Psalms 22:28

KJV

For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and he [is] the governor among the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the kingdom {H4410} is the LORD'S {H3068}: and he is the governor {H4910} among the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the kingdom belongs to ADONAI, and he rules the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.

American Standard Version

For the kingdom is Jehovah’s; And he is the ruler over the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:28 stands as a resounding declaration of God's absolute and universal sovereignty, serving as the triumphant climax to a psalm that begins in profound lament. This verse unequivocally asserts that all dominion, authority, and power belong to the LORD, establishing Him as the supreme ruler not only over Israel but over all the nations of the earth. It transitions the reader from the depths of suffering to the heights of divine exaltation, proclaiming an eternal and all-encompassing reign that forms the basis for universal worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 22 is a deeply Messianic psalm, dramatically structured in two major sections. The first section, spanning [Psalms 22:1-21](/psalms/22-1-21 "Psalms 22:1-21 - The Suffering Servant's Plea"), is a harrowing lament, detailing the intense suffering, humiliation, and abandonment of the psalmist, famously opening with the cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" This cry is later echoed by Jesus on the cross, highlighting the psalm's profound prophetic nature. However, a profound shift occurs around [Psalms 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalms 22:22 - From Lament to Praise"), where the tone transitions from desperate plea to confident praise and prophetic vision. The psalmist, having experienced or foreseen divine deliverance, anticipates a time when a great congregation will worship the LORD, and all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to Him. Verse 28 is the powerful culmination of this shift, proclaiming the universal scope of God's reign as the foundational truth that undergirds and enables this global worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kingship was a prevalent form of governance, with various deities often associated with specific nations or territories. However, the Israelite understanding of God's kingship was unique and transcendent. Unlike regional deities or earthly monarchs whose power was limited by geography or rival kingdoms, the LORD's sovereignty was understood to be universal and absolute. The concept of "nations" (`goyim`) in this context refers to all non-Israelite peoples, often perceived as hostile or pagan. For the psalmist to declare God as "governor among the nations" was a radical assertion, challenging the prevailing worldview and proclaiming YHWH's ultimate authority over all human kingdoms and their gods. This declaration would have offered immense comfort and hope to Israel, reminding them that even amidst their own struggles or the perceived power of surrounding empires, their God remained supreme and actively in control.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel") and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Divine Sovereignty**, affirming God's absolute and unchallengeable rule over all creation. The phrase "For the kingdom is the LORD'S" unequivocally states that all dominion, authority, and power ultimately reside with Him, echoing declarations found in [1 Chronicles 29:11](/1_chronicles/29-11 "1 Chronicles 29:11 - David's Prayer of Praise to God's Greatness"). This truth offers immense comfort and assurance, especially in times of chaos or uncertainty, reminding believers that God's purposes will prevail. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Universal Kingship**, highlighting that God's authority is not limited to a single people or land. He governs all humanity, every tribe, tongue, and nation, a theme consistently woven throughout scripture, from the Abrahamic covenant's promise of blessing to all families of the earth ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) to prophetic visions of all nations coming to worship the LORD ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). Finally, within the broader context of Psalm 22, this declaration points to **Messianic Fulfillment**, anticipating the ultimate reign of the Messiah. The suffering described earlier in the psalm, fulfilled in Christ, is the very means by which God's universal kingdom is established and extended to all peoples, as seen in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the King of kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Hebrew, _mᵉlûwkâh'_):** This term (H4410) refers to royal dominion, sovereign power, or the sphere of a king's rule. It denotes not merely a territory but the active exercise of royal authority, encompassing the right to rule, the act of ruling, and the realm over which one rules. Its use here emphasizes the inherent and active nature of God's reign, indicating His rightful claim and ongoing administration of all creation.
* **governor (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H4910) meaning "to rule," "to have dominion," or "to exercise authority," _mâshal_ describes one who actively governs and controls. It implies a hands-on, authoritative role in directing affairs, underscoring that God is not a distant, passive deity but an engaged, active, and decisive ruler among all peoples, orchestrating events according to His will.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** While sometimes used neutrally, in this context, _gôwy_ (H1471) specifically refers to the Gentile peoples, distinguishing them from Israel. The inclusion of _gôwy_ here is crucial, as it expands the scope of God's sovereignty beyond the covenant people to encompass all humanity, highlighting the truly global and inclusive nature of His dominion, and setting the stage for universal worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S":** This clause serves as the foundational assertion of the verse, providing the reason (`For`) for the preceding declarations of universal worship and remembrance (as seen in [Psalms 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalms 22:27 - All the Ends of the World Shall Remember")). It states unequivocally that ultimate authority, power, and dominion belong exclusively to YHWH (H3068). The verb "is" is implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing the inherent, eternal, and unchallengeable nature of this ownership. It's not that the kingdom *will be* the LORD's, but that it *is* and always has been His. This declaration establishes the divine prerogative over all earthly powers and principalities, asserting His rightful and absolute claim to rule.
* **"and he [is] the governor among the nations":** This clause expands on the first, specifying the scope and active nature of God's reign. It asserts that His governorship extends beyond Israel to encompass all `gôwy`—all the Gentile peoples of the world. The term "governor" (`mâshal`) implies active rule and administration, not just passive ownership. This means God actively directs, oversees, and holds sway over the affairs, destinies, and leaders of every nation, regardless of their acknowledgment of Him. This universal governorship is the basis for the global worship anticipated in the surrounding verses, demonstrating His comprehensive and engaged authority over all human affairs.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:28 employs several powerful literary devices. It functions primarily as a **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, stating a fundamental theological truth with absolute certainty and authority. The use of the implied verb "is" in both clauses creates a sense of immutable, eternal reality, emphasizing God's intrinsic and unchanging nature as sovereign. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, though not strictly synonymous or antithetical, in that the second clause ("he is the governor among the nations") expands upon and reinforces the first ("the kingdom is the LORD'S"), demonstrating the universal scope and active nature of the declared sovereignty. There's also a profound element of **Climax** within the psalm's narrative arc, as this verse provides the ultimate reason and theological grounding for the dramatic shift from deep lament to universal praise and hope. It is the ultimate answer to the initial cry of abandonment, revealing the supreme power of the God who ultimately delivers and reigns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding God's nature as the sovereign ruler of the universe. It undergirds the biblical worldview that no power, human or spiritual, can ultimately thwart His purposes. This truth provides immense comfort in a chaotic world, assuring believers that even when earthly kingdoms rise and fall, and despite the apparent triumph of evil, God remains firmly on His throne, actively governing all affairs. It also grounds the missionary mandate, as the universal scope of God's kingdom implies His desire for all nations to acknowledge and worship Him. The declaration that the kingdom is the LORD'S is not merely a statement of fact but a call to submission, worship, and trust in His ultimate authority and redemptive plan for all humanity.

* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of This World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")
* [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - God, the Blessed and Only Potentate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:28 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to worship for believers today. In a world often characterized by political instability, social unrest, and personal anxieties, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that ultimate control rests not with human leaders or global forces, but with the LORD. His kingdom is eternal, and His purposes will prevail, providing a steadfast hope even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unjust. Acknowledging that "the kingdom is the LORD'S" compels us to worship Him with reverence, trust, and unwavering allegiance. It reminds us that our primary citizenship is in His heavenly kingdom, and our ultimate loyalty is to Him, the supreme Ruler of all. This truth should inspire us to live with confidence, knowing that our God is sovereign over every detail of our lives and the grand sweep of history. Furthermore, if God is the governor among all nations, then His desire is for all nations to know Him. This truth fuels our motivation for mission, urging us to participate in proclaiming the Gospel worldwide, inviting all peoples to enter into His kingdom through faith in Christ, and to live as ambassadors of His universal reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration of God's universal sovereignty in Psalms 22:28 provide comfort or challenge in your personal life or in light of current global events?**
* **In what ways does acknowledging that "the kingdom is the LORD'S" impact your perspective on earthly power, politics, or personal struggles?**
* **How might this verse motivate or shape your involvement in God's mission to reach all nations?**

### FAQ
**Does "the kingdom is the LORD'S" mean that God directly controls every single event in the world, including evil?**

Answer: The phrase "the kingdom is the LORD'S" primarily asserts God's ultimate authority, sovereignty, and rightful dominion over all creation. It means that His rule is supreme, His purposes will ultimately prevail, and no power can thwart His ultimate plan. While God is sovereign over all things, the Bible also affirms human free will and the reality of evil originating from fallen humanity and spiritual adversaries. God's sovereignty is complex and often described as both His decretive will (what He causes to happen) and His permissive will (what He allows to happen). He is not the author of evil, but He is sovereign even over evil, often working through or despite it to accomplish His good purposes, as seen in Joseph's testimony in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers"). Ultimately, this verse assures us that even in the midst of chaos and evil, God remains on His throne, actively governing, and will bring about His righteous kingdom in its fullness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preceding verses of Psalm 22, detailing intense suffering and abandonment, are powerfully echoed in Christ's crucifixion, particularly His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). It is through this very suffering, death, and subsequent resurrection that the "kingdom [is] the LORD'S" is fully realized and extended to all nations. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), disarmed principalities and powers through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and was given "all power in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the true "governor among the nations," the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), to whom [every knee will one day bow](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). The universal worship anticipated in Psalm 22 is fulfilled as the Gospel of the Kingdom is proclaimed to every tribe and tongue, gathering a people for God from [all nations](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation"). Thus, the declaration of God's universal kingdom in Psalms 22:28 is not merely a theological statement but a prophetic promise that finds its glorious and ongoing realization in the reigning Christ, who is building His church and extending His dominion until His triumphant return.

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

Zechariah 14:9

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Psalms 47:7

For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalms 47:8

God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Obadiah 1:21

And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.