Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just descriptive; it captures the literal descent from higher inland regions to the lower coastal shores where ships were launched. This seemingly small detail paints a vivid picture of the Israelites' perspective and the physical act of embarking on a journey that would take them into the vast, unknown "great waters."
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This section of Psalm 107 shifts to describe the perilous lives of sailors and merchants who conduct business on the vast seas. It vividly portrays their vulnerability to sudden storms, where human skill becomes useless and their lives hang precariously between the sky and the deep. The passage then highlights their desperate cries to God in such extreme danger and His powerful deliverance, leading them safely to their desired destination.
Have you ever noticed how the Bible describes going 'down' to the sea? It's more than just a turn of phrase!
The phrase 'go down to the sea' isn't just poetic; it reflects a real geographical and physical experience for ancient Israelites.
Seafaring wasn't just for adventure; it was business! And this business opened eyes to God's extraordinary power.
The men going out to 'do business on the great waters' were not merely traveling; they were engaged in commerce, fishing, or other occupations that took them far from familiar land. This context is crucial for understanding why they witness God's works:
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What happens when the most skilled sailors are utterly helpless? The Bible paints a stark picture.
The description of a storm at sea highlights a profound theological point: the limits of human ability and the absolute necessity of divine intervention.
This psalm captures the profound awe and dependence mariners felt facing the unpredictable sea, especially given the limited technology and understanding of weather in the ancient world.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Naval Ventures
King Solomon established a navy at Ezion-geber on the Red Sea, engaging in international trade and bringing back riches. This marks a significant period of Israelite maritime activity.
c. 950 BC
Phoenician Maritime Dominance
The Phoenicians, known for their advanced seafaring and trade, were dominant in the Mediterranean. While not Israelite, their presence and trade routes influenced the region's maritime landscape.
c. 750 BC
Joppa as a Key Port
Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) served as a vital port for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, facilitating trade and access to the Mediterranean Sea.
c. 734 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Assyrian Empire began its expansion, impacting the coastal regions and potentially disrupting established trade routes, including those accessible from Israelite ports.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
As the Babylonian Empire rose, King Nebuchadnezzar deported many Israelites, including skilled individuals, to Babylon. This event marked the beginning of the exile and disrupted normal life.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling more of the population to Babylon. This catastrophic event ended the kingdom of Judah and scattered its people.
c. 580 BC— this verse
Mariners' Peril and Deliverance
The psalm describes the real dangers faced by sailors in the ancient world, particularly during storms. The text highlights their vulnerability and utter dependence on God for survival.
This passage describes Jonah intentionally going down to Joppa to board a ship, echoing the 'going down to the sea' imagery and the idea of embarking on a journey that involves the sea for business or escape.
Proverbs 30:19This proverb mentions 'the way of a ship on the high seas' as one of the wonderful things beyond comprehension, highlighting the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of sea travel that aligns with the Psalmist's description of God's works.
Matthew 8:23-27This New Testament account directly parallels the Psalm's theme by describing Jesus calming a violent storm at sea, demonstrating God's supreme power over the elements and providing a divine intervention for those in peril on the water.
Isaiah 42:10This prophetic call to praise uses the imagery of those 'who travel by sea' and 'sail the waters' to praise God, connecting the act of seafaring and commercial enterprise with the worship of the Lord.
bensonPsalms 107:23: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;"
Psalm 107:23-27 . They that go down to the sea in ships — He says go down, because the sea is lower than the earth, as appears by the rivers which run down into it; that do business in great waters — Whose occupation lies there as mariners, merchants, or fisher-men; or, who go to take ship as passengers. These see the works of the Lord — His wonderful works, either, 1st, Of creation, such as fishes of vari…
poolePsalms 107:23: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;"
Go down to the sea; he saith go down , either because the sea or the shore of it is commonly lower than their habitations from whence they come, or than the natural or artificial banks which are raised to prevent the inundation of the waters; or because the sea is lower than the earth, as may be gathered from the rivers which run down into it. Do business; whose occupation lies there, either as merchants o…
The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just descriptive; it captures the literal descent from higher inland regions to the lower coastal shores where ships were launched. This seemingly small detail paints a vivid picture of the Israelites' perspective and the physical act of embarking on a journey that would take them into the vast, unknown "great waters."
This section of Psalm 107 shifts to describe the perilous lives of sailors and merchants who conduct business on the vast seas. It vividly portrays their vulnerability to sudden storms, where human skill becomes useless and their lives hang precariously between the sky and the deep. The passage then highlights their desperate cries to God in such extreme danger and His powerful deliverance, leading them safely to their desired destination.
This section of Psalm 107 shifts to describe the perilous lives of sailors and merchants who conduct business on the vast seas. It vividly portrays their vulnerability to sudden storms, where human skill becomes useless and their lives hang precariously between the sky and the deep. The passage then highlights their desperate cries to God in such extreme danger and His powerful deliverance, leading them safely to their desired destination.
"Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;" — The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just descriptive; it captures the literal descent from higher inland regions to the lower coastal shores where ships were launched. This seemingly small detail p…
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Last reviewed October 2026