Psalms 104:26

KJV

There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

There go {H1980} the ships {H591}: there is that leviathan {H3882}, whom thou hast made {H3335} to play {H7832} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

The ships are there, sailing to and fro; Livyatan, which you formed to play there.

Berean Standard Bible

There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.

American Standard Version

There go the ships; There is leviathan, whom thou hast formed to play therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:26 offers a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, specifically highlighting His dominion over the vast and mysterious oceans. It vividly portrays both human endeavors, symbolized by ships navigating the seas, and the most formidable and enigmatic creatures of the deep, personified by Leviathan, as existing entirely within the bounds of His design and even for His divine pleasure. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's awe at a Creator who not only brought the cosmos into being but intimately sustains and orchestrates every detail, from the mundane to the magnificent, demonstrating His unchallenged power and delightful engagement with His handiwork.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, often considered a poetic retelling of the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), emphasizing God as the glorious Creator and sustainer of all life. The psalm systematically recounts God's creative acts, moving from the heavens (vv. 1-4), to the earth's foundations and waters (vv. 5-9), then to the provision for flora and fauna (vv. 10-18), and the celestial bodies (vv. 19-23). Verse 26 falls within the section describing the sea (vv. 24-26), emphasizing its immense size and the teeming life within it. It directly follows the declaration in [Psalms 104:25](/psalms/104-25 "Psalms 104:25 - The Great and Wide Sea"), which marvels at the "great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts," setting the stage for the specific mention of ships and Leviathan as prime examples of life and activity under God's sovereign gaze within this vast domain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the sea was often viewed with a mixture of awe and fear, representing both a source of life and a realm of unpredictable chaos. Maritime travel, though essential for trade and communication, was perilous, making ships symbols of human daring and vulnerability. The concept of a primordial sea monster, often associated with chaos or rebellious forces, was prevalent in various mythologies. For the Israelites, while they were not primarily a seafaring nation, the Mediterranean Sea was a significant geographical feature. The mention of "Leviathan" taps into this cultural understanding of powerful, untamable sea creatures, but recontextualizes it within a monotheistic framework where even such formidable beings are entirely subject to the one true God. This verse, therefore, serves to dismantle any lingering fear of chaotic forces by asserting God's playful dominion over them.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalms 104 is God's **sovereignty and providential care** over His creation. This verse specifically contributes to the theme of **divine dominion over the untamable**, showcasing that even the most formidable aspects of nature—the vast, unpredictable sea, and its most fearsome inhabitant—are not beyond God's control but are, in fact, integral to His design and purpose. It underscores the **harmony and order** God has established, where even potential symbols of chaos like Leviathan are made to "play" within His cosmic theater. This reinforces the idea that God's power is not merely about creation, but about the ongoing **sustenance and delight** He takes in His handiwork, echoing the goodness declared in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God Saw That It Was Very Good").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ships (אֳנִיּוֹת, _'oniyyot'_):** This plural Hebrew noun refers to vessels for sea travel. In the context of Psalms 104:26, "ships" represent human enterprise, commerce, and exploration. Their presence in the vast ocean, alongside the formidable Leviathan, highlights that both human activity and the wildness of nature are encompassed within God's sovereign domain. It signifies that even where humanity exerts its will and skill, it does so within the boundaries and under the watchful eye of the Creator.
* **Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן, _livyatan'_):** This is a creature of immense power and size, appearing in other biblical texts (e.g., [Job 41:1](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1 - The Description of Leviathan"), [Psalms 74:14](/psalms/74-14 "Psalms 74:14 - God Breaking the Heads of Leviathan"), [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - God's Judgment on Leviathan")). While its exact zoological identity is debated (possibly a large whale, crocodile, or even a mythical composite creature), its primary function in this verse is symbolic. It represents the most powerful, untamable, and potentially chaotic forces of the deep. The psalmist's inclusion of Leviathan emphasizes God's unchallenged authority over even the most fearsome elements of His creation, transforming a potential symbol of chaos into an obedient part of the divine order.
* **Play (שָׂחַק, _sachaq'_):** This Hebrew verb means to laugh, mock, jest, or play. When applied to Leviathan, it dramatically shifts the creature from a terrifying monster to a being that God has made "to play therein." This implies not only God's complete control but also His delight and perhaps even amusement in His creation. The fearsome Leviathan is not a threat to God's order but rather a creature fulfilling its purpose, perhaps even frolicking, under the Creator's benevolent gaze. It underscores the idea that God's dominion is not merely forceful but also harmonious and joyful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There go the ships:"** This clause introduces the human element within the vast sea. It acknowledges the reality of human navigation and commerce, indicating that the psalmist's view of creation is comprehensive, encompassing both the natural world and humanity's interaction with it. It subtly suggests that even human endeavors are part of the larger divine tapestry, occurring within the bounds of God's created order.
* **"there is that leviathan,"** This introduces the formidable sea creature, Leviathan, as another inhabitant of the great sea. By placing ships and Leviathan in the same verse, the psalmist contrasts human activity with the raw, untamed power of nature. The use of "that" (Hebrew: זֶה, _zeh_) gives it a sense of familiarity, as if it is a well-known, albeit awe-inspiring, entity.
* **"whom thou hast made to play therein."** This is the climactic and most profound part of the verse. It directly attributes Leviathan's existence and activity ("to play") to God's creative act and ongoing will. The phrase "to play" (לְשַׂחֶק בּוֹ, _l'sachaq bo_) transforms a potentially terrifying creature into one that is not only subdued but also perhaps engaging in joyful activity under God's command. This powerfully conveys God's absolute sovereignty and His delightful engagement with even the most formidable aspects of His creation, demonstrating that nothing is outside His control or purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine sovereignty. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of the vast sea teeming with both human vessels and the colossal Leviathan. This visual contrast between the man-made and the wild, both existing within God's domain, underscores His expansive control. **Symbolism** is evident in the figure of Leviathan, which represents the untamable, chaotic forces of nature. However, the psalmist subverts this traditional symbolism by presenting Leviathan not as a threat, but as a creature made by God "to play." This transforms a potential symbol of chaos into a testament to divine order and even delight. Furthermore, there is a subtle **anthropomorphism** in the idea of God making Leviathan "play," suggesting a personal, almost playful, interaction between the Creator and His most formidable creature, emphasizing His intimate and joyful dominion over all things. The verse's concise yet impactful phrasing also demonstrates the power of **juxtaposition**, placing human ships alongside the mythical Leviathan to highlight the breadth of God's dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:26 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, from the mundane to the magnificent, and even over what might appear chaotic or untamable. It echoes the Genesis account of creation, where God speaks all things into being and declares them "good," establishing order from formlessness. This verse specifically emphasizes that God's dominion extends not only to the initial act of creation but also to the ongoing sustenance and governance of every creature and every human endeavor within His created order. The "play" of Leviathan under God's hand serves as a profound metaphor for God's effortless and joyful control over forces that would otherwise overwhelm humanity, assuring believers that no power, natural or spiritual, can thwart His divine will or escape His benevolent oversight.

* [Job 41:1-11](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1-11 - God's Challenge Regarding Leviathan")
* [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - The Lord's Judgment on Leviathan")
* [Psalms 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalms 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to expand our understanding of God's power beyond mere creation to His active, joyful, and comprehensive governance of the universe. If God can make the fearsome Leviathan "play" in the vast deep, then surely He has sovereign control over every aspect of our lives, no matter how chaotic or overwhelming they may seem. This truth offers immense comfort and security, reminding us that our anxieties, our challenges, and the unpredictable forces of life are all within the scope of His omnipotent and benevolent care. It calls us to a deeper trust, recognizing that the God who delights in His creation, even its most formidable parts, is deeply invested in our well-being and orchestrates all things for His purposes. Our response should be one of profound awe and worship, acknowledging that there is no force, no circumstance, and no creature beyond the loving and powerful hand of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God making Leviathan "play" challenge or expand your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **What "uncontrollable" or "fearsome" aspects of your life or the world do you need to surrender to God's playful dominion?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God more deeply in situations where you feel powerless or overwhelmed?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is Leviathan, and is it a real creature?**

Answer: The exact identity of Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן, _livyatan'_) has been a subject of much discussion. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, it often referred to a primordial sea monster, a symbol of chaos that a deity would subdue. In the Bible, particularly in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Description of Leviathan"), it is described in great detail as an incredibly powerful, fire-breathing, and unconquerable aquatic creature. While some scholars suggest it could be a large crocodile, whale, or even a dinosaur-like creature, its description often transcends any single known animal, suggesting it functions more as a symbolic representation of the most formidable and untamable forces of nature. In Psalms 104:26, its primary purpose is to illustrate God's absolute and delightful dominion over even the most terrifying and powerful elements of His creation, whether it is a literal creature or a symbol of chaos.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:26, with its declaration of God's sovereign control over the sea and its most formidable creature, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who made Leviathan "play" is the same God who, in the person of Jesus, demonstrated absolute authority over the natural world. We see this vividly in the Gospels when Jesus calms the storm with a mere word, rebuking the wind and the waves, causing a great calm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This act not only reveals His divine power over creation but also His authority over chaos, echoing the Creator's original ordering of the world. Furthermore, Leviathan, as a symbol of untamed power or even evil, foreshadows the spiritual forces of chaos and darkness that Jesus came to conquer. He cast out demons ([Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon")), healed diseases, and ultimately triumphed over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, thereby disarming the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Just as God makes Leviathan play, Christ, by His redemptive work, brings all things under His feet, establishing a new creation where the ultimate "chaos" of sin and death is overcome, and all creation awaits its final liberation in Him ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Creation Awaiting Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 107:23

¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Psalms 74:14

Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, [and] gavest him [to be] meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.

Genesis 49:13

¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.

Ezekiel 27:9

The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.

Job 3:8

Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.

Job 41:1

¶ Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord [which] thou lettest down?