Psalms 148:6

KJV

He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath also stablished {H5975} them for ever {H5703} and ever {H5769}: he hath made {H5414} a decree {H2706} which shall not pass {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He established them forever and ever; he has given a law to which they must conform.

Berean Standard Bible

He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

American Standard Version

He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 148:6 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the enduring, immutable order He has established throughout the cosmos. As part of a grand, universal call to praise, this verse specifically highlights that the very existence and perpetual operation of the celestial bodies, previously summoned to praise, are not arbitrary but are sustained by God's eternal and unalterable decree. It underscores the reliability and steadfastness of the divine will that governs all creation, providing a foundational reason for the universe's ceaseless adoration of its Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 is a majestic hymn of praise, initiating a universal chorus that calls all of creation to extol the Lord. The psalm is structured in two main movements: verses 1-6 summon the celestial realms—the heavens, sun, moon, stars, and "heavens of heavens"—to praise God, while verses 7-14 extend this call to the earthly realms, including sea creatures, natural phenomena, mountains, trees, animals, and all humanity. Verse 6 serves as the climactic reason for the heavenly bodies' praise, asserting that their enduring presence and precise operation are not inherent but are entirely dependent on God's eternal establishment and unchangeable decree. This verse provides the theological underpinning for the cosmic order, emphasizing that the stability and predictability of the natural world are a direct result of divine command, thereby testifying to God's infinite power and faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, many cultures grappled with the concept of cosmic order, often attributing it to the chaotic struggles of various gods or the cyclical nature of impersonal forces. In stark contrast, the Israelite worldview, as reflected in Psalms 148, presents a singular, sovereign God who, by His deliberate will and spoken word, not only created the heavens and the earth but actively sustains them. This verse would have resonated deeply with a people who observed the consistent cycles of day and night, seasons, and celestial movements, recognizing them not as random occurrences or the whims of multiple deities, but as the direct, reliable outcome of the one true God's immutable decree. This understanding provided both intellectual coherence to their world and a profound basis for trust in their Creator, distinguishing their monotheistic faith from surrounding polytheistic cosmologies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, emphasizing that God is not merely a distant creator but an active, immanent sustainer who governs all things by His absolute will. The celestial bodies, though vast and seemingly independent, are entirely subject to His authority, illustrating the comprehensive scope of His dominion, a truth echoed in the declaration that the Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all in [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereignty Over All"). Secondly, it highlights **Unchanging Order and Stability**, asserting the permanence and reliability of the cosmic order. The phrase "stablished them for ever and ever" points to the immutable nature of God's established laws for creation, providing a foundation of trust and predictability in the universe. This divine order is a consistent theme, underscoring God's faithfulness, as seen in His covenant with day and night, ensuring their consistent return, as found in [Jeremiah 33:25](/jeremiah/33-25 "Jeremiah 33:25 - God's Covenant with Day and Night"). Lastly, the verse powerfully affirms **The Efficacy and Immutability of God's Word**. "He hath made a decree which shall not pass" underscores the absolute power and unchangeable nature of God's spoken word. What God decrees is fixed and cannot be undone or altered, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all creation. This echoes the enduring nature of [God's word as stated in Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Permanence of God's Word"), which declares that while "the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stablished (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, this primitive root means "to stand," "to confirm," or "to establish." In the context of Psalms 148:6, it conveys the idea of God setting something in place with permanence and security. It implies divine intention and power in making the celestial bodies endure, not just creating them, but actively upholding their existence and function through His continuous will. This word emphasizes the lasting, unshakeable nature of God's creative and sustaining work, ensuring they "abide" and "continue" as ordained.
* **decree (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, this term refers to an "enactment," "statute," "ordinance," or an "appointed limit." It is not merely a suggestion or a temporary arrangement, but a fixed, unalterable law or boundary that governs the very existence, movement, and function of the celestial bodies. This "decree" signifies a divine mandate that establishes order and ensures the consistent operation of the cosmos, reflecting God's sovereign authority and meticulous design as a "commandment" or "law."
* **pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this root means "to cross over," "to pass," or "to fail." When coupled with the negative "not pass," it powerfully reinforces the eternal and inviolable nature of God's decree. It means that the divine command cannot be transgressed, undone, or altered; it will not vanish, cease, or be circumvented. This highlights the absolute steadfastness of God's character and the unfailing reliability of His word and promises, ensuring His decree will not "fail" or "do away."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath also stablished them for ever and ever":** This clause refers to the celestial bodies mentioned in the preceding verses (sun, moon, stars, heavens of heavens). The verb "stablished" (Hebrew: _ʻâmad'_) signifies God's deliberate act of setting them firmly in place, not just at creation but for ongoing endurance. The phrase "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: _ʻad ʻôwlâm'_, combining H5703 and H5769) emphasizes the perpetual, unending nature of this divine establishment. It speaks to the cosmic stability and the reliability of the heavenly order, which is maintained by God's continuous, unchanging power, ensuring their existence through "eternity" and "always."
* **"he hath made a decree which shall not pass.":** This second clause explains *how* the celestial bodies are established eternally: through an unalterable divine "decree" (Hebrew: _chôq'_). This decree is a fixed, inviolable ordinance or law that governs their existence and function. The declaration "which shall not pass" (Hebrew: _lōʼ yaʻăbōr'_, using H5674 with negation) underscores the absolute immutability and efficacy of this divine command. It means that God's word, once spoken, is eternally binding and cannot be abrogated, transcended, or fail. This highlights the ultimate authority and trustworthiness of God's sovereign will over all creation. The verb "made" (Hebrew: _nâthan'_, H5414) implies God's act of "giving" or "appointing" this decree.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 148:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word or decree is presented as the ultimate, unchallengeable force that establishes and maintains cosmic order. This is evident in "he hath made a decree," which portrays God as actively legislating for the universe. The phrase "for ever and ever" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, emphasizing the absolute and unending duration of God's establishment, extending beyond human comprehension of time to denote a divinely ordained perpetuity. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole, and this verse within it, contributes to the overarching theme of **Cosmic Order as Testimony**. The predictable and unchanging nature of the heavens, upheld by God's decree, serves as a perpetual, silent witness to His power, wisdom, and faithfulness, inviting all creation to join in praise. The stability of the universe is not random but a direct, observable consequence of God's steadfast word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 148:6 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God and His relationship with creation. It asserts that the order and stability of the cosmos are not accidental or self-sustaining, but are the direct result of God's sovereign will and unchangeable decree. This concept of an immutable divine order provides a bedrock for understanding God's faithfulness and trustworthiness, not just in the grand cosmic scheme but also in His dealings with humanity. If God's word is powerful enough to establish and sustain the stars "for ever and ever" without fail, then His promises, covenants, and character are equally steadfast and reliable. This truth invites believers to rest in His unwavering power and wisdom, knowing that the same God who upholds the universe also governs their lives with perfect foresight and unwavering commitment.

* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature")
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - The Eternal Word")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholding All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often, chaos, Psalms 148:6 offers immense comfort and profound reassurance. It reminds us that at the heart of all existence lies an unchanging, reliable, and all-powerful God. The same divine decree that upholds the sun, moon, and stars in their precise orbits, ensuring the predictability of day and night and the seasons, is the same divine will that governs our lives. This truth encourages us to place our trust not in fleeting circumstances or human endeavors, but in the steadfastness of the Creator whose word "shall not pass." It calls us to find peace in His sovereign control, knowing that His plans are as sure and eternal as the cosmic order He has established. Ultimately, this verse invites us to join the entire creation in a chorus of praise, acknowledging the God who is utterly dependable, perfectly wise, and supremely worthy of all adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's decree for the cosmos impact your understanding of His faithfulness in your personal life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's established order and unchangeable will?**
* **How can reflecting on the stability of the universe, as upheld by God, deepen your worship and praise?**
* **What does it mean for you that God's word "shall not pass" in an age where truth often feels relative or fleeting?**

### FAQ
**What does "stablished them for ever and ever" mean for our understanding of the universe and modern science?**

Answer: This phrase, "stablished them for ever and ever," speaks to the enduring and reliable nature of the cosmic order established by God. From a biblical perspective, it emphasizes the consistency and predictability of the universe, which allows for scientific study and discovery. While scientific understanding of the universe's origin and potential end (e.g., the heat death of the universe, or the sun eventually burning out) may seem to contradict "for ever and ever," the biblical language often uses such phrases to denote an indefinite, exceedingly long, or divinely appointed duration within God's created order, rather than a strictly infinite existence independent of His will. The primary theological point is that the universe's stability is not inherent but divinely maintained, and its existence is entirely dependent on God's sustaining power and unchangeable decree, which will hold until He determines otherwise, as seen in the prophetic declaration of [the day of the Lord, when the heavens shall pass away with a great noise](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord").

**What is the "decree" God made that "shall not pass"?**

Answer: The "decree" (Hebrew: _chôq'_) refers to God's divine ordinance, statute, or fixed law that governs the existence, movement, and function of the celestial bodies and, by extension, the entire created order. It's not a single, specific command like "let there be light," but rather the ongoing, unalterable divine mandate that ensures the consistent operation of the universe. This decree establishes the laws of physics, the cycles of nature, and the very fabric of reality. The phrase "shall not pass" underscores the absolute immutability and efficacy of this divine command; it cannot be revoked, altered, or fail. It is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the reliability of His word, ensuring that the universe operates according to His perfect and unchanging will, just as [God's faithfulness is established in the heavens](/psalms/119-90 "Psalm 119:90 - God's Faithfulness Endures").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 148:6, with its declaration of God's eternal establishment and unchangeable decree over creation, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that it was through Christ that all things were created, and by Him, all things hold together. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") declares, "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." This powerfully connects the "stablishing" and "decree" of the Old Testament to Christ as the active agent of creation and its ongoing sustenance. Furthermore, [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholding All Things") states that Christ "upholds all things by the word of his power," directly linking the divine decree that "shall not pass" to the very word of Christ's authority. He is the embodiment of God's unchanging nature and eternal purpose, the one through whom God's cosmic order is maintained and His ultimate plan for redemption unfolds, as God has made known to us [the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan in Christ"). The stability of the heavens, established by God's decree, points to the steadfastness of the One who is [the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same"). Thus, the cosmic order celebrated in Psalms 148:6 is not merely a testament to an abstract divine power, but a continuous witness to the Lordship and enduring faithfulness of Jesus Christ, the one through whom God's eternal decree finds its perfect and unwavering expression.

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 33:25

Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant [be] not with day and night, [and if] I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;

Psalms 89:37

It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Job 38:33

Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

Jeremiah 31:35

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Jeremiah 31:36

If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, [then] the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

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?