Psalms 107:23

Psalm 107:23 introduces a specific group within the psalm's broader narrative of God's enduring mercy and deliverance: those who undertake perilous journeys by sea for the purpose of trade and commerce. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic depiction of human vulnerability and divine intervention in the face of nature's power.

Context

Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating the Lord's goodness and steadfast love (hesed) demonstrated through His deliverance of various groups of people from distress. Before this verse, the psalm recounts the deliverance of wanderers in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4-9), prisoners in darkness (Psalm 107:10-16), and those afflicted by illness due to their folly (Psalm 107:17-22). Verse 23 begins the fourth major scenario, focusing on mariners.

In ancient times, seafaring was inherently risky, with voyages subject to unpredictable weather and the vast, powerful unknown of the "great waters." While Israel was not primarily a seafaring nation, they were certainly aware of maritime trade on the Mediterranean Sea, which was vital for commerce and communication. This verse paints a vivid picture of individuals engaged in vital, yet dangerous, economic activity.

Key Themes

• Human Enterprise and Vulnerability: The verse highlights human endeavor ("do business") combined with inherent vulnerability when operating in environments beyond their control, like the vast and unpredictable sea. It speaks to the risks taken in pursuit of livelihood.
• Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: This verse is preparatory. It describes the characters and their setting, leading directly into the subsequent verses (specifically Psalm 107:24-30) where God demonstrates His incredible power over the natural elements, responding to the desperate cries of these mariners.
• God's Universal Care: By including mariners alongside wanderers, prisoners, and the sick, the psalm underscores that God's watchful eye and saving hand extend to all people, regardless of their circumstances, location, or occupation. His providence is universal. This theme of God's sovereignty over nature is also seen in passages like Psalm 89:9 and Mark 4:39 where Jesus calms the storm.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go down to the sea" (Hebrew: יֹרְדֵי הַיָּם, yordey hayyam) implies not only a literal descent from land elevation but also a metaphorical entry into a realm often associated with danger and the unknown in ancient Near Eastern thought. The "great waters" (מַיִם רַבִּים, mayim rabbim) emphasize the immense and potentially overwhelming nature of the ocean, a force that human strength alone cannot control.

Practical Application

Psalm 107:23, though describing ancient mariners, resonates with modern experiences of risk, uncertainty, and dependence. It reminds us that:

• God is Sovereign Over All: Just as God is sovereign over the raging sea, He is sovereign over every aspect of our lives, including our work, travels, and challenges. We can trust in His ultimate control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond our grasp.
• A Call to Trust and Prayer: When we find ourselves in "great waters"—whether literal storms, financial crises, health battles, or relational difficulties—this verse, in context with the rest of the passage, encourages us to cry out to the Lord, knowing He hears and delivers. The subsequent verses show the mariners crying out to God, and He brings them safely to their desired haven (Psalm 107:28-30), echoing the general call to prayer found earlier in the psalm (Psalm 107:6).
• God Cares for Every Profession: This verse affirms that God's care is not limited to certain 'spiritual' vocations but extends to all legitimate work and human endeavors, even those that involve significant risk, similar to the industriousness described in Proverbs 31:14.