How can the earth be “set on its foundations, never to be moved” (Psalm 104:5) if our planet orbits the sun and moves through space?

Overview of the Question

Psalm 104:5 says, “He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved.” At first glance, this appears at odds with the observable fact that the earth orbits the sun and travels through space. The following discussion explores the scriptural meaning of this verse, taking into account the poetic context of the psalm, the use of figurative language, and the truths Scripture affirms about God’s creation.

Poetic and Literary Context

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise, rich in imagery that exalts the grandeur of the Creator. Many verses in the psalms use figurative language to convey overarching truths about God’s sovereignty and power. For instance, Psalm 91:4 states, “He will cover you with His feathers,” which is not describing literal feathers but offering a vivid picture of divine protection. In the same way, references to the earth’s “foundations” can be read as symbolic or poetically descriptive rather than a scientific blueprint.

Meaning of “Foundations” and “Never to Be Moved”

1. Emphasis on Stability: In the biblical text, “foundations” can refer to the stability or steadfastness of creation under God’s authority. The statement that the earth will never be moved underscores God’s power to maintain His creation rather than asserting a stationary planet.

2. Persistence of the Created Order: Numerous ancient Near Eastern writings, including other parts of Scripture such as Psalm 93:1: “The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved,” employ such language to communicate that creation will endure as God ordained. This reflects divine sovereignty more than a literal denial of planetary motion.

3. Covenantal Assurance: God’s upholding of the world can also be understood as a covenantal assurance that the order and reliability of the natural world remain under His providential care. This theme appears in passages like Jeremiah 33:25-26, where the continued order of day and night is used as evidence of God’s faithful promises.

Phenomenological Language and Observational Expressions

Scripture often utilizes “phenomenological language,” describing events according to how they appear to the human observer. For example, references to “sunrise” (Joshua 10:13; Malachi 1:11) are not literal statements of a geocentric universe but rather common expressions describing events as humans perceive them. Such usage does not undermine the truth of Scripture, as the biblical authors typically wrote with a view of describing God’s sovereignty in observable phenomena rather than providing scientific treatises on astronomy.

Harmony With Observed Science

1. Orbital Motion Preserves Stability: Though the earth orbits the sun, this motion is part of God’s established design that has remained consistent over millennia. Geological findings, such as seasonal sediment layers and ice core data (common in scientific literature), show long-term cyclical patterns that attest to creation’s reliability and stability.

2. Intelligent Design and Precision: The precise values of physical constants (including gravitational force, electromagnetic force, and the delicate balance needed for planetary orbits) point to a purposeful design. Multiple studies highlight the “fine-tuning” of the universe—whether one takes a younger or older viewpoint—emphasizing the intricate balance that sustains life on earth.

3. Ancient Understanding and Progressive Insights: Early readers of the psalms would have perceived the verse to affirm that the world was solid and dependable. Modern believers can similarly appreciate how this text aligns with the idea that God has established creation in a way that remains secure through time, including phenomena such as orbital motion.

Biblical Timeline Considerations

Those who hold to a chronology derived from genealogical records in texts such as Genesis 5 and 11 (often associated with a time frame close to that presented by Archbishop Ussher) see no contradiction between these historical claims and the language of Psalm 104. Whether one adopts a younger-earth perspective or not, the verse stands to convey an ultimate theological truth: the created order is under God’s authority and endures as He intends.

Archaeological and Historical Insights

1. Consistency of Scripture: Archaeological findings continue to validate historical details recorded in the Bible, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls have confirmed the consistency of the Hebrew text for millennia, supporting the trustworthiness of verses like Psalm 104:5.

2. Contextual Language Usage: Examination of ancient Hebrew literature reveals that metaphors of “foundation” and “immovability” were part of the cultural norm when speaking of a realm or kingdom’s permanence—reinforcing the scriptural intent to highlight God’s sustaining rulership rather than asserting an unscientific worldview.

Theological and Devotional Implications

1. God’s Sovereignty and Order: This verse calls attention to the belief that God is not only the Almighty Creator but also the Sustainer of creation. It underscores that all things within the cosmos function under divine ordinance.

2. Faith in God’s Character: The assurance that “the earth will never be moved” invites believers to trust God’s steadfastness. Just as the seasonal rhythms and cosmic order continue reliably, so too are God’s purposes unwavering.

3. Praise and Worship: In the larger context of Psalm 104, the verses lead the reader to worship. Recognizing that God holds the earth firmly brings gratitude and awe, acknowledging the Creator’s majestic care for sustenance and life.

Conclusion

Psalm 104:5, “He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved,” uses poetic language to declare the profound stability and reliability of God’s creation. Within its broader biblical and cultural context, this statement does not conflict with the earth’s orbital motion around the sun. Rather, it underscores the security of the created order, testifies to God’s sovereign power, and provides a reason to give praise to the One who upholds all things. Such a perspective harmonizes ancient expressions of divine authority with modern understandings of planetary motion, reminding every generation that creation’s true stability rests in the Creator’s gracious and unfailing governance.