He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

PSALMS 135:7KJV
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Psalms 135:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 135:7 mean?

Psalms 135:7 describes how God controls the natural world: He causes mist or vapors to rise from the ends of the earth, makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses. The verse highlights God's power over weather and creation, showing that these forces are not random but under His command.

The psalmist is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them of God's active role in the world around them. This verse is part of a larger psalm praising God for His mighty deeds and care for His people. By mentioning specific elements like vapors, lightning, rain, and wind, the verse gives concrete examples of God's ongoing involvement in daily life and nature.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:7

  • "vapours" (נְשִׁיאִים, nesi'im): This word often refers to mist, clouds, or vapor rising up. It points to the visible signs of weather that people in ancient times would have seen as mysterious or powerful.
  • "wind" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word can mean wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it emphasizes the unseen but felt force that God controls, reinforcing the idea that even invisible powers are in His hands.
  • "treasuries" (אוֹצָר, otzar): This word means storehouse or treasury. The image is of God keeping the wind as if it were a valuable resource, releasing it at will, which adds a sense of order and purpose to natural events.

Why Psalms 135:7 matters

  • Psalms 135:7 clears up the idea that natural events like weather are random or controlled by other gods; it insists that the God of Israel is the one directing these forces.
  • The verse emphasizes God's ongoing, personal involvement in creation, not just as a distant creator but as one who actively manages the world.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse supports the call to praise God by giving specific, everyday reasons for trust and awe, connecting faith to the observable world.

Where else these words appear

“lightnings” Hebrew H1300 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

“rain” Hebrew H4306 · used in 36 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 23:4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
  • Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

“treasuries” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

“ends” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,(for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
  • Psalms 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.