What Does Psalms 135:5-7 Mean?
The meaning of Psalms 135:5-7 is that the Lord is truly great and rules over all other so-called gods. He does whatever he pleases in the heavens, on earth, in the seas, and in the deep places, showing his power in nature - like when he makes clouds, sends lightning, and releases wind from his storehouses (Psalm 135:7).
Psalms 135:5-7
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. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Key Facts
Book
Author
David, traditionally associated with many Psalms
Genre
Wisdom
Date
Approximately 1000 BC, during the time of the united monarchy
Key People
- The Lord (Yahweh)
- The psalmist (speaker)
Key Themes
- God's sovereignty over creation
- Divine control of nature
- The supremacy of Yahweh over false gods
Key Takeaways
- God rules over all creation with supreme authority.
- Nature obeys God’s command, revealing His active presence.
- Trusting God’s control brings peace in life’s storms.
God Rules Over All Creation
This passage comes from a psalm that celebrates God’s greatness and unmatched power, especially in the natural world.
The psalm doesn’t focus on a specific event but lifts up the truth that the Lord is above all gods and does whatever he pleases - whether in the skies, on earth, or in the deepest seas. He controls the weather, making clouds rise, sending lightning with rain, and releasing wind from his storehouses, showing that even the forces of nature obey him.
God’s Will in Action Through Creation
The psalmist shows that God’s supreme rule is evident in the everyday workings of nature, where his will directly shapes the world.
Each line builds on the one before, using a poetic pattern where one idea flows into the next - like clouds forming at the earth’s end, then lightning flashing with rain, and wind rushing from God’s storehouses. This same divine control is echoed in Job 37:9: 'Out of its chamber comes the storm, and cold out of the scattering winds,' and in Jeremiah 10:13: 'When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouse.' These verses highlight that God not only commands nature but also personally brings forth wind and storms, demonstrating his intimate authority.
The takeaway is that creation is not random. It answers to God, and every storm, breeze, or downpour reveals his active hand at work.
God’s Hand in the Everyday
The psalmist is making more than a bold claim about God’s power; this is a personal declaration of trust in the One who rules over everything.
When we see clouds gather or feel the wind rise, we’re seeing God’s hand at work, not random weather patterns. This same God, who commands the skies, is the one Jesus revealed as Father - showing that the One who holds the storehouses of wind and rain is also the One who loves us deeply and walks with us every day.
God’s Sovereignty and Steadfast Love in Scripture
The greatness of God celebrated in Psalm 135:5-7 isn’t isolated - it echoes throughout the Bible as a consistent truth about who He is.
As Psalm 135 declares God’s rule over nature, Isaiah 46:10 affirms, 'My purpose will stand, and I will fulfill my plan,' showing that nothing happens outside His will. Jeremiah 32:17 adds, 'Ah Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and earth by your great power,' reminding us that the same God who parts the seas and commands the wind is the one who formed all things - and Psalm 136 ties this power directly to His love, repeating 'for his steadfast love endures forever' through acts of creation and rescue.
When you remember that God controls the skies, it changes how you face a stressful day. Instead of reacting in anxiety, you can pause and trust. When storms arise, you can see them as signs of His presence, not merely weather. And when you pray, you can speak with confidence, knowing the One who holds the wind also holds your life.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a morning I was overwhelmed - my to-do list was endless, my heart was heavy, and a storm was rolling in outside. I felt like everything was spinning out of control. Then I read Psalm 135:7 and paused: 'He brings forth the wind from his storehouses.' In that moment, I realized the same God who commands the wind also holds my worries. It didn’t erase my stress, but it shifted my focus. Instead of trying to manage everything myself, I whispered, 'You’re in charge, Lord,' and felt a peace I couldn’t explain. When we truly believe God rules the skies, we stop living like we have to control every detail of our lives.
Personal Reflection
- When was the last time I saw a storm or a breeze and remembered it was God at work, not merely weather?
- If God does whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth, how should that change the way I pray or face uncertainty?
- Am I living like God is in control, or am I trying to be in control myself?
A Challenge For You
This week, whenever you see clouds, feel wind, or hear thunder, pause and thank God that he’s in charge. Let nature remind you of his presence and power. Also, write down one worry you’ve been holding and pray, 'God, you control the skies - help me trust you with this too.'
A Prayer of Response
Lord, I confess I often forget how great you are. I get caught up in my problems and forget you’re the one who makes clouds rise and wind blow. Thank you that you’re above all powers, in heaven and on earth. Help me trust you more when life feels chaotic. You’re not distant - you’re near, and you’re in control. I give you my worries today, knowing you hold everything together. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Psalm 135:4
Prepares for verses 5-7 by declaring God’s choice of Israel, highlighting His personal and powerful nature.
Psalm 135:8
Continues the theme of God’s mighty acts by recounting His judgment on Egypt, showing power in history.
Connections Across Scripture
Amos 4:13
God forms mountains and creates wind, directly connecting to Psalm 135:7’s portrayal of divine control over nature.
Psalm 148:8
Calls on stormy winds to praise the Lord, reinforcing the idea that weather serves God’s purpose.
Matthew 8:27
Jesus calms the storm, showing that the same God who commands wind in Psalm 135:7 is present in Christ.