Psalms 69:34

KJV

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the heaven {H8064} and earth {H776} praise {H1984}{H8762)} him, the seas {H3220}, and every thing that moveth {H7430}{H8802)} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and whatever moves in them.

Berean Standard Bible

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.

American Standard Version

Let heaven and earth praise him, The seas, and everything that moveth therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:34 erupts as a magnificent, universal call to praise, shifting from the psalmist's profound lament and personal suffering to a confident anticipation of God's ultimate vindication and redemptive work. This verse envisions a future where God's justice and salvation are so undeniably manifest that not only humanity, but the entire cosmos—heaven, earth, seas, and every living creature—unites in a grand chorus of adoration, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a deeply personal and intense lament, widely attributed to King David, expressing profound distress, persecution, and isolation. The psalmist describes being overwhelmed by enemies, feeling estranged even from his own family due to his fervent zeal for God's house ([Psalms 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House")). He cries out for divine deliverance from the "deep waters" of affliction ([Psalms 69:1-2](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Cries from the Deep Waters")). However, characteristic of many psalms of lament, it transitions from anguish to a confident expectation of God's intervention and ultimate vindication. Verses 33-36 mark this pivotal shift, moving from the psalmist's personal distress to God's broader redemptive plan, specifically mentioning God hearing the poor and not despising His prisoners ([Psalms 69:33](/psalms/69-33 "Psalm 69:33 - God Hears the Needy")). This broader vision culminates in the promise of the rebuilding of Zion and the cities of Judah ([Psalms 69:35](/psalms/69-35 "Rebuilding Zion")), anticipating a future where God's justice and salvation are fully realized, prompting a universal response of praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, the psalm's content resonates with periods of intense suffering and rejection, possibly during his flight from Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. Culturally, the ancient Israelites understood God as the sovereign Creator of all things, distinct from the pagan deities who were often confined to specific domains. The concept of creation praising God is deeply embedded in the Israelite worldview, reflecting the inherent testimony of the natural world to its Maker's power and glory. This understanding is not merely poetic but theological, asserting God's absolute authority over all realms—celestial, terrestrial, and aquatic. The psalmist's call for universal praise, therefore, is rooted in the conviction that God's redemptive acts, though initially experienced by His people, have cosmic implications that demand a response from all of existence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Psalm 69 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Universal Praise**, extending the call to worship beyond humanity to encompass all of creation—the heavens, the earth, the seas, and every living creature. This emphasizes the inherent recognition of God's majesty throughout His handiwork, echoing sentiments found throughout [Psalm 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - A Call for All Creation to Praise the Lord"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Glory**, asserting His supreme authority and worthiness of adoration as the Creator and Sustainer of everything. He is not merely the God of Israel or humanity, but the Lord of all creation. Finally, the anticipated praise is a direct **Response to Redemption**. 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 theme foreshadows the ultimate scene of universal glorification of God and the Lamb described in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _halal'_):** This is the root of the familiar "Hallelujah" and carries the meaning of "to boast, commend, celebrate, or shine." It suggests an active, joyful, and often boisterous expression of adoration, not merely a quiet contemplation. When applied to creation, it implies that creation's very existence and order are a loud, vibrant declaration of God's glory.
* **Heaven and earth (Hebrew, _shamayim v'eretz'_):** This phrase functions as a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "Heaven and earth" thus signifies the totality of the cosmos, from the highest celestial bodies to the lowest terrestrial elements. The inclusion of these vast realms underscores the comprehensive and boundless scope of the praise being called forth.
* **Every thing that moveth therein (Hebrew, _v'chol romes bah'_):** The Hebrew word _romes_ specifically refers to "creeping things" or "swarming things," often used for smaller creatures that move close to the ground or in water. By including these, the psalmist emphasizes the truly comprehensive nature of this call to praise, encompassing all life, from the grandest cosmic bodies to the smallest, most seemingly insignificant creatures, ensuring that no part of creation is excluded from this universal anthem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the heaven and earth praise him":** This opening clause issues a volitional command, an earnest wish or prophetic declaration, for the entire cosmos—the vast expanse of the sky and the solid ground beneath—to actively participate in glorifying God. It implies that the very existence and order of the universe are a testament to God's majesty and power, inherently declaring His praise.
* **"the seas":** Singling out the seas emphasizes their immense power, mystery, and often chaotic nature, yet they too are brought under God's dominion and called to praise. This highlights God's sovereignty over even the most untamed elements of creation, reinforcing His absolute control and worthiness of adoration from every corner of the world.
* **"and every thing that moveth therein":** This final phrase completes the universal scope of the call to praise. It encompasses all living creatures, whether in the heavens (birds), on the earth (land animals), or within the seas (marine life). The inclusion of "every thing that moveth" ensures that the praise is not limited to inanimate objects or grand cosmic entities but extends to the teeming, vibrant life that inhabits these realms, from the largest leviathan to the smallest insect.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is central, as heaven, earth, seas, and every living creature are endowed with the human capacity to "praise." This device transforms the natural world into active participants in worship, making God's glory palpable and audible through His creation. The phrase "heaven and earth" functions as a **merism**, representing the totality of the universe by naming its two extreme poles, thereby emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the praise. The psalmist also uses a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration for emphasis**, by calling forth praise from such an extensive and diverse array of entities, he underscores the immeasurable worthiness of God and the magnitude of His anticipated redemptive acts. Finally, the verse carries an element of **anticipation** or **prophecy**, as the "let them praise" is not merely a wish but an eschatological expectation of a future reality where God's ultimate victory and redemption will elicit a spontaneous and complete chorus of adoration from all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the theological truth that God's glory is not confined to human worship or even to His chosen people, but is inherently declared by His entire creation. It speaks to the intrinsic order and beauty of the cosmos, which silently yet powerfully testifies to the wisdom, power, and majesty of its Creator. Furthermore, the shift from lament to universal praise underscores a profound eschatological hope: that God's redemptive work will culminate in a state of cosmic harmony where all things acknowledge His sovereignty. This future vision of universal praise is a direct result of God's faithfulness to His people and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and suffering, ensuring that His kingdom will ultimately encompass and transform all creation.

* [Psalm 148:1-12](/psalms/148-1 "Psalm 148:1-12 - Universal Call to Praise")
* [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - Creation's Joyful Response")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:34 serves as a profound invitation for believers to align their hearts with the cosmic reality of God's glory. If the heavens, the earth, the seas, and every living creature are called to praise their Creator, how much more should humanity, uniquely made in God's image and recipients of His redemptive grace, actively and passionately offer Him worship? This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of awe and wonder, recognizing God's presence and power in every aspect of the natural world, from the vastness of the galaxies to the intricate design of a tiny insect. It reminds us that our praise is not an isolated act but a participation in a grand, ongoing, universal anthem. Moreover, the context of this verse—emerging from deep suffering—offers immense hope, reminding us that even in our darkest laments, God's redemptive plan is unfolding, leading to a future where His glory is fully revealed and celebrated by all creation. This perspective fuels perseverance, transforms our outlook on adversity, and deepens our commitment to living lives that reflect the praise of our magnificent God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's glory in creation deepen your worship and sense of awe?**
* **In what specific ways can we, as believers, consciously join and lead this cosmic chorus of praise in our daily lives?**
* **How does the hope of universal praise in the future impact your perspective on current suffering, injustice, or personal challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why would "heaven and earth" or "seas" praise God? Do they literally sing?**

This verse employs personification, a literary device where inanimate objects or non-human entities are given human qualities or actions. While the heaven, earth, and seas do not literally "sing" in a human sense, their very existence, order, and intricate design implicitly declare the glory, wisdom, and power of their Creator. As [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Their consistent obedience to God's laws, their beauty, and their provision for life all serve as a silent yet powerful testimony to His majesty. Furthermore, this verse anticipates a future, renewed creation where all things will perfectly align with God's will, potentially participating in a more direct, harmonious expression of praise.

**How does this verse relate to the psalmist's suffering described earlier in Psalm 69?**

Psalms 69:34 marks a significant transition within the psalm, moving from intense personal lament and cries for deliverance (vv. 1-32) to a confident expectation of God's redemptive intervention and universal praise (vv. 33-36). The psalmist, having poured out his heart in anguish, shifts his focus to God's character and His ultimate plan. This shift reveals a profound theological truth: the psalmist's personal vindication and God's faithfulness to His suffering people are not isolated events but are part of a larger, cosmic redemptive narrative. His deliverance will be so undeniable that it will prompt a universal response of praise from all creation. Thus, the personal suffering of the psalmist becomes a microcosm of the broader cosmic struggle, and his anticipated deliverance foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God, which will bring all creation into harmonious worship. It demonstrates that even in the deepest despair, faith can look forward to a future where God's glory is fully revealed and celebrated by all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:34, with its universal call for all creation to praise God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the One to whom all creation rightly offers praise, but He is also the very agent through whom this praise becomes possible and meaningful. As the eternal Word, all things were created through Him and for Him ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). Therefore, when heaven, earth, and seas praise God, they are inherently praising the One who brought them into being. More significantly, Christ's redemptive work on the cross reconciles all things to God, making possible the restoration of creation from the effects of sin ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The praise anticipated in this Psalm is fully realized in the New Creation, where the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is worshipped by every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb")). His resurrection and ascension guarantee that one day, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Thus, the cosmic praise envisioned in Psalm 69:34 is ultimately a Christ-centered praise, flowing from His sovereign rule and redemptive triumph.

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 150:6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Isaiah 49:13

¶ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Psalms 96:11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Psalms 148:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

Psalms 148:14

He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; [even] of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 98:7

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.