Psalms 78:69

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 78:69 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he built his sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which he hath established for ever.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he built his sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which he hath established for ever.
Psalms 78:69 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 78

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
69And he built his sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which he hath established for ever.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, etc.] The temple at Jerusalem, called a sanctuary, or holy place, because separated and dedicated to holy use and service; where the holy God had his residence, and was worshipped, and was a figure of the holy place not made with hands: this is said to be built by the Lord, because the materials provided for it, and which David and his people so willingly offered, were his own; “of his own” they gave him; as well as the pattern after which it was made was had from the Spirit of God; and it was the Lord that put it into the heart of David to set such a work afoot, and encouraged Solomon to begin and finish it, and gave wisdom, health, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And he built his sanctuary - His holy place; that is, his tabernacle. The temple was not then built; and, when reared, it was not on Mount Zion, but on Mount Moriah. The name Zion, however, was often given to the whole city. Like high palaces - The word palaces is not in the original. The Hebrew means simply high places, like hills or mountains. The meaning is, that his sanctuary was exalted, as if it were placed on a high hill. It was a conspicuous object; it could be seen from afar; it was the most prominent thing in the land. See the notes at Isaiah 2:2. Like the earth - Permanent and established. Which he hath established for ever - Margin, as in Hebrew, founded. The earth is often…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sanctuary - The temple of Solomon. Palaces - Magnificent and gloriously. Established - Not now to be moved from place to place, as the tabernacle was, but as a fixed place for the ark's perpetual residence. Next: Psalms Chapter 79”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“And he: Kg1 6:2, Kg1 9:8; Ch2 3:4 high: Ch1 29:1, Ch1 29:19; Ch2 2:9 earth: Psa 102:25, Psa 104:5, Psa 119:90, Psa 119:91; Sa1 2:8; Job 26:7; Isa 48:13, Isa 51:6; Col 1:16, Col 1:17; Rev 20:11 established: Heb. founded Psalms 78:70”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification