(Psalm 24:2) How can the earth be literally “founded on the seas” when modern science shows it is not supported by water? I. Introduction to the Phrase “Founded on the Seas” Psalm 24:1–2 states: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” The phrase “founded on the seas” puzzles some readers because modern science teaches that the earth is not literally floating on water. This entry will explore the meaning, context, and implications of Psalm 24:2 and how it aligns consistently with both a faithful reading of Scripture and observable data about our planet. II. Scriptural Context and Literary Considerations Psalm 24 is a hymn of praise that highlights God’s sovereignty over all creation. The psalmist uses language designed to plumb the depths of God’s dominion, underscoring that everything—land, sea, sky, and all living creatures—belongs to Him (cf. Genesis 1:1–10). 1. Poetic Language in Psalms The Psalms, while divinely inspired, often use poetic devices such as metaphor and hyperbole to portray spiritual and theological truths. This does not diminish the truthfulness or authority of the text but frames the language in a style that conveys God’s majesty and creative work. 2. Common Hebrew Expressions Biblical Hebrew commonly uses references to “waters” or “the deep” to describe God’s creative power. In Genesis 1:9–10, land appears out of the waters at God’s command. Similarly, in Exodus 20:11, we see creation recapped in a format highlighting the material elements, including water, as part of God’s masterpiece. III. The Ancient Near Eastern Backdrop 1. Understanding the Ancient Cosmological Perspective In the ancient Near East, seas often symbolized chaos and the unknown. When Psalm 24:2 declares that God “founded [the earth] upon the seas,” the statement communicates God’s triumph over all chaotic forces, underscoring that He alone establishes stability where none existed before. 2. Comparison with Other Ancient Texts Outside documents from the broader ancient Near East, such as the Enuma Elish, reflect mythological struggles among deities for control over water. By contrast, the biblical text depicts a single Creator effortlessly molding creation, thus differentiating the biblical view from surrounding mythologies. IV. Aligning the Phrase with Geological Realities 1. Surface Water Coverage Modern science observes that approximately 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water. From sea basins to ice caps and subterranean water reservoirs, water is a dominant feature of our planet. Thus, when the psalmist speaks of Earth being “founded on the seas,” one can see that the entire landmass does indeed emerge from and is surrounded by vast bodies of water. 2. Geological Uplift and Plate Tectonics The crust of the earth—on which we dwell—is composed of massive tectonic plates that arose and continue to move above the primordial waters (cf. Genesis 1:9–10). A biblical worldview can incorporate the understanding that the original formation of continents took place as God’s creative work elevated land above the waters. This aligns well with a literal reading of Genesis while acknowledging processes such as tectonic activity and geological uplift. 3. Subterranean Waters Modern discoveries confirm large quantities of water trapped in rock minerals far beneath the surface. In Genesis 7:11, reference is made to the “fountains of the great deep burst open,” speaking of subterranean water sources. Such knowledge supports the idea of Earth’s intimate relationship with the waters at and below ground level. V. Figurative vs. Literal Dimensions 1. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation Psalm 24:2 affirms God’s unmatched sovereignty: He has so arranged creation that the seas are not chaotic threats but are fully under His control and providential placement. Even if “founded on the seas” is not describing a literal watery pedestal, it underscores the reality that the globe—filled and surrounded by water—is God’s handiwork from start to finish. 2. Unified Biblical Testimony Scriptural passages such as Proverbs 8:29 speak of God setting a boundary for the seas. Job 38:8–11 similarly describes the seas as contained within set limits. These verses consistently teach that although water is a vast force, it is bounded, managed, and ultimately orchestrated by God. 3. Varied Literary Genres An interpretive approach that considers the genre of a passage helps distinguish between concrete historical descriptions and poetic exaltation. The context of worship in the Psalms leans toward exalted language. Yet, this poetic expression does not deny the foundational truths also echoed in more didactic (teaching-oriented) scriptural passages. VI. Related Cross-References and External Evidences 1. Archaeological and Geological Observations – Discoveries of marine fossils on mountains (e.g., in the Himalayas) point to a past in which continental elevations were once beneath waters, consistent with a worldview that recognizes the dynamic interplay of land emerging from the seas. – Global flood traditions found in various ancient cultures—though often distorted—echo the biblical narrative of a world shaped significantly by waters. 2. Philosophical and Behavioral Reflections While the immediate focus is reconciling the text with geological observations, there is also a theological principle mirrored in daily life: just as the earth is established by God despite tumultuous waters, individuals find stability when their lives are founded on Him (cf. Matthew 7:24–25). 3. Historical Consistency of Scripture Manuscript analysis (through the rigorous work of many scholars) shows that these references to water, land, and cosmic order have been preserved accurately across centuries of transcription. The unified witness of Scripture underlines its reliability no matter the genre—historical narrative, law, prophecy, or poetry. VII. Conclusion and Theological Significance Psalm 24:2’s statement that the earth is “founded on the seas” does not conflict with modern observations that the planet is not literally propped on water. Instead, it uses poetic imagery—familiar to an ancient audience yet still illuminating for us today—to declare that God’s creative authority extends over the immense and often unpredictable forces of water. Whether one focuses on scientific data underscoring Earth’s widespread water coverage, the geological evidence of land’s emergence from set boundaries of water, or the theological message of God’s sovereignty over creation, the verse rightly stands as a declaration of God’s majesty and power. Thus, Psalm 24:2 remains a profound and literal affirmation of God’s role in forming and sustaining the world, even if the language of the text is poetic. It testifies to the reality that all things—seas included—are subject to His dominion, reminding believers that the Creator can be fully trusted with what He has established. |
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