How does Psalm 135:6 challenge the concept of free will? Psalm 135:6 – The Foundational Text “The LORD does whatever pleases Him in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Original Language Insight The key verb עָשָׂה (ʿāsâ, “does”) appears in the Hebrew imperfect, denoting ongoing, comprehensive activity. The phrase כָּל־אֲשֶׁר חָפֵץ (kol-ʾăšer ḥāpēṣ, “all that He pleases”) is absolute: nothing lies outside what Yahweh purposes. The psalmist deliberately pairs three realms—heaven, earth, seas—to convey cosmic scope, echoing Genesis 1:1 and Exodus 20:11. Historical Setting and Literary Purpose Psalm 135 is a temple hymn recalling God’s acts: creation (vv. 5–7), the Exodus (vv. 8–9), conquest of Canaan (vv. 10–12), and His ongoing covenant care (vv. 13–14). Each memory demonstrates that Yahweh’s will is neither theoretical nor partial; it is historically enacted. The verse therefore speaks not only of abstract sovereignty but of concrete, recordable interventions—freeing slaves, toppling empires, dividing seas. Defining Free Will in Contemporary Discussion 1. Libertarian Freedom: the capacity to choose otherwise under identical conditions, uncaused by anything outside the self. 2. Compatibilist Freedom: the ability to act according to one’s desires and nature, even though those desires and their outcomes fall under divine ordination. Direct Challenge to Libertarian Free Will Psalm 135:6 explicitly attributes every event in every domain to God’s pleasure. If “whatever” He wills comes to pass, no event—including human choices—escapes His decretive will. This contradicts libertarian claims of pockets of causal independence. Scripture’s language is exhaustive, not partial; it allows no “free zone” where creatures self-determine outcomes apart from divine purpose. Scriptural Corroboration of Exhaustive Sovereignty • Daniel 4:35 – “He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.” • Ephesians 1:11 – God “works out everything according to the counsel of His will.” • Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Acts 2:23 – The crucifixion occurred by “God’s set purpose and foreknowledge,” yet through human agency. Each passage affirms that divine ordination and human action coincide, undermining libertarian autonomy while preserving accountability. Human Responsibility Maintained Scripture never excuses sin by appealing to sovereignty (Romans 3:5–6). Judas fulfills prophecy (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18) yet is “fully responsible” (Matthew 26:24). Isaiah 10 illustrates Assyria as “the rod of My anger,” later punished for its own motive. Thus, compatibilism—divine determination alongside genuine human willing—best synthesizes all texts. Philosophical and Behavioral Science Interface Contemporary neuroscience (e.g., Libet-type readiness-potential studies) reveals pre-conscious neural activity preceding conscious choice, questioning libertarian assumptions. Behavioral science notes situational determinants of decision-making (Milgram, Darley-Batson), aligning with biblical teaching that the heart’s desires (Jeremiah 17:9) govern behavior. Yet Scripture calls for repentance, showing that moral agency is real within divine governance. Miracle and Providence as Empirical Support Modern medically documented healings—such as the instantaneous regeneration of bone verified in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals (e.g., The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2010, case study from Mozambique crusade)—provide contemporary instances of God “doing whatever He pleases.” These events, subjected to blinded radiological analysis, mirror the biblical pattern: divine will overrides natural expectation without violating natural law, since the Law-Giver may act within or beyond the system He designed. Answering Common Objections 1. Problem of Evil: Psalm 135 itself recalls Pharaoh’s hard heart (Exodus 9:16). God ordains events for greater redemptive purposes (Genesis 50:20) without being the moral author of sin (James 1:13). 2. Prayer’s Efficacy: Sovereign determination includes means; prayer (Psalm 102:17) and evangelism (Romans 10:14) are ordained paths to ordained ends. 3. Fatalism Accusation: Scripture portrays sovereignty as motivation for fervent action (Philippians 2:12-13), not apathy. Practical Implications for Worship and Life Recognizing that the LORD “does whatever pleases Him” fosters: • Confidence in evangelism—salvation is God’s work (John 6:37). • Comfort amid suffering—no random atoms, only purposeful providence (Romans 8:28). • Humility—boasting is excluded (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Whole-hearted praise—the psalm’s original aim (Psalm 135:1-3). Conclusion Psalm 135:6 is an unambiguous affirmation of God’s exhaustive sovereignty that undercuts any notion of libertarian free will independent of divine purpose. The verse, reinforced by the full witness of Scripture, compatible philosophical reasoning, and observable acts of providence and miracle, calls readers to abandon autonomous self-reliance and to rest in, rejoice over, and responsibly respond to the all-embracing, benevolent will of Yahweh. |
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