sea monsters, where order was achieved through conflict. Against this backdrop, the psalmist's declaration in [Psalms 104:9](/psalms/104-9 "Psalms 104:9 - God's Boundaries for the Sea") is a powerful assertion of Yahweh's absolute and effortless control over these forces. He does not struggle with chaos but simply commands it into submission, setting fixed limits by divine decree. This also implicitly alludes to the memory of the Great Flood, where waters *did* cover the earth, making the divine promise of "never again" (cf. [Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "Genesis 9:11 - God's Covenant with Noah")) particularly poignant and reassuring to a people familiar with the power of uncontrolled water.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Control**, demonstrating His absolute authority over the forces of nature, particularly the vast and often chaotic oceans. He is not merely a creator but an active sustainer who maintains perfect order. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Order and Boundaries**, illustrating that God established fixed laws and limits for the natural world, ensuring its stability and preventing a chaotic return to a watery abyss. This speaks to God's profound wisdom in designing and governing creation, a wisdom present from the very beginning (cf. [Proverbs 8:29](/proverbs/8-29 "Proverbs 8:29 - Wisdom's Role in Setting Boundaries")). Lastly, the phrase "that they turn not again to cover the earth" provides profound assurance of the **Stability and Preservation of the Earth**, echoing God's covenant with Noah (cf. [Genesis 9:15](/genesis/9-15 "Genesis 9:15 - God's Covenant to Never Again Flood the Earth")), reinforcing His faithfulness to His creation, and promising that the earth will endure as long as He wills.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bound (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** From the root meaning "to twist" or "cord," this word (H1366) properly refers to a cord used for measuring, and by implication, a boundary or limit. It can also denote the territory enclosed by such a boundary. In Psalms 104:9, "bound" emphasizes a fixed, unalterable demarcation—a divinely ordained, permanent separation and control over the seas. This term reinforces the idea of a precise, intentional design rather than a haphazard arrangement, signifying a deliberate act of divine ordering that cannot be violated.
* **Pass over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This primitive root (H5674) means "to cross over," "transgress," or "go beyond." It is used very widely to describe any transition, literal or figurative. In this context, it highlights the absolute nature of the divine command. The waters are not merely contained; they are forbidden to *transgress* the established line, emphasizing God's active and unwavering enforcement of His decree. The implication is that the waters, if left to their own devices, might attempt to "pass over," but they are utterly restrained by divine power.
* **Cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This primitive root (H3680) means "to cover," "conceal," or "overwhelm." It implies a complete submergence or hiding. Its use in this verse evokes the imagery of a return to the primordial watery chaos before the dry land appeared (cf. [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Waters")) or, more specifically, the devastating universal flood of Noah's time (cf. [Genesis 7:19](/genesis/7-19 "Genesis 7:19 - The Waters Covered the Mountains")). The divinely established "bound" serves as a guarantee against such a catastrophic re-submergence, powerfully underscoring God's protective and sustaining power over His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over;":** This initial clause powerfully declares God's active and deliberate establishment of limits for the waters. The "Thou" refers directly to God, emphasizing His personal involvement, omnipotence, and intentionality in creation. The "bound" is a physical and metaphorical barrier, a divine decree that restricts the expansion of the seas. The phrase "that they may not pass over" signifies the unyielding nature of this divine ordinance, highlighting God's absolute authority over the natural elements. It is not a suggestion but an inviolable command, ensuring the permanent separation of water and dry land.
* **"that they turn not again to cover the earth.":** This second clause reveals the purpose and consequence of the established boundary. The waters are prevented from returning to their former state of covering the entire dry land, as they did during the primordial chaos before the dry land appeared (cf. [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Waters")) or, more explicitly, during the Great Flood (cf. [Genesis 7:19](/genesis/7-19 "Genesis 7:19 - The Waters Covered the Mountains")). This statement provides profound assurance of the earth's stability and God's faithfulness to His creation, reinforcing His promise never again to destroy all life by a universal flood, thereby guaranteeing the continuity of life on earth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Fiat** is central, as God's will is presented as the sole and sufficient cause for the natural order. The act of "setting a bound" is a direct, authoritative command that brings order out of potential chaos. There is an implicit **Personification** of the waters, as they are described as having the capacity to "pass over" or "turn again," suggesting a will or inclination that is nevertheless subject to divine control. The phrase "that they turn not again to cover the earth" serves as a powerful **Allusion** to the primordial state of the earth described in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Over the Waters") and, more strongly, to the Great Flood narrative in [Genesis 7](/genesis/7 "Genesis 7 - The Great Flood"), where the waters *did* cover the earth. This allusion underscores the permanence of God's post-Flood covenant and His ongoing maintenance of creation. The entire verse functions as a declaration of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute and unchallenged rule over the natural world, ensuring its stability and habitability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:9 is a cornerstone for understanding God's active role as both Creator and Sustainer. It articulates a fundamental theological truth: the universe is not a product of random chance or an autonomous system, but a divinely ordered cosmos held in precise balance by the will of an omnipotent God. This divine ordering is not merely a historical event from creation but an ongoing act of preservation. The "bound" represents God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His creation, ensuring its continued existence and habitability. It speaks to a God who is both powerful enough to command the most formidable forces of nature and loving enough to maintain a stable environment for life to flourish. This profound truth invites awe and trust, reminding humanity that even in the face of seemingly overwhelming natural forces, there is a divine hand that sets the limits and ensures ultimate control.

* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God Questions Job About the Sea's Boundaries")
* [Proverbs 8:29](/proverbs/8-29 "Proverbs 8:29 - Wisdom Present at Creation's Decrees")
* [Jeremiah 5:22](/jeremiah/5-22 "Jeremiah 5:22 - God's Decree for the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:9 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to worship. In a world that often feels chaotic, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming, this verse reminds us of God's unwavering control and His faithfulness to His creation. Just as He sets immutable bounds for the mighty oceans, preventing them from engulfing the dry land, so too does He establish order and limits in our lives and in the broader sweep of history. This understanding encourages believers to trust in His divine order, knowing that even the most powerful natural forces, and indeed the most challenging circumstances we face, are ultimately subject to His will and His sovereign purposes. It inspires awe for the Creator who holds all things in His hands, fostering confidence in His ability to sustain and govern all aspects of our lives, just as He controls the mighty seas. This trust can bring deep peace amidst uncertainty, transforming anxiety into worship and fear into faith, and empowering us to live with assurance in His providential care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God setting "bounds" for the sea challenge our understanding of chaos and control in the world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "bounds" or His sovereign control more deeply, particularly when circumstances feel overwhelming?**
* **How does the assurance of God's faithfulness in sustaining creation impact your sense of security and hope for the future, both personally and globally?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater awe and worship of the Creator who holds all things in His hands, acknowledging His limits and provisions?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that natural disasters like tsunamis or floods are not part of God's control?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that natural disasters are outside of God's control. Rather, it emphasizes God's *ultimate* and *foundational* control over the vast forces of nature, ensuring the basic stability and habitability of the earth. While God has set a general "bound" for the oceans, specific localized floods or tsunamis, though devastating, are still within the broader framework of a world under His sovereign rule. The Bible often portrays natural phenomena, including storms and floods, as instruments that God can use for various purposes, whether as judgment, a call to repentance, or simply as part of the natural processes of a fallen world. The "bound" in [Psalms 104:9](/psalms/104-9 "Psalms 104:9 - God's Boundaries for the Sea") refers to the permanent separation of land and sea, ensuring the earth is not *again* covered universally as in the time of Noah's flood, a promise reiterated in [Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "Genesis 9:11 - God's Covenant with Noah"). God's sovereignty is comprehensive, encompassing both the general order and specific events within it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:9, with its declaration of God's sovereign control over the chaotic waters, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, He is not merely a participant in creation but the very agent through whom all things were made, including the setting of these cosmic "bounds" (cf. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created By Him and For Him")). The divine power that established the limits of the sea is visibly manifest in Christ's earthly ministry when He commanded the raging storm, saying, "Peace, be still!" and immediately, "the wind ceased and there was a great calm" ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miracle is a direct demonstration that the Creator's authority over the elements, celebrated in [Psalms 104:9](/psalms/104-9 "Psalms 104:9 - God's Boundaries for the Sea"), resides fully in Him. Furthermore, Christ's ongoing work of upholding the universe "by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")) ensures that the "bound" remains, testifying to His continuous sustenance of creation. Ultimately, Christ's redemptive work extends beyond merely controlling the natural world; He is bringing all things, including the creation itself, into a new and perfect order, culminating in a new heavens and new earth where there will be no more sea, signifying the complete triumph over all chaos and the establishment of God's eternal dwelling with humanity ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 38:10

And brake up for it my decreed [place], and set bars and doors,

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Genesis 9:11

And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

Genesis 9:15

And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Job 26:10

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

Isaiah 54:9

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.