Psalms 135:6 Meaning: Does God Doing Whatever He Pleases Mean He Is Arbitrary?
Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;
All that Jehovah pleased He hath done, In the heavens and in earth, In the seas and all deep places,
Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, he hath done in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all deeps;
Meaning in one sentence
Understand Psalm 135:6. This verse declares God's absolute sovereignty over all creation. Find meaning and hope in His good rule.
Context
Psalm 135 belongs to a collection of 'Hallel' psalms used in temple worship. The writer addresses the congregation, those who stand in God's courts, calling them to praise the Lord for His goodness and His choice of Israel as His own possession. In verse 5 the psalmist declares, 'I know that the Lord is great.' What follows is a sweeping description of God's power: He does whatever pleases Him, from the heavens to the deepest parts of the sea. This is not an abstract belief; it is the basis for the concrete acts of deliverance the psalm then recounts, the plagues in Egypt, the defeat of kings, the gift of the land. The verse stands as a hinge: all that God has done in history flows from His own good pleasure.
Key Words
The Hebrew word translated 'pleased' is chaphets. It means to bend toward, to long for, to take delight in. This is not the cold will of a distant ruler; it is the eager desire of a God who loves what He has made. The name used here is Yahweh, the covenant name, the God who bound Himself to His people in relationship. And the word for 'deeps' is tehom, the same word from Genesis 1 describing the wild, dark darkness before light was spoken. The psalmist looks into the oldest chaos and says: Even there, God does what delights Him. There is no corner of creation where His will does not reach. His pleasure is not detached, it comes from a character of faithfulness and love.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this verse as a reason for confidence. Reformed Protestants often point to it as a clear statement of God's absolute sovereignty in all things, including salvation. Catholic and Orthodox writers emphasize that God's will is always directed toward the good of creation and His covenant people. Both agree on what the psalm itself shows: God is not like the idols it mocks later, lifeless and powerless. He acts, and His actions are worthy of praise. His power never operates apart from His goodness.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that God's sovereignty means He is arbitrary or uncaring, doing whatever whim strikes Him. In fact, the entire psalm connects God's 'pleasure' with His acts of deliverance and care. The God who does what He pleases is the same God who freed slaves, kept promises, and gave a land to His people. His pleasure is not random; it is rooted in His unshakeable, good character.
Living This Out
This week, you might face a situation that feels as dark and out of control as the deeps, a worrying medical report, a broken relationship, a job loss. Psalm 135:6 invites you to look that chaos in the face and remember: God is already there, and He is doing what pleases Him. And because He is good, what pleases Him is good for you. You can let go of trying to control everything yourself and rest in His strong hands.
Main takeaway: God’s power extends to every corner of creation, and because He is good, His pleasure is always for our ultimate good.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God can do anything He wants because He made everything. Isn't that wonderful? He loves you very much.
For ages 9, 12
This verse says God does whatever pleases Him. That might sound scary, but because God is perfect and kind, what He wants is always good. When you feel confused about why something happens, remember that God sees the whole picture. You can trust Him even when you don't understand.
Questions People Ask
Does this verse mean God causes everything that happens, even bad things?
The verse says God does what pleases Him, but Scripture also shows that human choices and natural events have real consequences. Christians have understood this in different ways. Many point out that God’s sovereignty works with human freedom in ways we cannot fully explain. What the psalm emphasizes is that nothing is beyond God’s power, and His ultimate purpose is good.
What does 'pleases Him' mean? Is God's will just whatever He feels like doing?
The word 'pleases' (chaphets in Hebrew) means to take delight in or to long for. It is not a random whim. In the Bible, what pleases God is always in line with His holy, loving character. The psalm uses this word after describing God’s goodness and His choice of Israel. His pleasure flows from who He is.
If God does whatever He pleases, do our prayers and choices matter at all?
Absolutely. The psalm itself is a call for people to praise God, which implies our response matters. The Bible holds together God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. We pray because God invites us to, and He works through our choices. The verse does not cancel our part; it gives us confidence that God is ultimately in control.
How is this verse a comfort in suffering?
When you suffer, it can feel like everything is falling apart. This verse reminds you that God rules even the deep places, the chaotic, frightening parts of life. He is not surprised. And because His pleasure is good, you can trust that He is at work even in the pain. This does not mean He caused your suffering, but that He holds it in His hands.
Does this verse make God sound like a tyrant?
Not when read in context. The psalm praises God for His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness to His covenant. God’s sovereignty is never separated from His love in Scripture. He does what He pleases, but what pleases Him is to rescue, provide, and care for His people. The verse is a reason for worship, not fear.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study