Psalms 107:24

KJV

These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.

KJV (with Strong's)

These see {H7200} the works {H4639} of the LORD {H3068}, and his wonders {H6381} in the deep {H4688}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saw the works of ADONAI, his wonders in the deep.

Berean Standard Bible

They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.

American Standard Version

These see the works of Jehovah, And his wonders in the deep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:24 is a profound declaration within a psalm of thanksgiving, highlighting the awe-inspiring power and deliberate actions of the Lord as witnessed by those who navigate the vast and often perilous seas. It emphasizes that God's sovereign dominion is not limited to the land but extends to the deepest and most chaotic elements of creation, revealing His magnificent "works" and "wonders" to all who are attentive, particularly those who experience His deliverance from maritime distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a magnificent communal psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a repeated refrain ("Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"). It recounts four distinct groups of people who experienced distress, cried out to the Lord, and were miraculously delivered by Him: wanderers lost in the wilderness ([Psalms 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4 "Psalm 107:4-9 - God Delivers Wanderers")), prisoners in darkness ([Psalms 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10 "Psalm 107:10-16 - God Delivers Prisoners")), the sick afflicted by their sin ([Psalms 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17 "Psalm 107:17-22 - God Heals the Sick")), and finally, mariners caught in violent storms ([Psalms 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23 "Psalm 107:23-32 - God Delivers Mariners from Storms")). Verse 24 specifically describes the mariners' direct observation of God's power as He commands the elements, setting the stage for their desperate cry for help and subsequent divine intervention. The psalm culminates in a general call to wisdom and recognition of God's enduring lovingkindness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, seafaring was a perilous undertaking, fraught with unpredictable storms, hidden reefs, and the constant threat of capsizing. For the Israelites, who were primarily an agrarian people, the sea often symbolized chaos, untamed power, and even the realm of primordial monsters (e.g., Leviathan). Unlike the Egyptians or Phoenicians, Israel was not a major maritime nation, making their perspective on the sea often one of awe and fear. The ability of God to control the "deep" was therefore a profound testament to His absolute sovereignty, distinguishing Him from the pagan deities who were often associated with specific, limited domains. Mariners, "doing business in great waters" ([Psalms 107:23](/psalms/107-23 "Psalm 107:23 - Those Who Go Down to the Sea in Ships")), were uniquely positioned to witness the raw power of nature and, consequently, the even greater power of the God who commands it.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 107:24 contributes significantly to the overarching themes of God's **Sovereignty Over Creation** and **Divine Revelation Through Works**. The verse highlights the Lord's absolute control over the natural world, particularly the vast and powerful sea, which was often viewed as chaotic and beyond human mastery. He orchestrates events and displays His might through elements often seen as formidable, demonstrating His dominion over even the deepest parts of creation, as seen in God's rhetorical questions to Job about the sea's boundaries in [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Control Over the Sea"). Furthermore, the verse underscores that God reveals Himself not only through His word but also through His mighty deeds in creation. Those who are attentive can "see the works of the LORD," aligning with the broader biblical truth that God's "invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen Through Creation")). The mariners' experience becomes a powerful metaphor for humanity's encounter with God's power in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Works (Hebrew, _ma'asei'_):** This term (מַעֲשֵׂי) refers to deliberate actions, deeds, or productions. In this context, it emphasizes God's purposeful and active involvement in creation and its phenomena. It speaks of divine craftsmanship and intentionality, not random occurrences. The "works" are the observable, tangible manifestations of God's power and design in the natural world, particularly as they unfold in the tumultuous environment of the sea.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _niphla'ot'_):** This word (נִפְלְאוֹת) denotes extraordinary, miraculous, or awe-inspiring deeds. It implies actions that are beyond human comprehension or capability, inspiring a sense of amazement and reverence. When applied to God's actions in the "deep," it highlights the unique, supernatural quality of His control over the elements, such as His ability to stir up great storms and then bring about a sudden calm, as described in the subsequent verses of Psalm 107. These are not merely natural events but divine demonstrations.
* **Deep (Hebrew, _m'tzulah'_):** This term (מְצוּלָה) signifies the abyss, the depths of the sea, or a watery pit. It evokes a sense of vastness, mystery, and potential danger. In ancient thought, the "deep" was often associated with chaos and untamed forces. By stating that God's "wonders" are seen in the "deep," the psalmist emphasizes God's absolute dominion over even the most formidable and unpredictable aspects of creation, asserting His power where human strength and understanding fail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These see the works of the LORD":** The pronoun "These" directly refers to the mariners introduced in [Psalms 107:23](/psalms/107-23 "Psalm 107:23 - Those Who Go Down to the Sea"), who embark on journeys for trade or other purposes. Their unique vantage point on the open sea provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to observe the raw power of nature. The phrase "see the works of the LORD" implies not merely a casual glance but an active, experiential recognition of God's deliberate actions and creative power. It suggests that their perilous journey forces them to confront and acknowledge the divine hand at work in the natural world around them, particularly in the dramatic shifts of weather and sea conditions.
* **"and his wonders in the deep":** This clause expands upon the previous one, specifying the location and nature of God's revelation. The "deep" refers to the vast, mysterious, and often dangerous ocean. Here, God displays His "wonders"—His extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring deeds that transcend normal natural phenomena. These "wonders" would include His power to raise up the stormy wind and lift up the waves ([Psalms 107:25](/psalms/107-25 "Psalm 107:25 - God Commands the Stormy Wind")), and then to make the storm a calm ([Psalms 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Makes the Storm a Calm")). The pairing of "works" and "wonders" highlights both the consistent, purposeful activity of God in creation and His capacity for extraordinary, supernatural intervention, all demonstrated within the formidable environment of the sea.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "works of the LORD" is paralleled by "his wonders," and "see" is implicitly connected to the observation of these divine acts. This creates a sense of emphasis and reinforces the idea that God's actions in creation are both purposeful ("works") and awe-inspiring ("wonders"). The "deep" functions as a potent **Symbolism** or **Metaphor** for chaos, danger, and the unknown, over which God demonstrates absolute control. By placing His "wonders" in this formidable realm, the psalmist underscores God's supreme sovereignty, indicating that no force, however vast or terrifying, is beyond His command. The mariners' experience of witnessing these divine displays also serves as a **Synecdoche**, where their specific experience represents humanity's broader encounter with God's power in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:24 serves as a profound theological statement on God's omnipresent sovereignty and His self-revelation through creation. It affirms that God is not a distant deity but an active, engaged Lord whose power is demonstrably at work in the natural world, even in its most chaotic and unpredictable elements. This divine control over the "deep" speaks to His ultimate authority over all forces, visible and invisible, chaotic and orderly. The verse also underscores the concept of general revelation—that God's existence, power, and divine nature are clearly discernible through the things He has made, inviting humanity to observe, acknowledge, and respond with praise and gratitude. It reminds us that even in the midst of life's "storms," God's "works" and "wonders" are on display, calling us to trust in His unfailing ability to deliver and sustain.

* [Job 38:8](/job/38-8 "God's Questions to Job about the Sea")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen Through Creation")
* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:24 invites us to cultivate a posture of active observation and spiritual discernment in our daily lives. Just as the ancient mariners, confronted by the raw power of the sea, were compelled to recognize God's "works" and "wonders," so too are we called to see His hand in the circumstances of our own lives, whether they are turbulent or peaceful. This verse encourages us to move beyond a superficial appreciation of nature to a profound acknowledgment of the Creator's power and wisdom. It reminds us that even in overwhelming or chaotic situations—our personal "deeps"—the Lord remains sovereign, capable of both stirring up and calming the storms. By recognizing His control, we are called to trust in His providence, find awe in the intricate design and immense power displayed in creation, and respond with humble gratitude for His enduring mercy and steadfast deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the natural world deepen your understanding of God's power and character?**
* **In what "deep" or chaotic circumstances of your life have you seen the "works" and "wonders" of the Lord?**
* **How can cultivating a posture of awe and gratitude transform your perspective on challenges and uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "deep" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The "deep" (Hebrew, _m'tzulah_) is significant because it represents not only the literal depths of the ocean, but also the forces of chaos and the unknown that ancient peoples, including the Israelites, often associated with the sea. In biblical thought, the sea was frequently depicted as a powerful, untamable, and even threatening entity, often linked to primordial chaos (e.g., [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep")). Therefore, God's ability to display His "works" and "wonders" in the "deep" profoundly underscores His absolute sovereignty and control over all creation, including the most formidable and unpredictable elements. It highlights that no force, no matter how vast or chaotic, is beyond His divine command, as seen in God's rhetorical questions to Job about setting boundaries for the sea in [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Control Over the Sea").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:24, with its declaration of God's "works" and "wonders" in the "deep," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's portrayal of God's sovereignty over the chaotic sea foreshadows the divine authority displayed by Jesus. When Jesus commanded the wind and waves, saying, "Peace, be still!" and they obeyed Him ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), He demonstrated that the very "works" and "wonders" of the Father in the "deep" were embodied in Him. His disciples, astonished, asked, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" ([Mark 4:41](/mark/4-41 "Mark 4:41 - Disciples Marvel at Jesus' Authority")). This moment was a direct, tangible manifestation of the Creator's power dwelling in human flesh. Furthermore, the "works" and "wonders" of the Lord are supremely revealed in Christ's redemptive mission: His miracles, His victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, and His ongoing work of salvation. He is the one through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")) and by whom all things are upheld ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Thus, the mariners' awe-filled observation of God's power in the physical deep points forward to the spiritual deliverance and ultimate dominion of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 95:5

The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land].

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Psalms 104:27

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.

Job 38:8

Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued out of the womb?

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?