Psalms 107:23 - Meaning and Application

The psalmist here calls on those to give glory to God who have been rescued from dangers at sea. Israel did not do much trade by sea, but their neighbors, the Tyrians and Zidonians, did. So this part of the psalm may have been written with them especially in mind.

Much of God’s power is seen at all times in the sea, and this is what verses 23 and 24 point to. It shows itself to those who go down to the sea in ships, as sailors, merchants, fishermen, or passengers who travel on deep waters. No one usually goes there without a real reason, and even Solomon, who enjoyed many fine things, is not said to have had a pleasure boat. But those who travel for lawful business may still, in faith, place themselves under God’s care. They see the works of the Lord and his wonders, and these are especially striking because most people are born and raised on land and know little of the sea. The deep itself is amazing in its size, its salt, its tides, and its changing movement. The sea also holds many living creatures, and that is wonderful too. Let those who go to sea let these wonders lead them to think about and worship the God who owns the sea, because he made it and rules it.

God’s power appears even more clearly in storms at sea, which are far more frightening than storms on land. When God commands and raises the strong wind, the deep begins to show his wonders, as the wind carries out his word (Psalm 148:8). He raises the winds like a prince who sends out his army. Satan claims to be the ruler of the air, but that is only a claim. The powers of the air are under God’s command, not Satan’s. When the wind turns into a storm, it lifts up the waves of the sea (Psalm 107:25). The ships are tossed like tennis balls on the tops of the waves. They seem to rise to the sky and then drop again, as if they were sinking into the depths (Psalm 107:26). Someone who had never seen this would think no ship could stay alive in such a storm. It would seem as if the next wave must swallow it. Yet God, who gave people skill to build ships that can stay above the water, also keeps them by his special care so they serve their purpose in a way that fills us with wonder.

When the ships are tossed like this, the seaman’s courage fails because of the trouble. In a very hard storm, even people used to the sea cannot hide their fear. They reel back and forth, become dizzy, stagger, and may feel sick like a drunken man. The whole crew is thrown into confusion and is at their wits’ end, not knowing what else to do to save themselves (Psalm 107:27). Their wisdom is swallowed up, and they are ready to think all is lost, as in Jonah 1:5 and following.

In such a time, it is most fitting to pray. Those who go to sea should expect dangers like these, and the best way to prepare is to make sure they can come freely to God in prayer. Then, when trouble comes, they will cry to the Lord (Psalm 107:28). We often say, “Let those who want to learn to pray go to sea.” But it is better to say, let those who will go to sea learn to pray, and make prayer a habit, so they can come with greater confidence to the throne of grace when trouble strikes. Even pagan sailors, in a storm, cried out to their own gods. But those who have the Lord as their God have a present and powerful help in every time of need. So when they are at their wits’ end, they are not at the end of their faith.

God sometimes shows his help in a marvelous way for those in distress at sea, answering their prayers. He brings them safely out of danger. First, the sea becomes still, because he makes the storm into a calm (Psalm 107:29). The winds die down, and their soft sounds seem to hush the waves to sleep again, so the sea becomes smooth and peaceful. In this, Christ showed that he was more than a man, because even the winds and the sea obeyed him. Second, the sailors are relieved. They are glad because everything is quiet, quiet from the noise and quiet from the fear of danger. After a storm, calm is deeply welcome and very pleasant. Third, the voyage succeeds, and he brings them to their desired haven, or safe harbor (Psalm 107:30). In the same way, he carries his people safely through all the storms and tempests they face on their journey toward heaven, and at last brings them to the harbor they long for.

Because of this, all who have had a safe crossing over the sea, especially those delivered from great dangers, should give thanks and bring glory to God. They should do this in private, in their own rooms and families. They should praise the Lord for his goodness to themselves and to others (Psalm 107:31). They should also do it publicly (Psalm 107:32), in the gathering of the people and in the assembly of the elders. There they should set up reminders of their rescue, to honor God and to encourage others to trust him.