Psalms 135:6

KJV

Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whatsoever the LORD {H3068} pleased {H2654}, that did {H6213} he in heaven {H8064}, and in earth {H776}, in the seas {H3220}, and all deep places {H8415}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI does whatever pleases him, in heaven, on earth, in the seas, in all the depths.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths.

American Standard Version

Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:6 serves as a profound declaration of God's absolute and universal sovereignty, asserting that His divine will is perfectly executed across all realms of existence. From the celestial heavens to the terrestrial earth, and encompassing the vastness of the seas and their hidden depths, the Lord's pleasure is infallibly accomplished. This verse underscores God's omnipotence and omnipresence, establishing Him as the supreme Creator and Controller over all creation, whose purposes are never thwarted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise, calling God's servants to worship Him for His greatness, His distinction from idols, and His mighty acts in Israel's history. It is part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118 or 135-136 depending on tradition), often sung during festivals. This particular verse, Psalms 135:6, transitions from recounting specific historical interventions (like the Exodus in [Psalms 135:8-9](/psalms/135-8-9 "Psalms 135:8-9 - God's Plagues in Egypt")) to a broader, foundational theological statement about God's universal dominion. It functions as a theological anchor, explaining *why* God could perform such historical deeds – because His power is boundless and His will is unopposed in every sphere. It sets the stage for the contrast with lifeless idols presented later in [Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for temple worship, Psalm 135 reflects the post-exilic period or a time when Israel was surrounded by pagan nations. The emphasis on God's unique power and control over all creation stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures, which often assigned different deities to specific natural phenomena (e.g., a god of the sea, a god of the sky). In this context, the declaration that "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" was a powerful affirmation of Yahweh's singularity and supremacy over all purported gods and natural forces. It served to strengthen the faith of the Israelites, reminding them that their God was not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign Lord of the entire cosmos, who had demonstrated His power in their history and continued to rule over all things.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, asserting that His will is supreme and perfectly accomplished without hindrance. This divine control is comprehensive and irresistible, echoing sentiments found in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Universal Dominion**, demonstrating that God's authority extends over every conceivable realm—celestial, terrestrial, and aquatic—underscoring His role as the ultimate [Creator and Sustainer of all things](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - The Creation Account"). Thirdly, within the broader context of Psalm 135, it implicitly draws a sharp **Contrast with Idols**, which are depicted as powerless and inert in [Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - Idols Are Lifeless"). The God of Israel is presented as the living, active, and all-powerful Lord, whose purposes are always brought to fruition, unlike the impotent deities worshipped by other nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as Yahweh or Jehovah. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who revealed Himself to Israel. In this context, using "LORD" emphasizes that it is the personal, relational God of Israel who possesses this absolute sovereignty, not a generic deity. His actions are rooted in His unchanging character and divine will.
* **pleased (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** This primitive root means "to incline to," "to be pleased with," or "to desire." It implies a deliberate, intentional, and often joyful choice or purpose. It is not merely a passive allowance but an active delight in bringing something about. When the LORD "pleased," it signifies His sovereign, purposeful, and unconstrained will, indicating that His actions are not compelled by external forces but spring from His own perfect counsel and desire.
* **did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This is a very broad and common verb meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense and application. Here, it signifies the execution or accomplishment of God's will. The juxtaposition of "pleased" (_châphêts_) and "did" (_ʻâsâh_) powerfully conveys that God's desires are not merely wishes but are unfailingly translated into action and reality. What He wills, He performs.
* **deep places (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** This term refers to an abyss, a surging mass of water, or the main sea/subterranean watersupply. It often evokes the primordial, chaotic waters that God organized during creation (as seen in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep")). Its inclusion here signifies God's dominion over even the most hidden, mysterious, and potentially chaotic elements of creation, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of His control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whatsoever the LORD pleased":** This opening clause establishes the ultimate source and authority of all action: the sovereign will of Yahweh. It emphasizes that God's actions are not arbitrary or reactive, but are rooted in His deliberate, intentional, and perfect pleasure. His desires are the blueprint for reality.
* **"that did he in heaven, and in earth":** This phrase declares the execution of God's pleasure across the two primary realms of creation: the celestial (heaven) and the terrestrial (earth). It speaks to His dominion over both the visible and invisible, the spiritual and the physical, encompassing all that exists above and below. This highlights His role as the Creator and Sustainer of the entire cosmos.
* **"in the seas, and all deep places":** This final clause extends God's dominion to the vast, often mysterious, and powerful aquatic realms. "Seas" refers to the known oceans and large bodies of water, while "deep places" (Hebrew _tᵉhôwm_) refers to the abyssal depths, subterranean waters, or even the primordial deep. This inclusion demonstrates that no part of creation, no matter how hidden, vast, or seemingly uncontrollable, is outside the scope of God's absolute power and authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey God's absolute sovereignty. The most prominent is **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole. "Heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" is a merism that signifies the totality of creation—every conceivable realm from the highest heavens to the deepest abyss. This emphasizes the comprehensive and boundless extent of God's dominion. There is also an implied **Contrast** with the impotent idols mentioned later in the Psalm; by declaring God's active and universal power, the psalmist implicitly highlights the futility of worshipping anything else. Furthermore, the phrase "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he" uses **Parallelism** and **Emphasis** to underscore the direct and unfailing connection between God's will and its accomplishment, reinforcing the theme of His irresistible sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:6 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty. It asserts that God's will is not merely a suggestion but an effective decree that shapes all reality. This truth provides immense comfort and a foundation for trust, knowing that no event, no circumstance, and no power can ultimately thwart God's ultimate purposes. It affirms that God is not a passive observer but the active orchestrator of history and creation, working all things according to the counsel of His own will. This understanding elevates our worship, recognizing Him as the supreme authority worthy of all praise and submission, whose control extends to every atom and every moment.

* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms") - "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God's Purpose in Christ") - "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."
* [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - God's Unthwartable Plans") - "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 135:6 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to worship for believers today. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly random events, this verse reminds us that there is a divine hand at work, meticulously executing a perfect plan. Knowing that "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he" means that even in our personal struggles, the global crises we face, or the unexplainable circumstances of life, God remains in absolute control. This truth invites us to surrender our anxieties, to trust in His unfailing providence, and to rest in the assurance that His purposes, though sometimes mysterious to us, are always good and ultimately accomplished. It cultivates a spirit of humility and reverence, prompting us to align our wills with His, understanding that His dominion is boundless and His power is limitless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's absolute sovereignty, as declared in Psalms 135:6, impact your sense of peace and security in uncertain times?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's "pleasure" or His "doing"? How might meditating on this verse help you surrender those areas to Him?**
* **How does understanding God's universal dominion over "heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" deepen your worship and reverence for Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "deep places" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 135:6, "deep places" (Hebrew _tᵉhôwm_) refers to the abyssal depths of the sea, subterranean waters, or even the primordial deep mentioned in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep"). It signifies the most hidden, mysterious, and powerful elements of creation, emphasizing that God's dominion is not limited to the visible or accessible but extends to every conceivable part of the cosmos, even those beyond human comprehension or reach.

**Does God's absolute sovereignty negate human free will?**

Answer: The Bible affirms both God's absolute sovereignty and human responsibility. While Psalms 135:6 powerfully declares that God's will is perfectly accomplished across all creation, it focuses on His ultimate control over all things, not on the mechanism of human choice. Theologians have debated the relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will for centuries. Many perspectives exist, but generally, it is understood that God's sovereign plan incorporates and works through the choices of His creatures, rather than negating them. His will is supreme, and His purposes are fulfilled, even as humans make genuine choices within the framework of His divine decree.

**How does this verse contrast the God of Israel with other gods or idols?**

Answer: Within the broader context of Psalm 135, this verse serves as a direct contrast to the lifeless and powerless idols described later in [Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols"). Pagan deities were often confined to specific domains or were believed to be subject to other forces. In contrast, Psalms 135:6 declares that the LORD, the God of Israel, is not limited by any realm or power. His will is universally effective, encompassing "heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places." This highlights His uniqueness as the living, active, and omnipotent Creator and Ruler of all, demonstrating the futility of worshipping anything else.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:6, with its declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the perfect execution of His will across all creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very agent through whom God's pleasure was accomplished in creation, for "all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")). The cosmic dominion described in this Psalm is perfectly embodied in Christ, "for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly "did" the will of the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), demonstrating that God's ultimate pleasure—the redemption of humanity—was accomplished through His obedient Son. Thus, the sovereign will of God, declared in Psalms 135:6, is not an abstract concept but a living reality powerfully displayed in the person and work of Jesus, who upholds all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")).

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

Psalms 115:3

But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Psalms 33:9

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

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.