Psalms 36:6

KJV

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy righteousness {H6666} is like the great {H410} mountains {H2042}; thy judgments {H4941} are a great {H7227} deep {H8415}: O LORD {H3068}, thou preservest {H3467} man {H120} and beast {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God, your judgments are like the great deep. You save man and beast, ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

American Standard Version

Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are a great deep: O Jehovah, thou preservest man and beast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 36:6 offers a breathtaking declaration of God's majestic character, employing vivid natural metaphors to portray His divine attributes. It asserts that God's righteousness is as immense and unyielding as the greatest mountains, His judgments as profound and unfathomable as the deepest oceans, and His providential care extends universally, sustaining both humanity and the entire animal kingdom. This verse thus stands as a powerful testament to the Lord's immutable perfection, infinite wisdom, and benevolent commitment to preserving all life, inviting awe and trust in His boundless goodness and reliability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 36 is a psalm of David, sharply contrasting the pervasive wickedness of humanity with the boundless perfections of God. The psalm opens with a stark portrayal of the ungodly (verses 1-4), whose transgression speaks to their heart, revealing a lack of the fear of God, self-deception, and a life devoid of good. This dark depiction serves as a dramatic foil for the radiant attributes of God introduced in verse 5. Here, the psalmist pivots to extol God's steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments, which transcend earthly limitations. Verse 6, the focus of this commentary, continues this thematic shift by employing powerful natural imagery to describe God's righteousness and judgments, culminating in a declaration of His universal preservation. This transition from human depravity to divine majesty sets the stage for the psalmist's subsequent appeal for refuge and light in God's presence (verses 7-12), emphasizing the secure hope found only in the Lord's unfailing character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, Psalms 36:6 draws upon natural phenomena deeply ingrained in the ancient Israelite worldview. "Great mountains" (often rendered "mountains of God" in Hebrew idiom, signifying superlative greatness) were potent symbols of permanence, strength, and an unshakeable foundation in the ancient Near East. They were frequently associated with divine presence and covenant, serving as places where God revealed Himself (e.g., Mount Sinai in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Mount Sinai")). Conversely, "the great deep" (Hebrew: *tehom rabbah*) evoked the primeval waters of chaos mentioned in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit of God hovering over the waters"), or the vast, mysterious, and often dangerous depths of the ocean. In this context, however, it is God's judgments, not chaos, that are likened to this depth, implying unfathomable wisdom, order, and a comprehensive understanding that transcends human comprehension. The concept of God preserving "man and beast" was also a fundamental aspect of Israelite theology, reflecting God's role as the ultimate Sustainer of the created order, a theme prevalent in wisdom literature and prophetic texts (e.g., [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Challenge to Job")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Immeasurable Righteousness**, portraying it as immense, unshakeable, and visibly majestic, akin to the enduring nature of mountains. This signifies the steadfastness of His character and His commitment to perfect justice, providing a firm foundation for trust in His moral perfection, as beautifully articulated in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice and Faithfulness"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Profound Judgments**, depicting them as a "great deep." This imagery conveys the unfathomable nature of God's decrees, wisdom, and ways. Like the ocean's depths, God's judgments are vast, mysterious, and beyond full human comprehension, reflecting the unsearchable depths of His wisdom and knowledge, which are always just and right, even when their reasons are not immediately apparent to us—a truth echoed in [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Unsearchable Riches of God's Wisdom"). Finally, the declaration "O LORD, thou preservest man and beast" emphasizes **God's Universal Preservation** and providential care for all creation. This demonstrates His benevolence and commitment to sustaining life, not just for humanity but for all living creatures, underscoring His role as the ultimate Sustainer and Provider, ensuring the continuation of His created order, as illustrated by God's care for sparrows in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God's Providential Care for All Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, this term denotes rightness in an abstract sense, encompassing rectitude, justice, and virtue. In the context of God, it refers to His inherent moral perfection, His absolute adherence to His own holy character, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. When likened to "great mountains," it emphasizes the immovability, vastness, and enduring quality of God's moral standard, which is foundational and visible in His dealings.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this word refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a sentence, or a formal decree. It encompasses God's divine laws, His wise decisions, and the ways in which He administers justice and governs the world. When compared to "a great deep," it suggests that God's methods of judging and governing are profound, mysterious, and beyond complete human grasp, yet inherently just and right, reflecting an infinite wisdom that operates on a scale far beyond human understanding.
* **Preservest (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, a primitive root meaning "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," often translated as "save" or "deliver." In this context, particularly in the Hiphil stem, it carries the nuance of actively sustaining, keeping alive, or ensuring the continuation of existence. The phrase "thou preservest man and beast" highlights God's active, ongoing, and benevolent role as the Sustainer of all life, demonstrating His universal providence and care for His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains":** This clause initiates a profound simile, comparing God's righteousness to the majestic, towering, and enduring mountains. This imagery conveys several key attributes: **Immutability** (mountains are unmoving), **Vastness** (their scale is immense), **Steadfastness** (they provide a firm, unshakeable foundation), and **Visibility** (they are seen from afar, a constant presence). God's moral perfection, justice, and faithfulness are thus presented as an unshakeable, foundational reality, visibly manifest in His dealings with the world, providing stability and assurance.
* **"thy judgments [are] a great deep":** This clause employs a powerful metaphor, likening God's judgments to the profound, mysterious depths of the ocean. This imagery suggests **Unfathomable Wisdom** (their reasons and scope are beyond full human comprehension), **Vastness** (their reach is immense and comprehensive), and **Mystery** (their workings are often hidden from human sight, operating on a divine logic). It does not imply arbitrary decisions but rather a divine wisdom that operates on a level far superior to human understanding, always just and righteous, even when its full rationale is not immediately apparent to human perception.
* **"O LORD, thou preservest man and beast":** This concluding declaration shifts from God's inherent attributes to His active, benevolent work in the world. Addressing God directly as "O LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name), the psalmist affirms God's role as the universal Sustainer of life. This phrase highlights God's **Providential Care** for all creation, demonstrating His active commitment to maintaining the existence of both humanity and the animal kingdom. It underscores His compassion, His sovereignty over all life, and His faithfulness to His created order, reminding us that His sustaining hand is upon every living thing, ensuring its continued existence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 36:6 is exceptionally rich in **Nature Imagery**, drawing profound theological meaning from the natural world to describe the indescribable attributes of God. The verse primarily employs **Simile** and **Metaphor** to convey God's character. "Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains" is a clear **Simile**, directly comparing God's righteousness to the immensity, stability, and enduring presence of mountains. This evokes a sense of unshakeable foundation and visible majesty. Conversely, "thy judgments [are] a great deep" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, equating God's judgments with the vast, mysterious, and unfathomable depths of the ocean. This suggests a wisdom that transcends human comprehension and operates on a scale beyond our grasp. The use of "great mountains" (often an idiom for superlative greatness, "mountains of God") and "great deep" (referring to the primeval abyss) also incorporates elements of **Hyperbole** and **Superlative Language**, emphasizing the absolute, boundless nature of God's attributes. The transition from abstract divine attributes (righteousness, judgments) to concrete, active engagement ("thou preservest man and beast") creates a powerful rhetorical flow, grounding God's majestic character in His tangible, benevolent interaction with His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 36:6 profoundly articulates foundational truths of God's character, revealing Him as both transcendent in His justice and immanent in His care. The verse establishes the absolute reliability of God's moral order, presenting His righteousness as the unyielding standard against which all things are measured, and His judgments as the wise, though often mysterious, outworking of that righteousness. This divine consistency provides a secure anchor for faith in a world marked by change and uncertainty. Furthermore, the declaration of God's universal preservation underscores His benevolent sovereignty, reminding humanity that all life, from the grandest to the humblest, exists under His watchful and sustaining hand. This comprehensive portrayal of God invites both awe at His majesty and profound comfort in His constant providence, demonstrating that His character is the ultimate source of stability and life.

* [Psalms 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of God's Throne")
* [Isaiah 55:9](/isaiah/55-9 "God's Ways are Higher than Our Ways")
* [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ as the Sustainer of All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 36:6 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to worship, inviting us to contemplate the vastness of God's character and His active involvement in our world. Understanding God's righteousness as stable and unshakeable, like the great mountains, provides a firm foundation for trust in a chaotic and often unjust world. When we face moral ambiguities or experience injustice, this verse reminds us that God's perfect standard endures, offering hope for ultimate vindication and restoration. Knowing that His judgments are profoundly wise, even when mysterious like the great deep, encourages humility and faith in His ultimate plan, especially when we cannot discern the reasons for suffering or difficult circumstances. This perspective frees us from the burden of needing to comprehend everything, allowing us to rest in His sovereign wisdom. Furthermore, the assurance that the LORD preserves both man and beast reminds us of His constant, benevolent care for all creation, including ourselves. This truth invites us to release anxieties about provision and safety, encouraging us to rest in His unwavering providence and to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for His sustaining hand in every aspect of life. It also challenges us to reflect God's care for creation in our own stewardship, recognizing the inherent value He places on all He has made.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does meditating on God's righteousness as "like the great mountains" impact your trust in His justice amidst the injustices of the world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find God's "judgments" (His ways or decrees) to be a "great deep," and how can you cultivate greater trust in His unfathomable wisdom?**
* **What specific examples of God's preservation of "man and beast" have you observed, and how do these observations deepen your appreciation for His providential care?**
* **How does the contrast between human wickedness (from earlier in Psalms 36) and God's boundless attributes in verse 6 shape your understanding of grace and divine intervention?**

### FAQ
**How does God's preservation of "man and beast" relate to human responsibility for creation care?**

Answer: Psalms 36:6 declares God's active role as the Sustainer of all life, from humanity to the animal kingdom, highlighting His benevolent providence. This divine care establishes a foundational truth: creation is valuable to God. While God is the ultimate Preserver, this does not negate human responsibility; rather, it informs it. As those created in God's image and given dominion over the earth (as seen in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Cultural Mandate")), humanity is called to steward creation responsibly, reflecting God's own care. Our role is to manage, protect, and cultivate the earth and its creatures, ensuring their flourishing. Therefore, God's preservation serves as both an example and an impetus for us to engage in ethical environmental practices and compassionate treatment of animals, aligning our actions with His divine character and purposes for creation. It implies that our care for creation is an extension of our worship and obedience to the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 36:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and reveals the attributes of God described by the psalmist. Christ is the very **righteousness of God** made manifest, not merely like the great mountains, but the unshakeable foundation of all divine justice and truth, as declared in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Righteousness"). In Him, God's perfect standard is not only upheld but fully satisfied through His obedient life and atoning death, offering a righteousness that is freely imputed to believers. Furthermore, the **judgments of God**, which are a "great deep," are revealed and executed through Christ. He is the one appointed by the Father to be the ultimate Judge, as stated in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son"), yet His judgments are always perfectly just, wise, and merciful, even when their depths remain unfathomable to us. Finally, Christ is the supreme **Preserver** of both man and beast, and indeed, of all creation. Not only did all things come into being through Him and for Him, but "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ as the Sustainer of All Things")). He is the one who sustains the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ Upholds the Universe")), and more specifically, He is the Great Shepherd who lays down His life to preserve His sheep, granting them eternal life so that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus Gives Eternal Life to His Sheep")). Thus, the abstract attributes of God in Psalms 36:6 are made tangible, personal, and redemptive in the person and work of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His comprehensive sovereignty and benevolent care.

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 77:19

Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

1 Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Isaiah 45:19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Psalms 92:5

O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 145:9

The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.