Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Psalms 97:5
Psalm 97:5 tells of the mountains melting like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. The image of mountains melting conveys overwhelming awe and the subduing of powerful, unmoving forms before God’s majesty. In the ancient world, mountains signified strength and permanence. When God appears, even the most seemingly solid elements yield. This line emphasizes that nothing—cities, borders, or systems—stands outside God’s ultimate authority. The phrase “presence of the Lord of the whole earth” expands the scope from Israel to the entire world, highlighting universal sovereignty. The verse echoes prophetic visions of divine glory that penetrates creation, provoking reverence, humility, and repentance. It is a poetic celebration of God’s reign that transcends geography and politics, asserting that the Creator is the ruler of all.
This verse deepens the biblical doctrine of God’s supremacy over creation. If mountains melt, what can resist the God who rules over the world’s peaks? It reminds readers that human power is fragile in comparison to God’s. Theologically, it grounds eschatological hope: the day will come when every barrier to God’s reign yields to His presence. It also reinforces the reality of divine transcendence and immanence—God is beyond us, yet near enough to touch the world. The moral corollary is humility before God, worship that doesn’t treat Him as a local deity but as the Lord of all creation.
Faces with mountains of tasks or insurmountable challenges? Remember that God’s presence can reorganize our priorities. Practical steps: spend time in awe-filled worship, revisiting God’s sovereignty in prayer when plans collapse. In public life, this verse can fuel commitments to steward creation responsibly, knowing God’s authority over nature includes our environmental responsibilities. Encourage humility in leadership, acknowledging limits and seeking the wisdom that comes from the Lord. For individuals, let moments of frustration become prompts to pause and re-center on God’s larger story.
Cross-References: Isaiah 40:12-14; Psalm 46:2-3; Exodus 19:18-19; Psalm 29:6-9; Daniel 2:44