Psalms 107:23-24
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just about physical location, but about the descent from higher ground into the vast unknown waters, highlighting the vulnerability of these voyagers from the outset. It emphasizes that their journey, especially for business, is a literal and figurative plunge into God's dominion.
The psalm is celebrating God's deliverance of various groups of people, and this section shifts to those who navigate the sea for work or travel. It describes the terrifying experience of being caught in a violent storm at sea, where human skill is useless and death seems certain, setting the stage for God's powerful intervention.
Why does the Bible say 'go down' to the sea, not 'go out'?
The phrase 'go down to the sea' isn't just about physical direction. For ancient Israelites, traveling from the highlands of Judea to the coast was a literal descent. It also hints at the sea being perceived as a lower, perhaps more chaotic realm than the solid, ordered land. This imagery immediately sets the stage for the perils and the vastness of God's domain that the Psalmist is about to describe.
What does 'doing business' at sea reveal about human reliance?
The phrase 'doing business in great waters' points to the commercial and practical aspect of sea travel. These weren't just joyrides; they were journeys for trade, livelihood, and perhaps even survival. Yet, this 'business' is conducted on the 'great waters,' a realm far beyond human control. It highlights how even our most calculated ventures and endeavors are ultimately placed within God's sovereign purview. When storms hit, all the 'business' acumen in the world becomes utterly useless.
How does the danger at sea uniquely reveal God's works?
The journey into the 'great waters' isn't just about human activity; it's where God's works are uniquely seen. The text implies that the mariners witness 'the works of the Lord' and 'his wonders in the deep.' This isn't just about admiring creation; it's about experiencing God's power firsthand through the terrifying reality of storms. When human skill fails, and ships are tossed violently, the absolute dependence on God becomes starkly clear. It's in these moments of extremity that His power to deliver is most profoundly displayed.
Understand the original words
metsulah · Hebrew Noun
In this context, it represents the chaotic, dangerous, and untamable forces of creation over which only God holds sovereign control. In biblical thought, it is often associated with the realm of mystery and divine power.
The imagery of sea voyages and business in Psalm 107 reflects a reality known to ancient Israelites, from early trading ventures under Solomon to later periods when maritime activity was a significant part of life and commerce.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Maritime Trade Flourishes
Under King Solomon, Israel establishes significant naval trade routes, particularly through the port of Ezion-geber on the Red Sea, trading with distant lands like Ophir.
c. 8th Century BC
Isaiah Foretells Sea Voyages
The prophet Isaiah speaks of future sea voyages and commercial activity, referencing 'ships of Tarshish' which implies established maritime trade during his time.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian conquest leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, disrupting much of Israel's established life and economy, including overseas trade.
c. 5th Century BC
Post-Exilic Rebuilding and Trade
After the return from Babylonian exile, efforts are made to rebuild Jerusalem and its infrastructure, including re-establishing trade through ports like Joppa (Jaffa).
This verse describes Jonah 'going down' to Joppa to board a ship, mirroring the physical descent implied in Psalms 107:23 when traveling to the sea, and it highlights a figure who would later experience a dramatic divine rescue from the depths.
Matthew 8:23-27This passage shows Jesus calming a violent storm at sea, directly illustrating the power of God over the elements that mariners in Psalms 107 encounter and highlighting the divine intervention that saves them.
Revelation 18:17This verse speaks of merchants 'doing business' on ships and their economic activity at sea, paralleling the commercial aspect mentioned in Psalms 107:23 and showing how God's judgment can impact those whose livelihoods are tied to maritime trade.
Isaiah 42:10This prophetic passage calls for praise to God from those who 'go down to the sea' and its 'fullness,' echoing the imagery of maritime life and business found in Psalms 107:23 and linking it to God's creative and redemptive works.
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 about physical location, but about the descent from higher ground into the vast unknown waters, highlighting the vulnerability of these voyagers from the outset. It emphasizes that their journey, especially for business, is a literal and figurative plunge into God's dominion.
The psalm is celebrating God's deliverance of various groups of people, and this section shifts to those who navigate the sea for work or travel. It describes the terrifying experience of being caught in a violent storm at sea, where human skill is useless and death seems certain, setting the stage for God's powerful intervention.
The psalm is celebrating God's deliverance of various groups of people, and this section shifts to those who navigate the sea for work or travel. It describes the terrifying experience of being caught in a violent storm at sea, where human skill is useless and death seems certain, setting the stage for God's powerful intervention.
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c. 3rd-2nd Century BC— this verse
Hellenistic Period Maritime Activity
During the Hellenistic period under Ptolemaic and Seleucid rule, coastal cities like Joppa remain active ports, facilitating trade and travel throughout the Mediterranean.
"Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep." — The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just about physical location, but about the descent from higher ground into the vast unknown waters, highlighting the vulnerability of these voyagers from the…
