Psalms 78:69
Psalms 78:69 in Multiple Translations
He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever.
And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.
And he built his sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which he hath established for ever.
And he made his holy place like the high heaven, like the earth which is fixed by him for ever.
There he built his sanctuary, high like the heavens, on earth that he made to last forever.
And he built his Sanctuarie as an high palace, like the earth, which he stablished for euer.
And buildeth His sanctuary as a high place, Like the earth, He founded it to the age.
He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which he has established forever.
And he built his sanctuary like high palaces , like the earth which he hath established for ever.
He decided to have his temple built there, high up, like his home in heaven; he caused it to be firm, and intended that his temple would last forever, like the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:69
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 78:69 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֣בֶן
כְּמוֹ
רָ֭מִים
מִקְדָּשׁ֑/וֹ
כְּ֝/אֶ֗רֶץ
יְסָדָ֥/הּ
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
וַ/יִּ֣בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
רָ֭מִים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
מִקְדָּשׁ֑/וֹ
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
N-ms | Suff
כְּ֝/אֶ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
יְסָדָ֥/הּ
yâçad
H3245
to found
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:69
וַ/יִּ֣בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
רָ֭מִים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
מִקְדָּשׁ֑/וֹ
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
N-ms | Suff
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
כְּ֝/אֶ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יְסָדָ֥/הּ
yâçad
H3245
"to found"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:69
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:69 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:69
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:69
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:69
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:69
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
- Sermons on Psalms 78:69
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
67He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim.
68But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved.
69He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever.
70He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 26:7 | He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 29:19 | And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 6:1–38 | In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the month of Ziv, the second month of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, he began to build the house of the LORD. The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubits long, extending across the width of the temple and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple. He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple. Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls. The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built. The entrance to the bottom floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor. So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar. He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar. Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying: “As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David. And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon My people Israel.” So Solomon built the temple and finished it. He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards. He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. And the main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen. Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary. In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, and the height of each cherub was ten cubits. And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched. He also overlaid the cherubim with gold. Then he carved the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved engravings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. And he overlaid the temple floor with gold in both the inner and outer sanctuaries. For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, Solomon constructed doors of olive wood with five-sided doorposts. The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold. In the same way he made four-sided doorposts of olive wood for the sanctuary entrance. The two doors were made of cypress wood, and each had two folding panels. He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold, hammered evenly over the carvings. Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams. The foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, in the month of Ziv. In his eleventh year and eighth month, the month of Bul, the temple was finished in every detail and according to every specification. So he built the temple in seven years. |
| 5 | Isaiah 51:6 | Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 3:4 | The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold. |
| 7 | Isaiah 48:13 | Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 9:8 | And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ |
| 9 | Psalms 119:90–91 | Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 2:9 | to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. |
Psalms 78:69 Summary
This verse, Psalms 78:69, tells us that God built His special place, called a sanctuary, to be as strong and lasting as the earth itself. Just like God created the earth to last forever, as seen in Genesis 1:1, He wants His presence to be with His people forever. This reminds us that God is all-powerful and always in control, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17. We can trust that God's love and care for us will never change, just like the earth remains under His care, and we can find comfort in His eternal presence with us, as expressed in Psalms 102:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'He built His sanctuary like the heights' in Psalms 78:69?
The phrase 'like the heights' refers to the majesty and grandeur of God's sanctuary, emphasizing its elevated and exalted nature, much like the heights of mountains, as seen in Isaiah 2:2-3 where the mountain of the Lord's house is established above all others.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's eternal nature?
The phrase 'like the earth He has established forever' highlights God's eternal and unchanging character, as expressed in Psalms 102:27, where God remains the same despite the changing world, and in Genesis 1:1, where God is the creator of the eternal earth.
What is the significance of the sanctuary in this context?
The sanctuary represents God's dwelling place among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8, where God instructs Moses to build a sanctuary that He may dwell among them, and in this verse, it is built to last forever, symbolizing God's eternal presence with His people.
How does this verse point to God's sovereignty and power?
The fact that God 'built His sanctuary' and 'established' the earth 'forever' demonstrates His absolute authority and control over creation, as expressed in Jeremiah 32:17, where God is the maker of all things, and in Psalms 115:3, where God does whatever He pleases.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of God's sanctuary 'like the heights' evoke in my heart and mind, and how can I apply this to my worship and reverence for God?
- How can I trust in God's eternal nature and character, especially in times of uncertainty and change, as expressed in this verse and in Psalms 90:2?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty and power in my life, recognizing that He is the eternal and unchanging Creator of all things?
- What does it mean for me to have God's sanctuary, or His presence, established in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:69
And he built his sanctuary like high palaces,.... The temple at Jerusalem, called a sanctuary, or holy place, because separated and dedicated to holy use and service; where the holy God had his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:69
Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
His sanctuary; the temple of Solomon. High palaces; magnificent and glorious. Established for ever; not now to be removed from place to place, as the tabernacle was, but as a fixed place for the ark’ s perpetual residence, unless the people by their apostasy should cause its removal.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
Psalms 78:69 And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.Ver. 69. Like high palaces] Not places, as some books absurdly have it. Like the earth, there shall be a Church to the world’ s end.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
(69) He built.—The first clause is vague, but evidently the poet is drawing attention to the grandeur and solidity of the Temple. Perhaps, high as heaven—firm as earth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
Verse 69. He built his sanctuary like high palaces] כמו רמים kemo ramim, which several of the Versions understand of the monoceros or rhinoceros. The temple of God at Jerusalem was the only one in the land, and stood as prominent on Mount Zion as the horn of the unicorn or rhinoceros does upon his snout. And there he established his ark, to go no more out as long as the temple should last. Before this time it was frequently in a migratory state, not only in the wilderness, but afterwards in the promised land. See Clarke on Psalms 78:60.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:69
69. like high palaces] Rather, like the heights of heaven, which along with the earth are emblems of grandeur and stability.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:69
And he built his sanctuary - His holy place; that is, his tabernacle. The temple was not then built; and, when reared, it was not on Mount Zion, but on Mount Moriah. The name Zion, however, was often given to the whole city.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:69
69. He built his sanctuary… like the earth—This divine order in respect of his sanctuary is established as the order of the celestial spheres.
Sermons on Psalms 78:69
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beauty of Nothing by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a pastor who endured 14 years in communist prisons, highlighting the struggles, faith, and triumphs experienced during that time. It em |
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A Helpless Babe Exposed to the Wrath of Herod by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the paradox of God's strength displayed through weakness, using the story of Christ's incarnation as the ultimate example. Despite appearing weak and defe |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |
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(God's Sanctuary) 04 Men of His Own Heart 3 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning how to find God's will. They highlight that there are similar conditions for people to learn these lessons. The sp |
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The Righteous Ennobled and Exalted by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches about the book of Job, emphasizing the importance of discerning between the opinions of man and the declarations of God within the text. He highlights the |
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His Anointing (1 Samuel 16, 17) by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and 17, illustrating how it represents God's grace amidst Israel's spiritual decline. He highlights that D |
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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |