Psalms 30:7

KJV

LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled.

KJV (with Strong's)

LORD {H3068}, by thy favour {H7522} thou hast made my mountain {H2042} to stand {H5975} strong {H5797}: thou didst hide {H5641} thy face {H6440}, and I was troubled {H926}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when you showed me favor, ADONAI, I was firm as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was struck with terror.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

American Standard Version

Thou, Jehovah, of thy favor hadst made my mountain to stand strong: Thou didst hide thy face; I was troubled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 30:7 profoundly illustrates the psalmist's journey from a state of divinely bestowed security and stability to one of deep distress and disorientation. It highlights the absolute dependence of all human strength and well-being on the Lord's continuous favor, serving as a poignant reminder against complacency and a powerful testament to the unsettling void experienced when His manifest presence is perceived to be withdrawn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally attributed to King David, celebrating his deliverance from a severe, life-threatening trial. It is often titled "A Psalm or Song at the dedication of the house of David," suggesting a personal experience of restoration that became a communal song of praise. The psalm begins with David's exaltation of God for lifting him from the depths, as seen in [Psalm 30:1](/psalms/30-1 "Psalm 30:1 - I Will Extol You, O Lord"), recounts his earnest cry for help and subsequent divine intervention in [Psalm 30:2-3](/psalms/30-2 "Psalm 30:2-3 - David's Cry and Deliverance"), and then shifts to a warning against pride, reflecting on the fleeting nature of God's anger versus His enduring favor, a theme beautifully captured in [Psalm 30:5-6](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5-6 - Weeping May Remain for a Night"). Verse 7 specifically serves as the pivotal point, narrating the prior state of security and the sudden, disorienting shift into trouble, which then sets the stage for the psalmist's lament and subsequent restoration and fervent praise found in the latter half of the psalm, from [Psalm 30:8-12](/psalms/30-8 "Psalm 30:8-12 - From Lament to Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact historical occasion for Psalm 30 is not specified, its attribution to David and the reference to his "house" or "mountain" (kingdom) suggest a period in his reign. In the Ancient Near East, mountains were powerful symbols of strength, stability, and dominion. For David, his "mountain" could represent the security of his kingdom, the stability of Jerusalem, or his personal position of authority and well-being. The concept of God's "face" is deeply rooted in Israelite theology, signifying His manifest presence, favor, and blessing. To "hide His face" was understood as a profound withdrawal of divine favor, often experienced as abandonment, displeasure, or a period of testing, leading to severe distress. This idiom reflects a deeply personal and relational understanding of God, where His active engagement and benevolence were crucial for human flourishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 30 and the broader biblical narrative. The initial clause, "LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong," underscores the theme of **Divine Favor as the Source of All Stability**. It asserts that true and lasting security, whether personal, political, or spiritual, is not a product of human effort or inherent strength but a direct gift of God's grace and blessing. This leads to the theme of **The Fragility of Complacency and Human Self-Reliance**. The abrupt shift, "thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled," serves as a stark warning against spiritual pride or taking God's blessings for granted. Even the most established human positions are utterly dependent on God's continuous presence and favor, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall"), which warns that "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Finally, the verse highlights **The Profound Pain of God's Perceived Absence**. The phrase "hide thy face" is a common biblical idiom denoting a withdrawal of God's manifest favor or felt presence, often as a disciplinary measure or a period of testing. For the psalmist, this divine withdrawal immediately resulted in deep distress, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional void experienced when one feels separated from God, a sentiment powerfully articulated in David's lament in [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O Lord?"), "How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?"

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** This term (H7522) denotes delight, pleasure, good will, or acceptance. In this context, it signifies God's benevolent disposition and active blessing towards the psalmist. It is the divine grace and unmerited kindness that undergirds and establishes the psalmist's strength and stability, implying a relationship of approval and active support from God.
* **Mountain (Hebrew, _hârâr'_):** While literally meaning a physical elevation, "mountain" (H2042) is a powerful metaphorical term in biblical literature, symbolizing strength, stability, security, or a kingdom/dominion. For David, it likely refers to the established security of his reign, his personal well-being, or even the fortified city of Jerusalem. The phrase "made my mountain to stand strong" implies a firm, unshakeable establishment, emphasizing the divine origin of this stability.
* **Hide (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** This primitive root (H5641) means to conceal, keep close, or be absent. In the idiom "hide thy face" (with "face" being H6440, _pânîym_), it signifies God's withdrawal of His manifest presence, favor, blessing, or active intervention. It does not imply God's literal absence but rather a period of perceived divine displeasure, discipline, or testing, leading to a sense of abandonment and vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"LORD, by thy favour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of all blessing and stability. The psalmist acknowledges that any good state or secure position he experienced was not due to his own merit, strength, or wisdom, but solely to the unmerited grace and good pleasure of God. It sets a tone of humble dependence and profound gratitude.
* **"thou hast made my mountain to stand strong":** This phrase describes the tangible outcome of God's favor. The psalmist's "mountain"—his position of strength, security, or kingdom—was not self-established but divinely ordained and upheld. The verb "made...to stand strong" (כּוֹנַנְתָּ, _konanta_) implies firm establishment and enduring stability, underscoring the powerful and foundational nature of God's work in his life, suggesting an unshakeable foundation.
* **"thou didst hide thy face":** This marks a dramatic and painful shift in the psalmist's experience. He attributes the change in his circumstances directly to God's action, or perceived inaction. The withdrawal of God's "face" signifies a period where God's active favor, blessing, or felt presence was no longer evident, leading to a profound sense of abandonment or divine displeasure. This is a moment of intense spiritual and emotional trial.
* **"[and] I was troubled":** This clause reveals the immediate and direct consequence of God's hidden face. The Hebrew word for "troubled" (נִבְהַלְתִּי, _nivhalti_) conveys a sense of dismay, terror, or being thrown into confusion and panic. It highlights the psalmist's utter dependence on God's manifest presence for his emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. The absence of divine favor plunged him into a state of profound distress and instability, demonstrating the fragility of human confidence apart from God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 30:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the use of "mountain" to represent strength, stability, or the psalmist's kingdom. This concrete image effectively conveys the abstract concept of security and power. The phrase "hide thy face" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (hiding one's face) to God, thereby making His perceived withdrawal of favor relatable and emotionally impactful. The verse also employs stark **Contrast**, moving abruptly from a state of divinely established strength and security ("made my mountain to stand strong") to one of profound distress and vulnerability ("thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled"). This sudden shift underscores the precariousness of human stability apart from God's continuous favor and highlights the dramatic impact of His presence or absence. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates clear **Cause and Effect**, directly linking God's favor to strength and His hidden face to trouble, illustrating a fundamental theological principle of divine sovereignty over human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 30:7 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, humanity, and their relationship. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty as the ultimate source of all blessing, stability, and security, reminding us that even our greatest strengths and achievements are entirely dependent on His unmerited favor. The psalmist's experience of God hiding His face reveals the deep spiritual and emotional void that results from a perceived divine withdrawal, whether as a disciplinary measure, a period of testing, or simply a season of spiritual dryness. This highlights the vital importance of God's manifest presence for human flourishing and serves as a sober warning against complacency or self-reliance in times of prosperity. It teaches that true security is not found in circumstances or personal strength, but in the unwavering, continuous favor of the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "God Hides His Face from Israel")
* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "My Help Comes from the Lord")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "Testing of Your Faith Produces Steadfastness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 30:7 provides a timeless lesson for believers, urging us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God in all seasons of life. In moments of prosperity and stability, when our "mountains" seem to stand strong, it is crucial to remember that such blessings flow solely from the Lord's favor, not from our own efforts or wisdom. This guards against spiritual pride and the dangerous complacency that can lead us to forget our constant need for Him. Conversely, when we experience seasons of difficulty, when God's face seems hidden, and we feel troubled or disoriented, this verse reminds us that such trials are often divinely ordained. These moments, though painful, serve to deepen our reliance on God, expose our vulnerabilities, and drive us back to earnestly seek His presence. Our response should not be despair, but persistent prayer and a renewed commitment to seeking His face, trusting that His favor, though sometimes seemingly withdrawn, is ultimately for life and that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to attribute stability and success to my own efforts rather than God's favor?**
* **How do I guard against complacency and spiritual pride when things are going well?**
* **What is my immediate reaction when I feel God's presence is distant or when unexpected troubles arise?**
* **How can I actively seek God's face and cultivate deeper dependence on Him, regardless of my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "hide His face"? Does it imply He is not omnipresent?**

Answer: The phrase "hide thy face" (Hebrew: _haster panim_) is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom that does not imply God's literal absence or a contradiction of His omnipresence. Instead, it signifies a withdrawal of His manifest favor, blessing, or active, felt presence. It is often experienced as a period of divine displeasure, discipline, or testing, leading the individual to feel abandoned, vulnerable, and distressed. For the psalmist, this "hidden face" means that the comforting, sustaining, and actively benevolent aspect of God's presence, which had previously established his "mountain," was no longer evident. This can be a form of divine pedagogy, designed to humble, purify, and deepen dependence, as seen in other laments where the psalmist cries out, "Do not hide your face from me" in [Psalm 27:9](/psalms/27-9 "Do Not Hide Your Face From Me").

**Is God's "favor" in this verse conditional, or can it be withdrawn due to human actions?**

Answer: God's favor, particularly His covenant faithfulness and steadfast love (_hesed_), is ultimately unconditional in its foundational commitment to His people. However, the *manifestation* of His favor or the *experience* of His blessing can indeed be impacted by human sin, disobedience, or complacency. In Psalms 30:7, the psalmist acknowledges that his initial stability was "by thy favour," implying a prior state of walking in alignment with God. The subsequent withdrawal of God's face and the resulting trouble suggest that the psalmist's own actions or attitude (perhaps pride, as hinted in [Psalm 30:6](/psalms/30-6 "I Shall Never Be Moved")) contributed to this perceived divine withdrawal. While God's character remains constant, His relational responses to His people's faithfulness or unfaithfulness can lead to seasons where His benevolent presence feels more or less evident. Even in such times, God's ultimate compassion endures, as [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31 "God's Compassion Endures") reminds us that "the Lord will not cast off forever."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 30:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of a "mountain" made strong by divine favor, only to be troubled by God's hidden face, powerfully foreshadows the journey of the Messiah. Jesus, the true "mountain" of God's presence, was perfectly established by the Father's favor, being the beloved Son in whom God was well pleased, as affirmed in [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Jesus' Baptism and the Father's Voice"). Yet, on the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate and most profound withdrawal of the Father's face, crying out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). This moment of unparalleled trouble and dereliction was not for His own sin, but for ours. Through His suffering and the Father's hidden face, Jesus secured for us eternal favor and an unshakable spiritual "mountain" of salvation. Because Christ endured the ultimate trouble of divine abandonment, believers can now always approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that God will never hide His face from those who are in Christ, as promised in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace"). Our stability and security are no longer dependent on our fleeting circumstances or our own faithfulness, but on the unchangeable favor of God poured out through the finished work of Christ, in whom our eternal "mountain" stands strong.

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 104:29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalms 5:12

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.

Psalms 89:17

For thou [art] the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

Psalms 30:5

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

1 Chronicles 17:26

And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

1 Chronicles 17:27

Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and [it shall be] blessed for ever.