Psalm 107:23-24
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The phrase "go down to the sea" isn't just about the physical act of sailing; it captures the sense of leaving higher, familiar ground for the unknown depths, a descent into a world where human control easily gives way. This phrasing highlights the inherent vulnerability of those who "do business" on the vast waters, setting the stage for their reliance on God.
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)
This passage shifts focus to those who venture out onto the sea for work or trade, describing their perilous journeys. It highlights how their livelihood takes them onto the vast, unpredictable waters, where they face dangers far removed from the experience of most people. The verses immediately following will detail the extreme perils of storms at sea and the ultimate deliverance God provides to these mariners.
Ever wondered why the Bible says we 'go down' to the sea? It’s not just a turn of phrase, but a vivid picture of ancient travel.
The phrase 'go down to the sea' in verse 23 is more than just poetic language; it reflects a literal reality for ancient Israelites.
A Geographical Reality
This imagery immediately grounds the psalm in the physical experience of those who sailed, setting the stage for understanding their vulnerability.
What happens when 'business' meets the unpredictable power of the sea? This psalm connects commerce with God’s watchful eye.
The phrase 'doing business on the great waters' isn't just about ancient trade routes; it’s a theological statement.
Commerce Under God's Gaze
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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 reference to 'going down to the sea in ships' for business reflects the ancient reality of maritime trade and travel, particularly from the elevated lands of Judea to the coast. It highlights that even in these commercial ventures, the dangers of the sea were immense, making dependence on God's protection a profound spiritual truth for those who traversed the waters.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Naval Expeditions
King Solomon establishes a significant maritime trade with the distant land of Ophir, utilizing ships built at Ezion-geber on the Red Sea. This demonstrates Israelite involvement in long-distance sea trade during the monarchy.
c. 800-500 BC
Development of Mediterranean Trade
During the period of the later prophets and kings, coastal cities like Joppa become active Israelite ports. Maritime trade, including fishing and commerce, becomes more prevalent along the Mediterranean coast.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Empire's Maritime Influence
The expanding Assyrian Empire exerts influence over coastal regions, impacting the maritime activities and trade routes accessible to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 600 BC
Babylonian Conquest and Exile
The Babylonian conquest leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites. While the primary focus is land-based, this event disrupts established patterns of life, including potential maritime activities.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following the Persian conquest of Babylon, the Jewish exiles are permitted to return to Judah. This period sees the re-establishment of communities, including the rebuilding of the Temple and, eventually, the resumption of trade, potentially including maritime endeavors through ports like Joppa.
c. 400 BC
Hellenistic Period and Maritime Expansion
The rise of Hellenistic influence and the activities of empires like the Seleucids and Ptolemies further integrate the region into wider Mediterranean trade networks, with significant maritime components.
Date of Psalm Composition— this verse
Psalm 107 Composed
Psalm 107 is written, likely during or after the exile, reflecting on God's deliverance of His people from various dangers, including the perils faced by sailors on the open sea. The description vividly portrays the fear and dependence on God experienced by mariners in storms.
This passage describes Jonah 'going down' to Joppa to board a ship, echoing the language of descent used in Psalms 107:23 and highlighting the literal, physical aspect of embarking on a sea journey from higher ground.
Isaiah 42:10This verse calls upon those who sail the sea and its fullness to sing a new song, directly linking maritime activity and God's praises, much like Psalms 107 focuses on deliverance and thanksgiving.
Matthew 8:23-27This New Testament account of Jesus calming the storm at sea provides a powerful parallel, showing a divine power over the waters and the astonishment of those caught in the tempest, mirroring the psalmist's description of God's control.
Luke 5:4-11The miraculous catch of fish describes disciples going out onto the water for their livelihood, experiencing both the vastness of the sea and a profound divine intervention that leads them to leave everything to follow Jesus, connecting to the theme of God's work in the lives of those on the water.
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 the physical act of sailing; it captures the sense of leaving higher, familiar ground for the unknown depths, a descent into a world where human control easily gives way. This phrasing highlights the inherent vulnerability of those who "do business" on the vast waters, setting the stage for their reliance on God.
This passage shifts focus to those who venture out onto the sea for work or trade, describing their perilous journeys. It highlights how their livelihood takes them onto the vast, unpredictable waters, where they face dangers far removed from the experience of most people. The verses immediately following will detail the extreme perils of storms at sea and the ultimate deliverance God provides to these mariners.
This passage shifts focus to those who venture out onto the sea for work or trade, describing their perilous journeys. It highlights how their livelihood takes them onto the vast, unpredictable waters, where they face dangers far removed from the experience of most people. The verses immediately following will detail the extreme perils of storms at sea and the ultimate deliverance God provides to these mariners.
"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 the physical act of sailing; it captures the sense of leaving higher, familiar ground for the unknown depths, a descent into a world where human contr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
