Psalm 107:25-29
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The power here isn't just in the storm itself, but in the subtle emphasis that God commands the wind and waves. This isn't chaos; it's an unleashed force acting under divine decree, and even the "waves" themselves are described as "His waves," highlighting God's ultimate ownership and control over even the wildest elements.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes from a section in Psalm 107 that describes God's power over the seas and His deliverance of sailors from storms. It follows the specific example of those facing perilous voyages, highlighting how God’s command raises violent winds that make the waves tower dangerously high. The psalm is building toward the incredible truth that God can, with just a word, calm these raging seas, delivering those in despair.
Ever feel like a storm is just a random act of nature? This verse says otherwise. It reveals a power far greater than any hurricane.
The Power of His Word
When we read that God 'commanded and raised the stormy wind,' we're not talking about a casual suggestion. The original Hebrew uses a word that signifies a direct, authoritative decree. It’s like the difference between asking someone to do a favor and issuing a royal command.
This isn't just a poetic flourish. It highlights that God's spoken word has inherent power to bring creation into being and to direct its forces. Just as God spoke light into existence in Genesis, here His command brings a tempest to life. The wind and waves, though wild and chaotic, are not acting on their own accord; they are responding to the Almighty's decree. This reveals that even the most destructive forces in nature are under His sovereign control.
Do you believe that storms happen by chance? This ancient text points to a purposeful hand guiding the wildest seas.
Beyond Randomness
The passage assures us that storms aren't accidental. They don't just 'happen' out of nowhere. Instead, they are 'disposed' by Divine Providence. This means God, in His wisdom and sovereignty, allows or directs these events for His purposes.
Think of it like a director on a movie set. The actors, the lighting, the sound effects – they all work together according to the director's plan. Similarly, the wind, the waves, and the sea are elements that God uses. Even when they seem to be acting on their own, lifting waves high and threatening to capsize ships, their actions are part of a larger, divine orchestration.
Ask a follow-up
The Bible sometimes refers to the sea's waves as 'His waves.' What does this unique perspective reveal about God’s relationship with the vast ocean?
The Sea Belongs to Him
The Hebrew phrasing here can be translated as 'His waves.' This isn't just a grammatical nuance; it’s a profound theological statement. It suggests that the sea and its tumultuous waves are, in a very real sense, possessed by God.
When we see the waves crashing, rising up and down, the text implies they are not independent forces. They are part of God's domain, acting under His ultimate authority. This perspective can shift our fear of the storm to awe of the One who holds the waters in His hand. It means that even in the most frightening moments at sea, the 'waves' themselves are subject to their Creator’s will.
Understand the original words
amar · Hebrew Verb
The act of issuing a decree or authorization. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute authority over the elements of nature, which obey His word instantly.
ruach se'arah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A powerful, violent wind; in Scripture, it often serves as an instrument of divine judgment or a demonstration of God's immense power to stir the natural world.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the dwelling place of God, the sky, or the celestial sphere. In poetic contexts, it can symbolize the heights of extreme elevation or reach.
tehom · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the place of the dead (Sheol) or the deep, chaotic waters. It represents the lowest point of existence, contrasting with the heights of heaven.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner resolve, spirit, or soul of a person. It is the seat of courage, will, and emotional stability.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting distress, calamity, or a state of harmful misfortune. It describes a situation of suffering or affliction that tests the person's endurance.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh). It signifies the God who reveals Himself, fulfills His promises, and acts as the Redeemer of His people.
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A general term for narrowness or constriction. Theologically, it describes a state of being hemmed in by circumstances, often leading to a call for divine intervention.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
A verb meaning to snatch away, rescue, or save. It describes God's act of pulling His people out of a situation of peril or captivity.
se'arah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a tempestuous disturbance of nature, often used metaphorically for divine judgment or intense life crises that overwhelm human strength.
This passage directly parallels the idea of God setting boundaries for the sea and commanding its waves, echoing the sovereign power demonstrated in Psalm 107:25.
Matthew 8:27This New Testament account shows Jesus rebuking the wind and waves, highlighting that the same divine authority to command the stormy seas rests with God's Son.
Nahum 1:4This verse describes God's power over natural elements, stating He rebukes the sea and makes it dry and causes all rivers to fail, mirroring the control over storms mentioned in Psalm 107:25.
Genesis 1:2The creation account in Genesis shows the Spirit of God hovering over the waters, and later God speaks creation into being, which connects to the 'command' aspect of Psalm 107:25, suggesting divine utterance brings order.
Psalm 89:9This verse speaks of God ruling over the raging of the sea and the waves when they rise, reinforcing the theme of God's absolute dominion over even the most violent seas.
clarkePsalms 107:25: "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."
For he commandeth - And what less than the command of God can raise up such winds as seem to heave old Ocean from his bed?
poolePsalms 107:25: "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."
The winds and storms come not by chance, but by the disposition of Divine Providence.
The power here isn't just in the storm itself, but in the subtle emphasis that God commands the wind and waves. This isn't chaos; it's an unleashed force acting under divine decree, and even the "waves" themselves are described as "His waves," highlighting God's ultimate ownership and control over even the wildest elements.
This passage comes from a section in Psalm 107 that describes God's power over the seas and His deliverance of sailors from storms. It follows the specific example of those facing perilous voyages, highlighting how God’s command raises violent winds that make the waves tower dangerously high. The psalm is building toward the incredible truth that God can, with just a word, calm these raging seas, delivering those in despair.
This passage comes from a section in Psalm 107 that describes God's power over the seas and His deliverance of sailors from storms. It follows the specific example of those facing perilous voyages, highlighting how God’s command raises violent winds that make the waves tower dangerously high. The psalm is building toward the incredible truth that God can, with just a word, calm these raging seas, delivering those in despair.
"For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drun…" — The power here isn't just in the storm itself, but in the subtle emphasis that God commands the wind and waves. This isn't chaos; it's an unleashed force acting under divine decree, and even the "w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
