Psalm 107:23-32

Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Various Troubles

In the next section are set forth the perils of seafaring.

V. 23. They that go down to the sea in ships, launching forth on the deep after descending from the general elevation of the land, that do business in great waters, the allusion being to merchants with an oversea trade; v. 24. these see the works of the Lord, their own eyes observing the manifestation of God’s mighty power on the ocean, and His wonders in the deep, since its limitless expanse fills the heart of man with awe in the presence of the greatness of God.

V. 25. For He commandeth, as the Lord of the elements, and raiseth the stormy wind, literally, “makes the breath of the storm to stand,” like an enemy threatening destruction, which lifteth up the waves thereof, or “His waves,” those in His control.

V. 26. They mount up to the heaven, their crests rising up like mountains, they go down again to the depths, in the deep troughs between the billows; their soul is melted because of trouble, that is, the hearts of the sailors are filled with dread.

V. 27. They reel to and fro, as their frail craft is tossed about, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end,altogether helpless in the turmoil of the elements.

V. 28. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses, saving them in the emergency which threatened their ship and their lives.

V. 29. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still, presenting a smooth and untroubled surface.

V. 30. Then are they, the sailors, glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven, to the port for which they were headed.

V. 31. Oh, that men, after such experiences, would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

V. 32. Let them exalt Him also, in telling of the wonderful deliverance they experienced, in the congregation of the people, in public assembly, in the place of worship, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders, in the open market-place, where the public meetings of the people were held.

That this admonition applies to Christian sailors of all times is evident.