TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
American Standard Version
Thou rulest the pride of the sea: When the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
World English Bible Messianic
You rule the pride of the sea. When its waves rise up, you calm them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waues thereof arise, thou stillest them.
Young's Literal Translation
Thou art ruler over the pride of the sea, In the lifting up of its billows Thou dost restrain them.
In the KJVVerse 15,336 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 89 verses 5–14
5 ¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
These verses are full of the praises of God. Observe,
I. Where, and by whom, God is to be praised. 1. God is praised by the angels above: The heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord! Psa 89:5; that is, "the glorious inhabitants of the upper world continually celebrate thy praises." Bless the Lord, you his angels, Psa 103:20. The works of God are wonders even to those that are best acquainted and most intimately conversant with them; the more God's works are known the more they are admired and praised. This should make us love heaven, and long to be there, that there we shall have nothing else to do but to praise God and his wonders. 2. God is praised by the assemblies of his saints on earth (praise waits for him in Zion); and, though their praises fall so far short of the praises of angels, yet God is pleased to take notice of them, and accept of them, and reckon himself honoured by them. "Thy faithfulness and the truth of thy promise, that rock on which the church is built, shall be praised in the congregation of the saints, who owe their all to that faithfulness, and whose constant comfort it is that there is a promise, and that he is faithful who has promised." It is expected from God's saints on earth that they praise him; who should, if they do not? Let every saint praise him, but especially the congregation of saints; when they come together, let them join in praising God. The more the better; it is the more like heaven. Of the honour done to God by the assembly of the saints he speaks again (Psa 89:7): God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints. Saints should assemble for religious worship, that they may publicly own their relation to God and may stir up one another to give honour to him, and, in keeping up communion with God, may likewise maintain the communion of saints. In religious assemblies God has promised the presence of his grace, but we must also, in them, have an eye to his glorious presence, that the familiarity we are admitted to may not breed the least contempt; for he is terrible in his holy places, and therefore greatly to be feared. A holy awe of God must fall upon us, and fill us, in all our approaches to God, even in secret, to which something may very well be added by the solemnity of public assemblies. God must be had in reverence of all that are about him, that attend him continually as his servants or approach him upon any particular errand. See Lev 10:3. Those only serve God acceptably who serve him with reverence and godly fear, Heb 12:28.
II. What it is to praise God; it is to acknowledge him to be a being of unparalleled perfection, such a one that there is none like him, nor any to be compared with him, Psa 89:6. If there be any beings that can pretend to vie with God, surely they must be found among the angels; but they are all infinitely short of him: Who in the heaven can be compared with the Lord, so as to challenge any share of the reverence and adoration which are due to him only, or to set up in rivalship with him for the homage of the children of men? They are sons of the mighty, but which of them can be likened unto the Lord? Nobles are princes' peers; some parity there is between them. But there is none between God and the angels; they are not his peers. To whom will you liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One, Isa 40:25. This is insisted on again (Psa 89:8): Who is a strong Lord like unto thee? No angel, no earthly potentate, whatsoever, is comparable to God, or has an arm like him, or can thunder with a voice like him. Thy faithfulness is round about thee; that is, "thy angels who are round about thee, attending thee with their praises and ready to go on thy errands, are all faithful." Or, rather, "In every thing thou doest, on all sides, thou approvest thyself faithful to thy word, above whatever prince or potentate was." Among men it is too often found that those who are most able to break their word are least careful to keep it; but God is both strong and faithful; he can do every thing, and yet will never do an unjust thing.
III. What we ought, in our praises, to give God the glory of. Several things are here mentioned. 1. The command God has of the most ungovernable creatures (Psa 89:9): Thou rulest the raging of the sea, than which nothing is more frightful or threatening, nor more out of the power of man to give check to; it can swell no higher, roll no further, beat no harder, continue no longer, nor do any more hurt, than God suffers it. "When the waves thereof arise thou canst immediately hush them asleep, still them, and make them quiet, and turn the storm into a calm." This coming in here as an act of omnipotence, what manner of man then was the Lord Jesus, whom the winds and seas obeyed? 2. The victories God has obtained over the enemies of his church. His ruling the raging of the sea and quelling its billows was an emblem of this (Psa 89:10): Thou hast broken Rahab, many a proud enemy (so it signifies), Egypt in particular, which is sometimes called Rahab, broken it in pieces, as one that is slain and utterly unable to make head again. "The head being broken, thou hast scattered the remainder with the arm of thy strength." God has more ways than one to deal with his and his church's enemies. We think he should slay them immediately, but sometimes he scatters them, that he may send them abroad to be monuments of his justice, Psa 59:11. The remembrance of the breaking of Egypt in pieces is a comfort to the church, in reference to the present power of Babylon; for God is still the same. 3. The incontestable property he has in all the creatures of the upper and lower world (Psa 89:11, Psa 89:12): "Men are honoured for their large possessions; but the heavens are thine, O Lord! the earth also is thine; therefore we praise thee, therefore we trust in thee, therefore we will not fear what man can do against us. The world and the fulness thereof, all the riches contained in it, all the inhabitants of it, both the tenements and the tenants, are all thine; for thou hast founded them," and the founder may justly claim to be the owner. He specifies, (1.) The remotest parts of the world, the north and south, the countries that lie under the two poles, which are uninhabited and little known: "Thou hast created them, and therefore knowest them, takest care of them, and hast tributes of praise from them." The north is said to be hung over the empty place; yet what fulness there is there God is the owner of it. (2.) The highest parts of the world. He mentions the two highest hills in Canaan - "Tabor and Hermon" (one lying to the west, the other to the east); "these shall rejoice in thy name, for they are under the care of thy providence, and they produce offerings for thy altar." The little hills are said to rejoice in their own fruitfulness, Psa 65:12. Tabor is commonly supposed to be that high mountain in Galilee on the top of which Christ was transfigured; and then indeed it might be said to rejoice in that voice which was there heard, This is my beloved Son. 4. The power and justice, the mercy and truth, with which he governs the world and rules in the affairs of the children of men, Psa 89:13, Psa 89:14. (1.) God is able to do every thing; for his is the Lord God Almighty. His arm, his hand, is mighty and strong, both to save his people and to destroy his and their enemies; none can either resist the force or bear the weight of his mighty hand. High is his right hand, to reach the highest, even those that set their nests among the stars (Amo 9:2, Amo 9:3; Oba 1:4); his right hand is exalted in what he has done, for in thousands of instances he has signalized his power, Psa 118:16. (2.) He never did, nor ever will do, any thing that is either unjust or unwise; for righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. None of all his dictates or decrees ever varied from the rules of equity and wisdom, nor could ever any charge God with unrighteousness or folly. Justice and judgment are the preparing of his throne (so some), the establishment of it, so others. The preparations for his government in his counsels from eternity, and the establishment of it in its consequences to eternity, are all justice and judgment. (3.) He always does that which is kind to his people and consonant to the word which he has spoken: "Mercy and truth shall go before thy face, to prepare thy way, as harbingers to make room for thee - mercy in promising, truth in performing - truth in being as good as thy word, mercy in being better." How praiseworthy are these in great men, much more in the great God, in whom they are in perfection!
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–14. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 89
...For you have heard, like men accustomed to the watering of the clouds of God, "Your truth" then "is in the circuit of You." But when without persecutions, when without opposition, since it is said, that "He was born for a sign which shall be spoken against"? [Luke 2:34] Since then that nation, where You deigned to be born, and to dwell, was as a land separated from the waves of the heathen, so that it appeared dry and ready for watering with rain, while the rest of the nations were as a sea in the bitterness of their sterility; what do Your preachers who scatter Your truth in circuit of You, when the waves of that sea rage furiously? "Thou rulest the power of the sea" [Psalm 89:9]. For what was the result of the sea raging thus, but the day which we are now keeping holy? It slew Martyrs, scattered seeds of blood, the harvest of the Church sprang up. Safely then let the clouds go forth: let them diffuse Your truth in circuit of You, let them not fear the savage waves. "Thou rulest the power of the sea." The sea swells, buffets, and roars: but "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted beyond what you are able:" [1 Corinthians 10:13] and so, "Thou stillest the waves thereof when they rise."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 89:9 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled power over all creation, particularly over the most formidable and chaotic elements of the natural world. This verse majestically portrays the Lord's omnipotence, depicting Him as the supreme ruler who effortlessly calms the fiercest storms and subdues the most rebellious forces with a mere command, thereby establishing His unmatched dominion and unwavering faithfulness amidst the inherent turbulence of existence.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 89:9 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey God's supreme authority and control. Personification is clearly evident in the phrase "the raging of the sea," where the sea is imbued with human-like qualities of pride, fury, and rebellious self-assertion. This makes God's act of "stilling" it an even more impressive demonstration of His power, akin to taming a wild, defiant entity. The sea itself functions as a potent Symbolism for chaos, disorder, and overwhelming power, both in the natural world and metaphorically for life's challenges and uncertainties. By demonstrating absolute control over this symbol, the psalmist emphasizes God's ability to bring order out of any form of chaos. The verse also presents a striking Contrast between the sea's inherent turbulence ("raging," "waves thereof arise") and God's calming, ordering power ("rulest," "stillest them"), powerfully highlighting the divine mastery over natural forces. Furthermore, the direct address "Thou" creates a sense of intimacy and direct engagement, emphasizing the personal nature of God's omnipotent power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unique ability to bring order out of chaos, a theme woven throughout Scripture from the primordial creation to the eschatological consummation. It affirms that the God of Israel is not merely a regional deity but the cosmic Creator and Sustainer, whose power extends over every aspect of existence, including the most unpredictable and destructive forces. This divine control over the "raging sea" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's dominion over all forms of chaos, whether manifested as natural disasters, political turmoil, or deeply personal struggles. It assures the believer that no situation is beyond His reach or His ability to bring peace and resolution, reinforcing His unwavering faithfulness to His people and His covenant promises.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:9 offers profound comfort and a compelling call to worship for believers navigating the complexities of contemporary life. In a world often characterized by turbulence, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges—the "raging seas" of personal crises, societal unrest, and an unpredictable future—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that there is a sovereign God who remains firmly and actively in control. The assurance that God "rules the raging of the sea" means that no storm, whether external or internal, is too great for Him to command. It invites us to shift our focus from the daunting magnitude of our problems to the infinite power and wisdom of God, fostering a deep and abiding trust in His ability to bring peace and order to our chaos. This truth should inspire not only profound comfort but also a deep sense of awe and worship, as we reflect on the boundless greatness of the One who can quiet the fiercest waves with a mere word. Our worship is deepened when we recognize that the God who commands the physical elements is also the God who is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, capable of stilling the storms within our hearts and circumstances, and guiding us through the most turbulent waters.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How does God's control over the sea in this verse relate to His overall character and attributes?
Answer: God's control over the sea in Psalms 89:9 is a foundational declaration of His omnipotence, absolute sovereignty, and unique status as the Creator and Lord of all. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea often symbolized primordial chaos, untamed power, and forces beyond human control. Therefore, God's ability to "rule" and "still" its "raging" waves is a supreme demonstration of His divine authority, distinguishing Him from all other supposed deities. This attribute highlights that God is not merely powerful but possesses absolute dominion over all forces, whether natural, spiritual, or human. It underscores His inherent capacity to bring order out of disorder, peace out of turbulence, and to uphold His covenant promises, as He is the one who established the boundaries of the waters at creation (Job 38:8-11). This profound control over creation is inextricably linked to His faithfulness, dependability, and unchangeable nature, assuring His people that the God who commands the elements is utterly trustworthy in all His ways and promises.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:9 finds its ultimate and most vivid fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine power and authority over creation attributed to Yahweh in the Old Testament. While the psalm declares God as the one who commands the seas, the New Testament Gospels reveal Jesus performing this very act, thereby demonstrating His inherent divinity. The most striking example is found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus, asleep in a boat during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, awakens and rebukes the wind and the waves with a simple, authoritative command: "Peace, be still!" (as recorded in Mark 4:39). The disciples' astonished reaction—"Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41)—underscores their recognition that such power belonged solely to God. Jesus's calming of the storm is a profound demonstration of His inherent divinity, revealing Him to be the very God of Psalms 89:9, the one who "rules the raging of the sea" and "stillest them." This miracle not only confirms His identity as the Son of God but also provides a powerful assurance that He is sovereign over all the "storms" of life, offering true peace and order to a chaotic world and to the hearts of those who trust in Him, just as He promised His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).