Psalm 108 5

Psalm 108:5 kjv

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

Psalm 108:5 nkjv

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth;

Psalm 108:5 niv

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 108:5 esv

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Psalm 108:5 nlt

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.

Psalm 108 verses

Psalm 108 5 Meaning

Psalm 108:5 is a fervent prayer and a declarative acclamation of God's supreme sovereignty and inherent glory. It expresses a passionate longing for God, who is already inherently exalted far above all creation, to manifest His resplendent glory openly and universally across the entire earth. It is a plea for the recognition of God's rightful place as the preeminent, transcendent Creator and Sovereign to be made known to all humanity and for His presence to permeate the world.

Psalm 108 5 Context

Psalm 108 is a composite Psalm, essentially merging parts of Psalm 57 (vv. 7-11 forming Psa 108:1-5) and Psalm 60 (vv. 5-12 forming Psa 108:6-13). It is attributed to David, likely compiled in a later period (perhaps exilic or post-exilic) to address a situation of national crisis and a plea for divine intervention against enemy nations (Edom, Moab, Philistia, as suggested by Psa 60).

Verse 5, taken from Psalm 57:5, forms the conclusion of the initial section of praise and firm resolve (Psa 108:1-5). Despite the dire circumstances and the imminent military threats, the psalmist expresses an unwavering trust in God and begins with a declaration of praise and commitment to sing to the Lord. This request for God's universal exaltation and the display of His glory is not a plea for God to become more glorious or exalted, but for His inherent, supreme majesty to be manifested and recognized across the entire earth. It is a foundational prayer acknowledging God's rightful universal dominion as the basis for national deliverance and triumph. It contrasts human weakness and geopolitical vulnerability with the unchangeable, transcendent power of the Divine.

Historically, this aligns with the struggles of the Israelite monarchy facing regional adversaries, consistently placing their hope not in military might, but in the manifest presence and power of Yahweh. It indirectly acts as a polemic against the territorial deities of surrounding nations, asserting that only the God of Israel holds universal dominion, both in the heavens and on earth.

Psalm 108 5 Word analysis

• Be exalted (רום - rūm):

  • Meaning: To be high, to rise, to be lifted up, elevated, or to be extolled and praised. When used in relation to God, it means for His inherent high position and authority to be made evident or publicly acknowledged.
  • Significance: It's not a command for God to become something He is not, but a declarative prayer or passionate longing for His supreme, transcendental nature to be revealed and recognized. It expresses a desire for God's glory to be visible to all. The nifal stem often suggests an emphasis on the action or state, here, God being seen or being known as exalted. It highlights His transcendent existence and calls for His inherent majesty to be visibly affirmed across creation.

• O God (אֱלֹהִים - ’Ĕlōhîm):

  • Meaning: A general Hebrew term for "God" or "gods," but when used with the definite article or in the context of the singular God of Israel, it refers to the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe. It often carries implications of power, majesty, and sovereignty.
  • Significance: By addressing God as ’Ĕlōhîm, the psalmist affirms His status as the ultimate, all-powerful deity, distinguishing Him from any limited or false gods. It speaks to His divine essence and universal authority. This address underscores the foundational object of all worship and petition.

• above the heavens! (עַל שָׁמַיִם - ‘al shāmayim):

  • Meaning: "Above the heavens." Shāmayim can denote the visible sky (atmosphere), the starry cosmos, or the abode of God (the spiritual realm). Here, it signifies beyond all creation, including the celestial realm.
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes God's transcendence – His absolute superiority and independence from all created things. He is not contained by or limited to creation; rather, He exists beyond it, as its Creator and Sustainer. His throne is in the heavens, from which He exercises His supreme dominion over all things. This acknowledges His incomparable majesty.

• Let your glory (כְּבוֹדְךָ - kᵉḇôḏḵā):

  • Meaning: "Your glory." Kavod (כבוד) fundamentally means "weight," "heaviness," "substance," leading to "honor," "reputation," "splendor," and "radiance." It represents the manifest presence of God's character, attributes, and power, often perceived as a dazzling light or powerful manifestation.
  • Significance: It's not about adding to God's inherent glory (which is infinite) but about its universal display and acknowledgment. This is the visible manifestation of His worth, excellence, and inherent majesty. The prayer desires that His divine essence and splendor, already perfectly revealed in Himself, be widely and overtly manifested on Earth for all to witness and worship.

• be over all the earth! (עַל כָּל־הָאָרֶץ - ‘al kol-hā’āreṣ):

  • Meaning: "Over all the earth," implying complete global coverage, encompassing every part of the terrestrial sphere and all its inhabitants.
  • Significance: This expresses a longing for God's manifest glory to permeate every corner of the world and for His universal sovereignty to be recognized by every nation and people. It speaks to a future reality of global knowledge of God, contrasting with localized worship or fragmented understanding. This is a prayer for universal homage and submission to God's reign, asserting His ultimate dominion over all land and peoples, countering any idolatrous claims of lesser gods over specific territories.

Psalm 108 5 Bonus section

• Eschatological Hope: This verse points towards a prophetic fulfillment where the earth will indeed be filled with the knowledge of God's glory (Hab 2:14, Isa 11:9), ushering in an era of universal peace and righteousness under His dominion.
• Theocratic Vision: The longing for God's glory to cover the earth aligns with the broader biblical vision of God's kingdom extending its influence globally, reflecting His perfect rule and ultimate authority over all.
• Intercessory Model: It provides a model for intercessory prayer, where believers lift up God's inherent greatness and ask for its universal manifestation, aligning human prayers with divine purposes.
• A Call to Revelation: While God is intrinsically glorious, the prayer highlights His willingness to reveal that glory progressively to creation, often through His acts of deliverance, judgment, and ultimately, redemption. This manifestation is not for His benefit but for the illumination and sanctification of His creation.

Psalm 108 5 Commentary

Psalm 108:5 is a majestic and profound declaration that distills the essence of worship and aspiration for God's universal reign. It springs from a deep faith in God's unassailable supremacy, recognizing that He is already infinitely "exalted above the heavens." The request for "Your glory to be over all the earth" is therefore not a plea for God to acquire more glory or stature, but for His pre-existent, unapproachable splendor to be overtly and universally revealed on earth, bringing every aspect of creation under the sway of His acknowledged authority. It anticipates a day when the intrinsic truth of His transcendence will be openly displayed, transforming global understanding and worship. This fervent prayer moves from God's heavenly transcendence to an earnest desire for His manifest immanence to envelop the entire world. It's an affirmation of God's sovereignty as the foundation for both national deliverance and the hope for a future global acknowledgement of His sole, supreme dominion.

• Example 1 (Prayer): When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, praying this verse shifts focus from human limitations to God's infinite power and desire for His glory to prevail.
• Example 2 (Mission): It fuels the missionary impulse, reminding believers of God's universal desire for all people to know and experience His glory.