Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.

Psalms 36:6 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 36 is attributed to David. In the first four verses, he describes the wickedness of evildoers. From verse 5 onward, he turns to the attributes of God. This verse sits in that second part, where David contrasts human evil with the perfect character of God.

Meaning

The verse compares God’s righteousness to the great mountains. In Hebrew, the phrase is literally “mountains of God,” a way of saying they are exceedingly great. Mountains stand firm and unmovable, so they picture the steadfast and unchanging nature of God’s righteousness. His judgments are called a great deep, like the vast ocean. The Hebrew term tehom rabbah points to depths that human minds cannot measure. God’s decisions are wise and beyond our full understanding. This imagery shows that His righteousness is lofty and His judgments are profound, not shallow or superficial.

Biblical connections

The same Hebrew idiom appears in Psalm 80:10, where the cedars of God are described as mighty trees. This confirms that the phrase “of God” means greatness and excellency. The verse also shows that God’s care reaches all creation. He preserves both man and beast, proving that His righteousness and judgments are not distant but personally caring. This preservation is an act of His covenant faithfulness and mercy.

Application

Because God’s righteousness is like the mountains, believers can trust it without fear of change. Because His judgments are like the great deep, they can rest in His wisdom even when they cannot trace His ways. And because He preserves both man and beast, they know He will provide for their daily needs. This verse calls us to rely on God’s unshakeable character and to find comfort in His faithful care. His righteous rule is both majestic and intimately caring.

Reflection

When life feels unstable, remember that God’s righteousness never moves. When His ways seem confusing, remember that His judgments are deeper than we can see. The same God who upholds the mountains and the seas also upholds every living creature, including you. Trust in His unshakeable righteousness and rest in the depth of His wise judgments.