What Does Psalms 135:5-6 Mean?
The meaning of Psalms 135:5-6 is that the Lord is greater than any other so-called god, and He has the power to do whatever He wants - anywhere, anytime. He rules over the heavens, earth, seas, and deepest places, showing His complete control, as Psalm 115:3 states, 'Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.'
Psalms 135:5-6
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
Key Facts
Book
Author
Anonymous, traditionally attributed to the Levites
Genre
Wisdom
Date
Estimated between 1000 - 500 BC, during the period of Israel’s monarchy or exile
Key People
- The Lord (Yahweh)
- The gods of the nations
Key Themes
- God's supreme sovereignty
- Divine authority over creation
- The futility of idolatry
- Universal dominion of God
Key Takeaways
- God is greater than all false gods and rules supreme.
- Whatever the Lord wills, He accomplishes everywhere.
- Trusting His sovereign care brings peace in uncertainty.
God Rules Over Everything
Psalm 135 is a song of praise that celebrates God’s greatness, His mighty acts, and His unmatched rule over all creation.
These verses declare that the Lord is far greater than any other so-called god, and whatever He chooses to do - whether in the skies, on earth, or in the deepest oceans - He accomplishes it. Psalm 115:3 says, 'Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases,' reminding us that nothing happens outside His will or control.
The Power of God’s Supreme Will
These verses use poetic repetition to build a powerful picture of God’s unmatched greatness and complete control.
The phrase 'the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods' uses synthetic parallelism - where the second line strengthens and adds to the first - showing that His greatness isn’t just size or power, but rank: He stands higher than every other so-called divine being. Then, 'Whatever the Lord pleases, he does' expands that authority to every part of creation - 'in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps' - leaving no corner of the universe outside His rule. This isn’t about power; it’s about freedom. God acts according to His will, not because of pressure or chance, as Psalm 115:3 says, 'Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.'
This truth invites us to trust Him more deeply, knowing that the One who holds all power is also the One who cares for us.
Trusting the One Who Holds All Power
Because the Lord rules over everything - above all gods and every corner of creation - we can rest in His sovereign care.
This isn’t the boast of a distant ruler, but the invitation of a loving Father who does exactly what He pleases, and who, in Jesus, chose to lay down His life for us. Psalm 115:3 says, 'Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases,' and we see that same sovereign power revealed in Christ, who fulfills all wisdom and reigns with love.
God’s Supreme Rule Through the Story of Scripture
This declaration in Psalm 135:5-6 isn’t isolated - it’s part of a steady chorus through the Bible affirming that the Lord alone is supreme.
Back in Exodus 18:11, Moses’ father-in-law declares, 'Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods,' after seeing how God rescued Israel from Egypt. And Psalm 95:3 echoes the same truth: 'For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.' Then in the New Testament, Jesus steps forward after His resurrection and says in Matthew 28:18, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,' showing that this unmatched rule belongs to Him too.
When we face daily worries - like a tense conversation, a financial decision, or fear about the future - we can remember that the same God who rules over all is with us, guiding and caring. That changes how we pray, how we wait, and how we trust. Living this truth means leaning into His will, not just admiring His power.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember sitting in my car after a long day, feeling overwhelmed by a decision at work that could affect my family’s future. My hands were tight on the wheel, my heart racing like I had to fix everything on my own. Then I whispered, 'Whatever the Lord pleases, he does,' and something shifted. It wasn’t magic - my problem didn’t vanish - but suddenly I wasn’t alone in it. I realized the same God who rules the oceans and holds the stars is also present in my rearview mirror, caring about my job, my kids, my fear. That truth didn’t remove the pressure, but it replaced panic with peace, because I remembered: the One who does all He pleases is also the One who loves me. That changes how I face every hard choice.
Personal Reflection
- When I feel out of control, what false 'gods' - like money, approval, or control - am I tempted to trust more than the Lord?
- In what area of my life am I struggling to believe that God’s will is good, even when I don’t understand it?
- How can I live today like someone who truly believes that God is sovereign over every detail - from the depths of the sea to the thoughts in my mind?
A Challenge For You
This week, when you face a moment of anxiety or uncertainty, pause and say out loud: 'The Lord is in control. He does what He pleases, and He is good.' Then name one thing you can surrender to Him right then. Also, choose one situation you’ve been trying to manage alone and pray a simple prayer of release: 'God, this is Yours. Do what You will here.'
A Prayer of Response
Father, I confess I often act like I’m the one who has to fix everything. But Your Word says You are above all gods, and You do whatever You please. I believe that. I trust that. So today, I let go of the need to control what only You can handle. Thank You that Your rule isn’t harsh, but loving - especially because I see it fulfilled in Jesus. Help me live under Your good authority, not in fear, but in peace. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Psalms 135:4
Precedes verse 5 by highlighting God’s special choice of Israel, setting up the declaration of His greatness among the nations.
Psalms 135:7
Follows verse 6 by showing God’s control over weather and skies, demonstrating His active rule in nature as stated in verses 5 - 6.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 46:9-10
God declares He is God alone and fulfills His purpose, reinforcing the truth that He does all He pleases as in Psalms 135:5-6.
Daniel 4:35
Affirms no one can stop God’s will, echoing the universal dominion proclaimed in Psalms 135:5-6.
Ephesians 1:11
Says we are chosen according to God’s will, reflecting the New Testament understanding of His sovereign pleasure as seen in Psalms 135:5-6.