Psalms 105:7

KJV

He [is] the LORD our God: his judgments [are] in all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

He is the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}: his judgments {H4941} are in all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he is ADONAI our God! His rulings are everywhere on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

He is the LORD our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth.

American Standard Version

He is Jehovah our God: His judgments are in all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 105:7 serves as a pivotal declaration within a historical psalm, asserting the dual nature of God as both the intimately personal covenant Lord of Israel and the universally sovereign ruler whose righteous decrees and governance extend over all the earth. This verse anchors the psalm's recounting of God's mighty acts on behalf of His people within the broader framework of His cosmic authority, establishing that the God who faithfully acts in history is also the supreme judge and governor of all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, part of a trilogy (Psalms 104, 105, 106) that reflects on God's character and actions. It begins with an urgent call to worship and remembrance, exhorting the audience to "[give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1 - Call to Worship")" and celebrate God's "marvelous works" and "[his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember His Deeds")". Verse 7 functions as a theological anchor, transitioning from the specific exhortation to praise to a foundational statement about the identity and scope of the God being praised. It broadens the perspective from God's particular dealings with Israel to His universal dominion, providing the cosmic backdrop against which His covenant faithfulness unfolds. This verse precedes the detailed historical recounting of God's covenant with Abraham ("[the covenant which he made with Abraham](/psalms/105-9 "Psalm 105:9 - God's Covenant with Abraham")") and His guidance of Israel through the Exodus and wilderness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a period of national worship, possibly post-exilic, as it recounts Israel's history from Abraham to the settlement in Canaan. The assertion of Yahweh's universal sovereignty ("[his judgments are in all the earth](/psalms/105-7 "Psalm 105:7 - God's Universal Judgments")") would have been crucial in a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, where nations typically worshipped local or national deities. This declaration distinguishes Israel's God from the pantheons of surrounding cultures, emphasizing His singular, unparalleled authority over all peoples and lands, not just Israel. It reinforces the unique monotheism of Israel's faith against the backdrop of prevailing pagan beliefs and the challenges of exile and foreign domination, reminding Israel of the true nature of the God they serve.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Psalm 105 and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the **Sovereignty of God**, asserting that the God of Israel is not confined to a specific territory but rules over all creation. This is intrinsically linked to **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's universal judgments ensure the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham and his descendants, despite their trials. The theme of **Divine Justice and Governance** is also prominent, as "judgments" (*mishpatim*) signify God's righteous administration of the world, ensuring that His moral order ultimately prevails. Finally, the verse undergirds the theme of **God's Uniqueness and Supremacy**, contrasting Yahweh with all other supposed deities by declaring His absolute and universal authority, echoing the fundamental truth of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred, unpronounceable covenant name of God, often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and especially His personal, relational, and unchanging faithfulness in covenant with His people, Israel. Its presence here emphasizes the intimate bond between the universal sovereign and His chosen nation.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾĔlōhîm'_):** A more general, yet powerful, Hebrew term for God, often highlighting His majesty, power, and role as Creator and supreme ruler. The combination "the LORD our God" (YHWH ʾĔlōhîm) beautifully marries God's intimate covenant relationship with His overarching universal power and authority, presenting Him as both personal and transcendent.
* **judgments (Hebrew, _mišpāṭîm'_):** This term is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere judicial decisions or punitive sentences. It encompasses God's righteous decrees, ordinances, laws, acts of governance, and the administration of justice. It speaks to God's active, just, and orderly rule over all things, implying that His divine will and moral order are universally applied and ultimately enforced across all nations and peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He is the LORD our God":** This initial clause establishes the identity of the subject of the psalm's praise and historical recounting. "He" points back to the God whose "wonders" and "judgments" were just mentioned. The combination "the LORD our God" (YHWH ʾĔlōhîm) is a powerful confessional statement. "LORD" (YHWH) signifies His covenant name, emphasizing His personal, faithful relationship with Israel. "Our God" deepens this intimacy, affirming Israel's unique relationship with the Creator of the universe. It declares that the transcendent, all-powerful God has chosen to enter into a particular, exclusive covenant bond with them.
* **"his judgments are in all the earth":** This second clause expands the scope of God's dominion from the particular (Israel) to the universal (all the earth). The term "judgments" (*mišpāṭîm*) here refers to God's righteous decrees, laws, and the active administration of His justice and governance. It asserts that God's authority, moral order, and sovereign rule are not confined to Israel or any specific geographical location but extend universally over every nation, people, and corner of the globe. This implies His ultimate control, wisdom, and righteousness in governing all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate placement of "the LORD our God" (personal, particular) with "his judgments are in all the earth" (universal, cosmic), highlighting the paradox of God's intimate covenant relationship with Israel alongside His boundless, universal sovereignty. This creates a profound sense of both security and awe. **Merism** can be subtly observed in "all the earth," which signifies the totality of creation, implying that no place or people is outside God's jurisdiction. The verse also functions as a concise **Confession of Faith**, summarizing core theological truths about God's identity and dominion in a declarative statement. Its declarative nature lends it an air of **Authority** and absolute truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 105:7 is a foundational theological statement, bridging God's particular covenant relationship with Israel and His universal sovereignty over all creation. It asserts that the God who chose Abraham and delivered Israel from Egypt is not a local deity but the supreme, righteous ruler of the cosmos. This dual truth provides immense comfort and assurance: the God who knows us intimately is also the One who holds ultimate control over global events and ensures that justice will prevail. It challenges any notion of a limited God and underscores the comprehensive scope of His divine plan for redemption and governance, reminding us that His character and purposes are immutable and extend to every corner of existence.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: God's Unity")
* [Psalm 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalm 96:10 - The LORD Reigns")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 105:7 invites believers into a deeper understanding of God's character, fostering both intimate trust and profound reverence. Knowing that "He is the LORD our God" reminds us of the personal, faithful, and covenantal relationship we share with Him through Christ. This truth anchors our identity and security in His unwavering love, providing a deep sense of belonging and divine care. Simultaneously, the declaration that "his judgments are in all the earth" assures us that our God is not overwhelmed by the chaos, injustice, or suffering we witness globally. He remains sovereign, His righteous decrees are active, and His ultimate justice will prevail. This should inspire us to live with confidence, knowing that His purposes will be fulfilled, and to align our lives with His universal moral order. It calls us to participate in His redemptive work, trusting that every act of justice and compassion we undertake is ultimately rooted in His cosmic governance and will contribute to the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as both "our God" and the God whose "judgments are in all the earth" shape your personal prayer life and your view of global events?**
* **In what ways does the universal sovereignty of God provide comfort or challenge in your daily life, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable difficulties or injustices?**
* **How might acknowledging God's "judgments" (His righteous rule and decrees) impact your commitment to justice and righteousness in your own sphere of influence, whether in your family, community, or workplace?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgments" mean in this context, and why is it significant that they are "in all the earth"?**

Answer: In Psalms 105:7, "judgments" (Hebrew: *mišpāṭîm*) refers not just to punitive legal decisions, but broadly to God's righteous decrees, ordinances, laws, and the active administration of His justice and governance. It encompasses His moral order and the way He rules the world. The significance of these judgments being "in all the earth" is profound: it declares God's universal sovereignty. Unlike local deities worshipped by other nations, Israel's God, Yahweh, is the supreme authority over every nation, people, and corner of the globe. This means His moral law and divine will are universally applicable, and His justice will ultimately prevail everywhere, ensuring that no part of creation is outside His jurisdiction or beyond the reach of His perfect rule. This truth provides a basis for trusting in God's ultimate control and righteousness, as seen in passages like [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - He Comes to Judge the Earth"), which speaks of His coming to judge the world with righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 105:7, with its declaration of God as "the LORD our God" whose "judgments are in all the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of "the LORD our God," the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God entered into the most intimate covenant relationship with humanity, becoming "[Emmanuel, God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")". As the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's character and fulfills the covenant promises made to Abraham, establishing a new covenant in His blood. Furthermore, Christ is the One through whom God's "judgments are in all the earth." He is the [appointed judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ, the Appointed Judge"), to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"). His death on the cross and resurrection demonstrate God's ultimate justice against sin and His power to bring about redemption for all nations. Thus, the universal reign and righteous governance declared in Psalm 105:7 are not abstract concepts but are concretely realized in the global mission and future return of Christ, who will finally establish God's perfect kingdom and execute His righteous judgments over all the earth, as promised in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord").

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

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Deuteronomy 26:17

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

Deuteronomy 26:18

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments;

Psalms 48:10

According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Psalms 48:11

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

Deuteronomy 29:10

¶ Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, [with] all the men of Israel,

Deuteronomy 29:15

But with [him] that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with [him] that [is] not here with us this day: