Psalms 69:34

Commentary on Psalms 69:34 (KJV)

Psalms 69:34: "Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein."

Context

Psalm 69 is a profound lament, attributed to King David, expressing deep suffering, persecution, and a plea for divine deliverance. The psalmist describes being overwhelmed by enemies and difficulties, feeling estranged even from his own family due to his zeal for God. However, like many psalms of lament, it transitions from anguish to a confident expectation of God's intervention and ultimate vindication. Verses 33-36 shift the focus from the psalmist's personal distress to God's broader redemptive plan, specifically mentioning God hearing the poor and not despising His prisoners, and promising the rebuilding of Zion and Judah. Within this transition, verse 34 erupts in a universal call to praise, anticipating a future where God's justice and salvation are fully realized.

Key Themes

• Universal Praise: This verse extends the call to worship beyond humanity, inviting all of creation – the heavens, the earth, the seas, and every living creature – to join in the chorus of divine praise. It highlights the inherent recognition of God's majesty throughout His handiwork.
• God's Sovereignty and Glory: The command for all creation to praise Him underscores God's supreme authority and worthiness of adoration. He is not merely the God of Israel or humanity, but the Creator and Sustainer of everything.
• Response to Redemption: The anticipated praise is a direct result of God's saving acts. Just as the psalmist expects personal deliverance, this verse projects a future where God's redemptive work is so complete and undeniable that all creation responds in worship. This echoes the ultimate scene of all creation glorifying God in Revelation 5:13.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "praise" here is halal (הָלַל), which is the root of "Hallelujah" and means to boast, commend, or celebrate. It suggests an active, joyful, and often boisterous expression of adoration. "Every thing that moveth therein" (וְכָל־רוֹמֵשׂ בָּהּ - v'chol romes bah) refers to all creeping or swarming things, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this call to praise, from the grandest cosmic bodies to the smallest creatures.

Related Scriptures

This verse aligns with other biblical passages that portray creation actively or passively glorifying God. For example, Psalm 148 provides a comprehensive list of creation praising the Lord, from angels and stars to mountains, hills, beasts, and all creeping things. Similarly, Isaiah 55:12 declares that the mountains and hills will break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Practical Application

Psalms 69:34 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

1. Join the Cosmic Choir: If all of creation is called to praise God, how much more should humanity, made in His image and recipients of His special grace, offer Him worship? We are invited to participate in this grand, universal anthem.
2. Recognize God's Presence in Creation: This verse encourages us to see the glory of God in the natural world around us – in the vastness of the heavens, the power of the seas, and the intricate life that teems within them. Every aspect of creation points to its Creator.
3. Live in Hope: The shift from lament to universal praise in Psalm 69 reminds us that even in our deepest suffering, God's redemptive plan is at work, leading to a future where His glory is fully revealed and celebrated by all. This perspective fuels our hope and encourages perseverance.