“It is always in your power
To show great strength.
Who can withstand the might of your arm?
Because the whole world is before you
Like a speck that tips the scales.
It is like a drop of morning dew
That falls upon the ground.
But you are merciful to all.
You can do all things.
You overlook people’s sins.
Thus they may repent.
You love all things that exist.
You detest none of the things
That you have made.
You would not have made anything
If you had hated it.
How would anything have endured,
If you had not willed it?
How would anything not called forth by you
Have been preserved?
You spare all things.
They are yours. O Lord!
You love the living!”
This is like a great prayer to God, who has power and strength. No one is able to withstand the might of his arm. The whole world (ὅλος ὁ κόσμος) is like a speck or a drop of morning dew before him. This is reminiscent of the folk spiritual song He’s got the Whole World in his Hands. God is also merciful to all. He overlooks people’s sins so that man can repent (ἀνθρώπων εἰς μετάνοιαν). He loves (ἀγαπᾷς) all things, but he detests none since he made everything. If God hated anything, it would not endure. If he did not will it, it would not happen. He has preserved all things, since all belongs to the Lord who loves all (πάντων) living things.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 