Psalms 95:4

KJV

In his hand [are] the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills [is] his also.

KJV (with Strong's)

In his hand {H3027} are the deep places {H4278} of the earth {H776}: the strength {H8443} of the hills {H2022} is his also.

Complete Jewish Bible

He holds the depths of the earth in his hands; the mountain peaks too belong to him.

Berean Standard Bible

In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.

American Standard Version

In his hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are his also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 95:4 serves as a profound declaration of God's absolute and all-encompassing dominion over the entirety of creation. This verse, embedded within a psalm that both invites fervent worship and issues a solemn warning against spiritual hardening, articulates the foundational reason for humanity's reverence: the Lord's unmatched power, infinite wisdom, and indisputable ownership of all things, from the most hidden depths to the most imposing heights of the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 95 is a masterful composition structured in two distinct yet interconnected movements. The initial section, verses 1-7a, is an exuberant call to worship, inviting the congregation to "come, let us sing to the Lord!" and to "make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!" This opening crescendo of praise is grounded in God's identity as the great God and King above all gods. Verse 4, specifically, provides a theological rationale for this worship, asserting God's universal sovereignty over creation. It establishes the divine authority that precedes the call to "bow down and kneel before the Lord our Maker" in [Psalm 95:6](/psalms/95-6 "Psalm 95:6 - Bow Down Before Our Maker"). The latter half of the psalm, from verse 7b to 11, shifts dramatically to a stern warning, recounting Israel's rebellion and testing of God in the wilderness at Meribah and Massah, a narrative echoed and expounded upon in [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts"). Thus, the psalm moves from an invitation to worship based on God's creative power to a warning against the consequences of rejecting His authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for liturgical use in temple worship, Psalm 95 would have resonated deeply with the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, distinct from the polytheistic deities of surrounding nations who were often associated with specific natural phenomena. The imagery of "deep places of the earth" and "strength of the hills" speaks to a people intimately familiar with a diverse and often formidable natural landscape, from the deep ravines and caves of the Judean wilderness to the majestic, imposing mountains like Mount Hermon or the hills surrounding Jerusalem. In a world where natural forces were often deified or seen as unpredictable, this psalm firmly grounds all such power and mystery in the singular hand of the God of Israel, reinforcing His unique status as the sovereign Lord over all creation, both seen and unseen.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 95:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, declaring that God's dominion extends to every conceivable part of the earth, from the hidden "deep places" to the visible, formidable "strength of the hills." This comprehensive ownership underscores His absolute authority. Secondly, the verse highlights God's **Omnipotence and Power**, demonstrating that He is not merely a distant Creator but an active Sustainer and Controller of all natural forces and geographical features. This attribute is a cornerstone of His majesty and worthiness of praise, aligning with passages like [Isaiah 40:12](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12 - God's Immeasurable Power"), which depicts God measuring the waters in the hollow of His hand. Lastly, this verse reinforces the **Foundation for Worship**, presenting God's creative power and universal dominion as the primary, irrefutable reason for humanity's adoration and submission. Understanding His control over the vastness and intricacy of the earth inspires profound awe and humility, leading to genuine and heartfelt worship, as the psalm encourages in [Psalm 95:1](/psalms/95-1 "Psalm 95:1 - Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deep places (Hebrew, _maḥqĕrê-ʾereṣ'_):** This term (מַחְקְרֵי־אֶרֶץ), derived from a root meaning "to search out" or "to explore," refers not merely to physical depth but to the hidden, mysterious, and perhaps even unexplored recesses of the earth. It encompasses the subterranean caverns, the ocean trenches, and all that is concealed from human sight and knowledge. The use of this word emphasizes that even what is most obscure or inaccessible to humanity is fully known, surveyed, and controlled by God.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _tôʿăpōt'_):** The Hebrew word (תּוֹעָפוֹת) translated as "strength" can also carry connotations of "weariness" or "exaltedness." In this context, when paired with "hills" (mountains), it speaks to the formidable power, majesty, and enduring nature of mountains. It suggests their imposing height, their resistance to erosion, and their symbolic representation of stability and might. By stating that this "strength" belongs to God, the psalmist asserts that even the most impressive and seemingly unmovable features of the natural world derive their very existence and power from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In his hand [are] the deep places of the earth":** This clause vividly portrays God's intimate and comprehensive control over all hidden, mysterious, and inaccessible parts of the world. The imagery of "in his hand" signifies not just possession but active, sovereign management and care. It implies that nothing, no matter how concealed or remote, lies outside His knowledge, power, or jurisdiction. This speaks to His omniscience and omnipresence, assuring that even the most obscure elements of creation are under His direct authority.
* **"the strength of the hills [is] his also":** Complementing the first clause, this phrase extends God's dominion to the highest, most visible, and most formidable natural features—the mountains. The "strength" of the hills refers to their imposing majesty, their steadfastness, and their inherent power. By declaring this strength to be "his also," the psalmist completes the picture of universal sovereignty, asserting that God is the source and owner of all might, whether found in the hidden depths or the towering peaks. Together, these two clauses form a powerful statement of God's absolute and exhaustive ownership of all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 95:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine sovereignty. **Merism** is prominently featured through the pairing of "deep places of the earth" and "strength of the hills." This rhetorical device uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole, signifying that God's dominion extends from the lowest depths to the highest peaks, encompassing everything in between. This creates a sense of totality and comprehensiveness. The phrase "In his hand" is a powerful example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (having a hand) to God to make His control and active involvement more relatable and understandable. It emphasizes His direct and personal hold over creation. Furthermore, the concept of "the strength of the hills" can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, as it imbues inanimate mountains with an attribute (strength) that is then declared to belong to God, highlighting that even their inherent power is derived from Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 95:4 fundamentally undergirds the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all things. It establishes that His dominion is not merely theoretical but extends to every physical and metaphysical reality, from the most profound mysteries of the earth's core to the most visible and majestic mountain ranges. This comprehensive ownership means that all of creation exists by His will, is sustained by His power, and is subject to His authority. This truth serves as a bedrock for worship, humility, and trust, reminding humanity of its rightful place before the Almighty and inspiring awe at His immeasurable power and wisdom.

* [Job 12:7-10](/job/12-7 "Job 12:7-10 - God's Hand in All Creation")
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - The Everlasting God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer today, Psalm 95:4 offers profound comfort and calls for deep reverence, providing an anchor in an often turbulent world. When we face challenges that feel overwhelming, hidden fears, or uncertainties that delve into the "deep places" of our lives, this verse reminds us that God holds even these unseen aspects firmly in His hand. His power extends to the "strength of the hills," meaning no obstacle is too great for Him to handle, no problem too imposing for Him to overcome. This truth should inspire a radical trust in His providential care, knowing that the One who controls the cosmos is intimately involved in our individual lives. It calls us to a posture of humble worship, acknowledging His supreme authority over all things, and to a renewed perspective that places our human struggles and achievements into the context of His immense, all-encompassing power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God holding "the deep places of the earth" and "the strength of the hills" in His hand impact your understanding of His sovereignty over your own life, particularly in areas of uncertainty or struggle?**
* **In what specific ways can acknowledging God's absolute ownership of creation lead to deeper trust and more authentic worship in your daily life?**
* **How might meditating on God's comprehensive dominion, as described in this verse, shift your perspective on current global challenges or natural disasters?**

### FAQ

**What does "the deep places of the earth" specifically refer to?**
Answer: "The deep places of the earth" (Hebrew: _machqerei-eretz_) refers to the hidden, mysterious, and often unexplored recesses of the earth. This includes subterranean caverns, the abyssal depths of the oceans, and any part of the world that is concealed from human sight or knowledge. It emphasizes that even what is most obscure or inaccessible to humanity is fully known, surveyed, and controlled by God, highlighting His omniscience and omnipresence, as seen in [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-10 - Where Can I Flee From Your Presence?").

**How does Psalm 95:4 relate to God's power over nature?**
Answer: Psalm 95:4 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute power over all aspects of nature. By stating that both the "deep places of the earth" and "the strength of the hills" are in His hand or belong to Him, the verse asserts His comprehensive dominion over the entire natural world, from its lowest points to its highest peaks. It means that all natural forces, geographical features, and geological structures derive their existence, power, and stability from Him, reinforcing His role as the supreme Creator and Sustainer, as also described in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job from the Whirlwind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 95:4, with its declaration of God's comprehensive dominion over "the deep places of the earth" and "the strength of the hills," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament unequivocally presents Jesus as the divine agent through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained. As [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer") proclaims, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This means that the very "deep places" and "strength of the hills" spoken of in Psalm 95:4 are not merely under the Father's hand, but were brought into being and are continually upheld by the Son. Jesus demonstrated this sovereignty over creation through His miracles, calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), and commanding nature. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the one through whom God's absolute ownership and power over all creation are fully realized and revealed, inviting humanity to worship Him as the Lord of all, the Lamb who is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 135:6

Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

Habakkuk 3:10

The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

Habakkuk 3:6

He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways [are] everlasting.

Job 9:5

Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

Nahum 1:5

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

Psalms 65:6

¶ Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; [being] girded with power:

Job 11:10

If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?