Psalms 89:12

KJV

The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

The north {H6828} and the south {H3225} thou hast created {H1254}{H8804)} them: Tabor {H8396} and Hermon {H2768} shall rejoice {H7442}{H8762)} in thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You created north and south; Tavor and Hermon take joy in your name.

Berean Standard Bible

North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.

American Standard Version

The north and the south, thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon rejoice in thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:12 serves as a profound declaration of God's boundless creative power and universal sovereignty, asserting His role as the divine architect of the entire cosmos, from its vast geographical expanses to its most prominent natural landmarks. This verse masterfully employs personification to illustrate that all creation, in its very existence and grandeur, bears silent yet undeniable witness to the majesty and glory of its divine Maker. It establishes a foundational truth within a psalm that otherwise extols God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant-keeping, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God's character amidst perceived challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 89 is designated as a "Maskil," indicating an instructional or contemplative psalm, and is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite. The psalm is structurally divided into two distinct yet interconnected sections: an effusive hymn of praise celebrating God's omnipotence, righteousness, and enduring faithfulness (verses 1-18), followed by a poignant lament concerning the apparent failure of God's covenant with David (verses 19-52). Verse 12 is firmly situated within the opening hymn of praise, meticulously establishing God's absolute cosmic authority and creative prowess. This magnificent portrayal of God's universal dominion serves as the theological bedrock upon which the psalm constructs its argument for God's specific, covenantal faithfulness to David. The initial celebration of God's power over all creation underscores the psalmist's deep-seated trust in a God who is supremely capable of upholding His word, even when challenging circumstances suggest otherwise, thereby intensifying the emotional weight of the subsequent lament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern worldview, deities were often perceived as localized, limited in power, or associated with specific geographical regions or natural phenomena. In stark contrast, Psalms 89:12 asserts the God of Israel's universal and unlimited dominion. The phrase "the north and the south" functions as a **merism**, a literary device encompassing the totality of the earth, signifying all directions and, by extension, the entire globe. Mount Tabor, with its distinctive dome shape, is located in the Jezreel Valley in central Israel, a prominent and easily recognizable landmark. Mount Hermon, the majestic, often snow-capped peak in the far north, is the highest mountain in the region, symbolizing grandeur, permanence, and the northernmost reach of the biblical world. By naming these specific, geographically distinct mountains, the psalmist emphasizes that God's creative power extends over the entire land and beyond, from its highest points to its broadest reaches. This reinforces the unique nature of Israel's God as the one true Creator, distinct from the limited, often anthropomorphic, deities of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 89 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Universal Creation and Sovereignty**, affirming God's absolute dominion over all things, as seen from the very beginning in [the creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") itself. This emphasizes that God is not just a tribal deity but the Lord of all existence. Secondly, it underscores **Nature's Acknowledgment of God**, using personification to convey that creation inherently testifies to its Creator's glory, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), where the heavens declare God's handiwork. This silent yet profound praise from the natural world serves as a powerful reminder for humanity to likewise offer worship. Lastly, the verse lays a foundational premise for the theme of **Divine Majesty and Faithfulness**. If God possesses such immense power to create and sustain the entire cosmos, then His promises and covenants, particularly the [covenant with David](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), are equally sure and reliable, providing a basis for unwavering trust despite challenging circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ_):** This verb is uniquely used in the Old Testament to describe God's creative activity, often implying creation *ex nihilo* (out of nothing) or the bringing into existence of something entirely new and distinct. Its use here emphasizes that "the north and the south," and by extension, all geographical features, are not products of chance or the work of lesser deities, but are direct results of God's singular, sovereign, and powerful act of origination. It denotes His ultimate authority, ownership, and supreme power over all existence.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _rânan_):** This word carries strong connotations of shouting for joy, singing aloud, or crying out with exuberant delight, often in a public or celebratory manner. When applied to inanimate mountains, it signifies a profound, overflowing, and undeniable testimony. It is not a literal shout, but a poetic expression of nature's inherent and enthusiastic acknowledgment of God's presence, power, and glory, so evident that it evokes a celebratory response from the created order itself.
* **Tabor and Hermon (Hebrew, _Tâbôwr_ and _Chermôwn_):** These are not just any mountains but specific, iconic geographical landmarks in ancient Israel. Tabor, with its distinctive dome shape, is located in the central part of the land, while Hermon, the highest peak, dominates the northern horizon. Their mention signifies a **merism**, representing the entirety of the land from south-central to the far north, and by extension, the whole earth. They are chosen for their prominence, beauty, and enduring nature, making them fitting symbols of creation's inherent praise and the vastness of God's dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The north and the south thou hast created them:"** This opening clause unequivocally establishes God as the universal Creator and Sovereign over all physical space. "The north and the south" function as a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. Here, it signifies the entirety of the earth's geographical expanse, from pole to pole, or simply all directions. It declares that every part of the cosmos, without exception, owes its existence to God's direct creative act. This underscores His omnipotence and omnipresence, asserting His complete dominion over all physical space and time.
* **"Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name."** This clause employs **personification**, attributing human emotion and action ("rejoice") to inanimate mountains. Tabor and Hermon, as prominent and majestic mountains, serve as **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, representing all mountains, or indeed, all of creation. Their "rejoicing" is not literal but a poetic expression of their silent yet profound testimony to God's glory, power, and wisdom, which are inherent in their very existence and grandeur. To "rejoice in thy name" means to celebrate and acknowledge God's character, authority, and revealed presence as made manifest through His creative work. It implies that creation inherently reflects and praises its Maker, serving as a constant, visible witness to His divine attributes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:12 is rich with literary artistry that profoundly enhances its theological message. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where inanimate objects—specifically Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon—are endowed with the human capacity to "rejoice." This vivid imagery conveys a sense of vibrant, enthusiastic praise emanating from the natural world, emphasizing that creation is not a static backdrop but an active participant in declaring God's glory. Complementing this is **Merism**, seen in the phrase "the north and the south," which encompasses the totality of the earth's expanse, signifying God's universal dominion over all directions and, by extension, the entire cosmos. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Tabor and Hermon" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where these two prominent mountains stand in for all mountains, or indeed, all of creation. They are iconic symbols representing the breadth and majesty of the natural world, chosen to illustrate that every corner of creation bears witness to God's creative power. The verse also implicitly uses **Parallelism** between God's act of creation and creation's response, highlighting the direct cause-and-effect relationship between divine action and natural praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:12 profoundly connects God's universal creative power with His covenantal faithfulness, a central and often challenged theme of the entire psalm. The immense power demonstrated in creating the vast "north and south" and causing majestic mountains like Tabor and Hermon to "rejoice" serves as an irrefutable foundation for trusting God's promises, particularly His enduring covenant with David. If God is capable of bringing the entire cosmos into being and sustaining it in such a way that even nature praises Him, then His word and His commitments are absolutely reliable. This verse reminds us that the God who orchestrates the grand symphony of creation is the same God who faithfully guides human history and upholds His divine decrees. Creation's silent testimony is a constant call to humanity to acknowledge and praise the Creator, reflecting His glory in our lives as Tabor and Hermon reflect His majesty in their very being.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - Creation Rejoices")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:12 invites us to lift our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances and contemplate the vastness of God's creative power and His omnipresence. It reminds us that our God is not confined by human limitations or understanding, but is the sovereign architect of all that exists. Just as the towering peaks of Tabor and Hermon silently yet profoundly declare His glory, we too are called to acknowledge and praise Him in every aspect of our lives. Recognizing God's absolute sovereignty over all creation can be a source of immense comfort and strength, assuring us that the same God who formed the north and the south, and causes mountains to "rejoice," is fully capable of upholding His promises to us, guiding our paths, and working all things for His glory. This verse encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world as a magnificent testament to divine artistry and power, prompting us to reflect on His greatness daily and to live lives that echo creation's inherent praise, recognizing that our very existence is a gift from His creative hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the vastness and beauty of creation deepen your understanding and awe of God's character and power?**
* **In what practical ways can you, like Tabor and Hermon, "rejoice in God's name" through your daily life, actions, and words, even when circumstances are challenging?**
* **How does God's universal sovereignty, as declared by "the north and the south," provide comfort or challenge in your personal circumstances or in the face of global issues?**
* **What specific aspect of creation most clearly speaks to you of God's power and faithfulness, and how can you intentionally use it to prompt worship and gratitude in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why are "Tabor and Hermon" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Tabor and Hermon is a deliberate poetic choice to represent the entirety and majesty of the land of Israel, and by extension, all creation. Mount Tabor, located in the central-western part of the country, and Mount Hermon, the highest and most prominent peak in the far north, together symbolize the geographical breadth and grandeur of the region. They are iconic, well-known landmarks that would have immediately evoked images of stability, beauty, and vastness for the ancient audience. By naming these specific mountains, the psalmist emphasizes that God's creative power extends over every significant feature of the earth, from its highest points to its broadest reaches, demonstrating His comprehensive dominion. Their "rejoicing" is a powerful personification, indicating that even the most enduring and majestic parts of the natural world bear undeniable witness to God's glory and creative might.

**How can inanimate mountains "rejoice in thy name"?**

Answer: The "rejoicing" of Tabor and Hermon is a beautiful example of **personification**, a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects. Mountains cannot literally shout or sing for joy. Instead, their "rejoicing" signifies their inherent, silent, and undeniable testimony to God's creative power, wisdom, and glory. Their very existence, their grandeur, their enduring stability, and their majestic beauty are a constant, visible declaration of the divine architect's handiwork. Just as [the heavens declare the glory of God](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), so too do the mountains, by their sheer presence and magnificence, bear witness to their Maker. It's a poetic way to express that all of creation, simply by being what it is, inherently reflects and praises its Creator's "name," which encompasses His character, authority, and revealed nature, inviting humanity to join in this universal chorus of praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:12, with its declaration of God as the Creator of "the north and the south" and the one before whom "Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is not merely a creature, but the very agent through whom all things were created. As [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") states, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All") affirms, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him." Thus, the majestic creative power celebrated in Psalms 89:12 is intrinsically linked to the Son of God. Furthermore, Christ's sovereignty over creation is not just in its origin but in its ongoing sustenance and control, as powerfully demonstrated by His power to calm storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and walk on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). The "rejoicing" of creation in God's name foreshadows the universal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, where "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The enduring covenant faithfulness of God, which is the broader theme of Psalms 89, finds its eternal anchor in Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Therefore, Psalms 89:12 not only points to God's cosmic power but implicitly directs our worship to the One through whom all things were made and in whom all creation finds its purpose and ultimate rejoicing.

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

Joshua 12:1

¶ Now these [are] the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

Job 26:7

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, [and] hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Joshua 19:22

And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.

Deuteronomy 3:8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

Deuteronomy 3:9

([Which] Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

Judges 4:12

And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?