Psalm 114 7

Psalm 114:7 kjv

Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Psalm 114:7 nkjv

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob,

Psalm 114:7 niv

Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

Psalm 114:7 esv

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

Psalm 114:7 nlt

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob.

Psalm 114 verses

Psalm 114 7 Meaning

Psalm 114:7 is a command to all creation, specifically the earth, to show reverence and awe in the manifest presence of God. It declares that the earth should "tremble" or writhe with reverence before the Creator who revealed Himself in mighty acts, particularly those connected to the Exodus and His covenant relationship with Israel, referred to as "the God of Jacob." This verse emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all nature.

Psalm 114 7 Context

Psalm 114 is part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were traditionally sung by Israel during major festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. This specific Psalm commemorates the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. The verses preceding Psalm 114:7 vividly describe nature's supernatural response to God's presence during the Exodus events: the sea fleeing, the Jordan turning back, and mountains and hills leaping like rams and lambs. This hyperbole serves to magnify God's power and sovereignty over all creation. Verse 7 acts as a direct address and climactic call, consolidating the previous descriptions of a terrified and obedient creation. Historically and culturally, this Psalm affirmed Yahweh's unparalleled power as the only true God, contrasting sharply with pagan beliefs where elements like the sea or mountains were often deified or believed to be controlled by various lesser gods. The Psalm asserts that the God of Israel is the singular, absolute Master of all creation.

Psalm 114 7 Word analysis

• Tremble: In Hebrew, חוּל (chul), pronounced "khool." This word denotes more than a simple tremor; it carries meanings such as to writhe in pain or travail (like birth pangs), to tremble in fear or awe, to be in anguish, or even to bring forth. In this context, it signifies a profound, active, and reverential agitation, an internal reaction of awe and submission from the personified earth.

• O earth: In Hebrew, הָאָרֶץ (ha'aretz). This refers to the physical planet, the ground, or the land. By addressing "the earth," the Psalm personifies all creation, calling on the entirety of the natural world to acknowledge God's awesome presence and power. It implies a universal reach of God's authority.

• at the presence of: In Hebrew, מִלִּפְנֵי (milliphney). Literally, "from the face of" or "before the face of." This idiom emphasizes direct, immediate, and visible manifestation or confrontation. The trembling is a direct consequence of experiencing or being exposed to God's immediate and active presence, not just an abstract idea of Him.

• the Lord: In Hebrew, הָאָדוֹן (ha'Adon). This is not the divine proper name YHWH (often rendered "LORD"), but a title meaning "the Master," "the Sovereign," or "the Owner." It conveys absolute authority, control, and supremacy. Its use here reinforces God's unchallenged dominion over creation, a Master before whom creation is rightfully subservient.

• at the presence of the God of Jacob: In Hebrew, מִלִּפְנֵי אֱלוֹהַּ יַעֲקֹב (milliphney Eloah Ya'aqov). This phrase repeats and intensifies the preceding declaration, uniquely identifying "the Lord."

  • God of Jacob: In Hebrew, אֱלוֹהַּ יַעֲקֹב (Eloah Ya'aqov). "Eloah" is a singular form of "El" or a variant of "Elohim," often emphasizing God's uniqueness and might. "God of Jacob" is a profoundly covenantal title. It points to God's personal, faithful relationship with the patriarch Jacob and, by extension, with the nation of Israel (whose name became Israel). This phrase underscores that the same majestic, all-powerful Lord before whom creation trembles is also the faithful, covenant-keeping God of His chosen people, a truth central to Israel's identity and hope. The universal power manifested in the natural world serves to confirm the particular covenant with Jacob's descendants.

• Tremble, O earth: This is a direct command and an imperative, signaling an urgent and necessary response. It personifies the entire planet, endowing it with the capacity to respond to divine majesty, implying that even inanimate creation innately recognizes God's authority.

• at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob: The repetition of "at the presence of" acts as a strong literary device, called parallelism and emphasis. It powerfully reiterates the cause for the earth's reaction: the direct, revealed presence of God. The pairing of "the Lord" (universal master) with "the God of Jacob" (covenantal, specific God) seamlessly weaves together God's universal sovereignty with His particular historical and covenantal acts on behalf of Israel. It declares that the Creator of all is the very One who called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Psalm 114 7 Bonus section

The strong imagery in Psalm 114, culminating in verse 7, contributes to its use as a powerful hymn in both Jewish and Christian liturgy. The dramatic depiction of creation's response serves a polemical function against idolatry prevalent in the ancient Near East, where forces of nature were often worshipped as deities. Psalm 114 directly challenges this worldview by asserting that the elements themselves, far from being gods, are subservient to and terrified by the one true God, "the Lord, the God of Jacob." This God is the one who commands nature, not the one represented by nature. The choice of Eloah in "God of Jacob" instead of YHWH or Elohim is sometimes understood to convey a sense of unique, awe-inspiring deity, a solitary and mighty God. The overall structure of the Psalm, moving from an observation of past events (vv. 1-6) to a direct address and imperative (vv. 7-8), gives it a performative quality, drawing the audience into the same awe and reverence.

Psalm 114 7 Commentary

Psalm 114:7 is the culminating summons of a poetic narrative that portrays God's power through the dramatic response of nature to His presence during the Exodus. It moves from historical recounting (sea, Jordan, mountains) to a direct imperative addressed to the entire earth. The "trembling" commanded of the earth is not mere fear, but a profound awe, submission, and reverence. If inanimate creation spontaneously reacts with such intensity to the God who divided the sea and shook Sinai, how much more should humanity, created in His image, respond with humble worship and obedience? This verse highlights God's ultimate authority over all things, affirming His role as both transcendent Creator and immanent Covenant-Keeper for His people. It is a reminder that the same God who performed these miracles in the past is actively present and sovereign now, and that His manifested presence naturally elicits profound reverence from His creation. Practically, it encourages believers to cultivate a sense of awe for God's power, to remember His mighty deeds, and to live in a manner that reflects submission to His absolute lordship.