Psalms 135:7

KJV

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

KJV (with Strong's)

He causeth the vapours {H5387} to ascend {H5927} from the ends {H7097} of the earth {H776}; he maketh {H6213} lightnings {H1300} for the rain {H4306}; he bringeth {H3318} the wind {H7307} out of his treasuries {H214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He raises clouds from the ends of the earth, he makes the lightning flash in the rain and brings the wind out from his storehouses.

Berean Standard Bible

He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

American Standard Version

Who causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; Who maketh lightnings for the rain; Who bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:7 is a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute and meticulous control over the natural world, particularly atmospheric phenomena. It portrays God not merely as a distant creator, but as the active orchestrator of the water cycle, storm systems, and wind patterns, demonstrating His unparalleled power, wisdom, and sovereign dominion over all creation. This verse serves as a powerful testament to His unique greatness, distinguishing Him from lifeless idols and providing a solid foundation for worship and trust in His ongoing providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 135 is a hymn of praise, opening with a fervent call for God's servants to praise the Lord. It forms part of a larger collection of psalms (Psalms 135-136) that collectively emphasize God's sovereignty, His mighty acts in history, and His incomparable nature, sharply contrasted with the impotence of human-made idols. Specifically, verses 5-7 mark a crucial transition from recounting God's historical acts (such as the Exodus and the conquest of nations in verses 8-12) to extolling His supremacy over creation. Verse 5 lays the theological groundwork, declaring, "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods," setting the stage for the subsequent demonstration of this greatness in the natural realm. Verse 6 further asserts His cosmic authority, stating, "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places." Psalms 135:7 then provides concrete examples of this universal control, detailing His specific orchestration of weather patterns, thereby reinforcing the psalmist's foundational assertion of God's unmatched power and authority. This immediate context underscores that God's control over nature is a direct manifestation of His divine will and omnipotence, inviting awe and worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a period when ancient Israel was surrounded by nations that worshipped various deities associated with natural forces. For instance, Baal was the prominent Canaanite storm god, believed to control rain, thunder, and fertility. In this polytheistic environment, the psalmist's emphatic declaration of Yahweh's sole and absolute control over rain, lightning, and wind served as a powerful polemic against these pagan beliefs. Unlike the unpredictable, often capricious, and limited gods of the surrounding cultures, the God of Israel is presented as the deliberate, orderly, and singular master of all creation. The phrase "ends of the earth" (H7097) would have evoked the vastness of the known world, emphasizing the universal scope of God's dominion, not merely a localized or tribal influence. The concept of "treasuries" (H214) for wind or rain was a common ancient Near Eastern motif, where deities were thought to store and release these elements. However, here it is uniquely attributed to Yahweh, stripping other deities of any claim to such power and affirming that these vital elements for life are under His direct, intentional, and sovereign management, not subject to the whims of lesser gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Nature**, asserting that God is not merely the initial Creator but the ongoing Sustainer and active controller of all natural processes. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the initial [creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to later prophetic declarations of God's power over elements, as seen in [Jeremiah 10:13](/jeremiah/10-13 "Jeremiah 10:13 - God's Power Over Nature"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Omnipotence and Majesty**, demonstrating His immense power through His command over vast and often unpredictable forces like storms and wind. This evokes a profound sense of awe and worship, as seen in [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"), which vividly describes the majesty of God's voice in a thunderstorm. Lastly, the verse implicitly points to **God as the Provider and Sustainer of Life**. The vapours, lightning, and rain are integral to the water cycle, which is essential for agricultural fertility and human survival. By orchestrating these, God demonstrates His providential care for His creation, ensuring the conditions necessary for life, a theme beautifully elaborated in [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Care for Creation"), which depicts God's meticulous provision for all living things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vapours (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ_):** From H5387, this word refers to a "rising mist" or "cloud." In this context, it specifically denotes the moisture that ascends from the earth, forming clouds, which is the initial stage of the atmospheric water cycle. The use of this term emphasizes the subtle yet fundamental beginning of the process that culminates in rain, all under God's direct initiation and control. It highlights His involvement in even the most minute and foundational aspects of natural phenomena.
* **lightnings (Hebrew, _bârâq_):** From H1300, this term signifies "lightning" or a "gleam." It highlights the dramatic, powerful, and often awe-inspiring manifestation of God's control over meteorological phenomena. The psalmist specifically notes that God "maketh lightnings for the rain," implying a purposeful, ordered connection between these powerful flashes and the life-giving precipitation that follows, rather than a random or chaotic occurrence. This phrase suggests divine design in what might otherwise appear as destructive forces.
* **treasuries (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr_):** From H214, this word denotes a "depository," "storehouse," or "treasure-house." Applied to the wind, it conveys the imagery of God having an inexhaustible reserve of wind, which He releases and directs at His sovereign will. This metaphor emphasizes God's complete control, suggesting a deliberate and controlled deployment of these forces, rather than a chaotic or accidental event. It underscores His limitless power and resources in governing the natural world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth":** This clause describes the initial phase of the hydrological cycle, attributing the evaporation and ascent of moisture from the entire globe directly to God's agency. It emphasizes His universal reach and intricate involvement in the foundational processes that sustain life, highlighting that even the unseen and subtle movements of nature are under His meticulous command. This demonstrates His omnipresence and continuous activity throughout creation.
* **"he maketh lightnings for the rain":** This phrase reveals God's purposeful orchestration of powerful atmospheric events. Lightning, often perceived as destructive or random, is here presented as a divinely appointed precursor or accompaniment to life-giving rain. This suggests a designed order in what might appear chaotic, where even the most dramatic displays of power serve a benevolent purpose in God's grand design for His creation, ensuring the conditions necessary for flourishing life.
* **"he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries":** This final clause employs vivid imagery to convey God's absolute control over the wind. The "treasuries" metaphor implies a limitless supply and a deliberate, intentional release of wind, whether for gentle breezes or mighty storms. It underscores that the wind, a force often associated with unpredictability and untamable power, is entirely subject to God's will, emerging from His divine storehouses at His command, reinforcing His ultimate authority over all natural forces.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:7 is rich in **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of natural phenomena under divine control. The "vapours ascending," "lightnings for the rain," and "wind out of his treasuries" all create strong mental images that convey God's power and active involvement in the daily operations of the world. **Personification** is also evident, as God is presented as an active agent who "causeth," "maketh," and "bringeth," attributing human-like actions of intentionality, purpose, and control to the divine being. The phrase "out of his treasuries" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing God's command over the wind to a king or wealthy individual dispensing resources from a well-stocked storehouse. This metaphor emphasizes God's inexhaustible supply and sovereign distribution of natural forces, reinforcing His ultimate authority, wisdom, and the deliberate nature of His governance over creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of divine providence, asserting that God's involvement in creation extends far beyond its initial formation to its ongoing sustenance and meticulous governance. It portrays God as intimately engaged with the natural world, not as a deistic clockmaker who sets the universe in motion and then withdraws, but as an active, moment-by-moment orchestrator of its most fundamental processes. This active providence means that nothing in creation, from the smallest mist to the mightiest storm, operates outside of His sovereign will and purpose. The theological implication is that believers can trust in a God who is not only powerful enough to create but also intimately involved enough to sustain and direct all things for His glory and the good of His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and unwavering care.

* [Job 37:3](/job/37-3 "Job 37:3 - God's Control Over Lightning")
* [Amos 4:7](/amos/4-7 "Amos 4:7 - God Withholds Rain")
* [Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 135:7 invites us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and worship in the face of God's majestic control over creation. In a world increasingly prone to secular explanations for natural phenomena, this verse serves as a vital reminder that behind every weather pattern, every drop of rain, and every gust of wind, stands the sovereign hand of God. This understanding should not diminish our appreciation for scientific discovery but rather deepen our wonder at the intricate design and continuous operation of the universe, all orchestrated by a divine intelligence. Recognizing God's meticulous control over forces far greater than ourselves should foster a deep trust in His ability to govern our lives, providing for our needs, protecting us from harm, and directing our paths. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the ultimate orchestrator, finding peace and security in His unfailing providence, even amidst life's most turbulent storms, knowing that His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's control over natural phenomena impact your sense of trust and security in His providence over your own life?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's sovereignty in creation deepen your worship and awe of Him?**
* **How might this verse challenge a purely naturalistic worldview, and what implications does that have for sharing your faith with others?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply God directly controls every single weather event, or is it more of a general statement about His power?**

Answer: This verse strongly implies God's direct and specific control over weather events. The language "He causeth," "he maketh," and "he bringeth" uses active verbs, indicating His direct agency in the ascent of vapours, the formation of lightning for rain, and the release of wind from His "treasuries." While God often works through the natural laws He established at creation, this psalm emphasizes His immediate and personal involvement in these processes. It's not merely a general statement of power but a detailed affirmation of His active governance over the specific elements of weather, demonstrating that nothing in creation operates outside of His sovereign will. This perspective is consistent with other biblical passages that show God's direct intervention in weather, such as Him sending rain or drought (e.g., [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Predicts Drought")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Son of God, Jesus is not merely an agent of God's power but is Himself the very embodiment of the divine sovereignty over creation described in this psalm. The New Testament reveals that "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 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). This means that the "vapours," "lightnings," and "wind" mentioned in Psalms 135:7 are not only under the Father's control but are actively sustained and directed by Christ Himself. We see this demonstrated powerfully in His earthly ministry when He commanded the wind and the waves, and they obeyed Him, causing His disciples to marvel, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" ([Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miracle is a direct manifestation of the cosmic power Psalms 135:7 attributes to God. Furthermore, Christ's control over nature is not just a display of raw power but is intrinsically linked to His redemptive purpose. Just as God uses natural phenomena for His purposes (e.g., the plagues in [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Ten Plagues")), Christ's dominion over creation points to His ultimate authority to bring about a new creation, where the curse is reversed and all things are made new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - New Creation")). Thus, Psalms 135:7 is a glorious foreshadowing of the cosmic authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom God's sovereign control over all creation is perfectly revealed and ultimately realized.

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

Jeremiah 10:13

When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Zechariah 10:1

¶ Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Jeremiah 51:16

When he uttereth [his] voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Job 28:25

To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.

Job 28:26

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

Psalms 148:8

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

John 3:8

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.