Psalms 104:7

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

At {H4480} thy rebuke {H1606} they fled {H5127}; at the voice {H6963} of thy thunder {H7482} they hasted {H2648} away.

At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they rushed away,

At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away—

At thy rebuke they fled; At the voice of thy thunder they hasted away

Commentary

Psalm 104:7 beautifully describes the immense power and authority of God as the Creator, specifically focusing on His command over the primeval waters during the creation week. This verse is part of a magnificent hymn of praise that parallels the Genesis account of creation, celebrating God's wisdom and majesty in ordering the cosmos.

Context

Psalm 104 is a psalm of creation, often seen as a poetic expansion of Genesis chapter 1. The psalmist marvels at God's handiwork, from the heavens to the earth, the seas, and all living creatures. Verse 7 specifically refers to the second day of creation, when God separated the waters above from the waters below, and the third day, when He gathered the waters into seas, allowing dry land to appear. The "fled" and "hasted away" vividly portray the chaotic, deep waters retreating at God's direct command, establishing the boundaries for the seas and land that exist to this day.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power: The verse highlights that no force in creation, not even the vast, chaotic waters, can resist God's decree. His word alone is sufficient to bring order and establish boundaries.
  • Divine Command and Order: Creation is not a haphazard event but an intentional act by God's powerful word. The waters "fled" because they were "rebuked" by the Almighty, demonstrating God's ability to bring order out of primeval chaos.
  • The Voice of God: The "voice of thy thunder" signifies God's overwhelming presence and authority. His voice is not merely a sound but an irresistible force that commands obedience from all elements of creation. This echoes themes found in other psalms, such as Psalm 29:4, which speaks of the voice of the Lord breaking the cedars.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rebuke" is ga'arah (גַּעֲרָה), which implies a strong, authoritative scolding or chiding. It's not a suggestion but a powerful command that causes immediate and decisive action. This same term is used elsewhere to describe God's power over enemies or unruly forces. The phrase "voice of thy thunder" (qol ra'am - קוֹל רַעַם) often accompanies divine manifestations of power and judgment in the Old Testament, evoking a sense of awe and irresistible might. It underscores that the very sound of God's command is enough to compel the elements.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly alludes to the creation account where God separates the waters (Genesis 1:9-10). The imagery of waters fleeing at God's command also finds parallels in the Exodus narrative, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, where the waters obeyed God's "rebuke" through Moses. This consistent portrayal reinforces God's unchanging power over nature throughout history.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 104:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring control over all things. In a world that often feels chaotic or overwhelming, this verse assures us that the same God who commanded the oceans into their bounds is still sovereign. It encourages us to put our trust in Him, knowing that He can bring order to our lives and circumstances. It calls us to worship the God whose voice is so powerful that even the mightiest forces of nature obey instantly, fostering a deep sense of awe and reverence for our Creator and Sustainer.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 18:15 (7 votes)

    Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

  • Genesis 8:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

  • Mark 4:39 (5 votes)

    And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

  • Psalms 114:3 (4 votes)

    The sea saw [it], and fled: Jordan was driven back.

  • Psalms 114:7 (4 votes)

    Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

  • Proverbs 8:28 (4 votes)

    When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

  • Psalms 106:9 (4 votes)

    He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.