Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The hills {H2022} melted {H4549} like wax {H1749} at the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, at the presence {H6440} of the Lord {H113} of the whole earth {H776}.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of ADONAI, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
The mountains melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Cross-References
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Nahum 1:5 (12 votes)
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. -
Micah 1:3 (11 votes)
For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. -
Micah 1:4 (11 votes)
And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place. -
Psalms 47:2 (8 votes)
For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth. -
Isaiah 24:19 (8 votes)
The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. -
Isaiah 24:20 (8 votes)
The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. -
Isaiah 64:1 (7 votes)
¶ Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
Commentary
Context
Psalm 97 is a majestic declaration of God's reign over all the earth. It is often categorized as a "theophany" psalm, describing a powerful manifestation of God's presence. Leading up to verse 5, the psalm speaks of clouds and darkness surrounding Him, righteousness and justice as the foundation of His throne, and fire going before Him. This sets the stage for the dramatic imagery of nature's response to His awesome power, emphasizing that His dominion is not limited to one nation but extends universally.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term for "LORD" (all caps in KJV) is YHWH (Yahweh), God's covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. The phrase "melted like wax" (נָמַס כַּדּוֹנַג, nāmas kaddōnagh) is a powerful simile. It suggests a complete dissolution and loss of form, implying that the most stable and imposing natural features crumble effortlessly before God's majesty. This imagery is also found in other biblical texts, such as Judges 5:5 and Micah 1:4, underscoring a consistent prophetic understanding of God's immense power.
Practical Application
For believers, this verse serves as a profound reminder of God's unmatched power and sovereignty. In a world often filled with instability and seemingly insurmountable problems, Psalm 97:5 offers immense comfort and calls for deep reverence. If the mighty hills cannot stand before Him, then no human power, no personal struggle, and no global crisis can ultimately withstand His will. It encourages us to place our trust fully in the Lord, knowing that He is in control and His purposes will prevail. This understanding should lead to awe, worship, and confidence in His ability to deliver and sustain His people.
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