Psalms 104:26

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 104:26 offers a vivid glimpse into God's majestic control over the vast and mysterious oceans, highlighting His dominion over both human endeavors and the most formidable creatures of the deep.

Context of Psalms 104:26

Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise to God as the glorious Creator and sustainer of all life. It systematically recounts God's creative acts, from clothing Himself with light (Psalms 104:2) to providing water for the hills and food for the beasts (Psalms 104:10-14). Verse 26 falls within the description of the sea, emphasizing its depth, its teeming life, and God's sovereign oversight of it all. It follows a description of the great and wide sea, "wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts" (Psalms 104:25).

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Human Activity and the Sea: "There go the ships" acknowledges human interaction with the ocean—for trade, travel, and exploration. It suggests that even in this realm of human enterprise, God's presence and power are evident. Ancient mariners navigating the Mediterranean would have understood the sea's power and unpredictability, yet their voyages were under God's watchful eye.
  • The Enigmatic Leviathan: The mention of "that leviathan" refers to a creature of immense size and power, often depicted in ancient Near Eastern literature as a fearsome sea monster or a symbolic representation of chaos. In the Bible, it typically refers to a large aquatic animal, possibly a whale, crocodile, or a mythical composite beast, symbolizing the untamable forces of nature.
  • God's Playful Dominion: The critical phrase "whom thou hast made to play therein" transforms the fearsome Leviathan from a symbol of chaos into an obedient part of God's created order. It signifies that even the most powerful and seemingly uncontrollable forces of nature are not only under God's control but exist for His purpose and perhaps even for His delight. They "play" in His creation, fulfilling their role without threatening the divine order. This powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן, livyatan) appears in other biblical texts, notably in the Book of Job where it is described in great detail as an unconquerable creature (see Job 41:1 onwards). It is also mentioned in Psalms 74:14 and Isaiah 27:1, sometimes carrying symbolic weight as a force of evil or chaos that God ultimately defeats. In Psalms 104:26, however, the emphasis is on its role within God's harmonious creation, not as an adversary.

Practical Application

This verse invites us to marvel at the wisdom and power of God, who not only created the vast oceans but also sustains every creature within them, from the smallest fish to the largest "leviathan." It reminds us that no force in creation, however immense or mysterious, is beyond the Creator's hand. For believers, this offers great comfort: if God controls the untamable forces of the deep, He surely has control over the seemingly chaotic or overwhelming circumstances in our own lives. It encourages us to trust in His omnipotent care and perfect design.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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