Psalms 107:25

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

For he commandeth {H559}, and raiseth {H5975} the stormy {H5591} wind {H7307}, which lifteth up {H7311} the waves {H1530} thereof.

For at his word the storm-wind arose, lifting up towering waves.

For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea.

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof.

Commentary

Psalm 107:25 vividly portrays God's ultimate dominion over the natural world, specifically the powerful forces of the sea. This verse reveals the Creator's active involvement and absolute control, even over chaotic elements like storms and waves.

Context

Psalm 107 is a profound psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance of various groups from distress. The section immediately preceding verse 25 (verses 23-32) focuses on mariners, or sailors, who "go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters." These seafarers witness God's "works in the deep." Verse 25 then explains how their perilous situation arises: it is God who orchestrates the tempest. The subsequent verses describe how they are brought to the brink of despair before crying out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivers them.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty over Nature: The verse unequivocally states that God "commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind." This highlights His supreme authority and control over all creation, demonstrating that even the most formidable natural phenomena are subject to His will. This theme resonates throughout scripture, affirming God's power as the ultimate orchestrator of the universe.
  • Divine Command and Action: The Hebrew word for "commandeth" (צָוָה, tzavah) implies a powerful, authoritative decree. God doesn't just allow storms; He actively raises them. This emphasizes His direct involvement in the world, not as a distant observer but as a hands-on ruler.
  • The Power and Peril of the Sea: For ancient peoples, the sea was often seen as a mysterious and dangerous realm. The "stormy wind" and "lifteth up the waves thereof" paint a picture of immense, uncontrollable power from a human perspective. Yet, even this mighty force is shown to be completely under God's command.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stormy wind" translates the Hebrew ruach se'arah (רוּחַ סְעָרָה). Ruach can mean wind, breath, or spirit, and se'arah denotes a tempest, whirlwind, or violent storm. The combination powerfully conveys a wind of great destructive force. The verb "commandeth" (צָוָה, tzavah) is a strong term for issuing an order, emphasizing God's authoritative will behind the natural phenomenon.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God's power over the elements is a recurring theme in the Bible. We see this same divine authority demonstrated when Jesus Himself rebuked the wind and the sea, bringing about a great calm, thereby revealing His deity and shared power with the Father. Similarly, Psalm 89:9 declares, "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 107:25 offers immense comfort and a call to trust. When we face "storms" in our lives—whether personal crises, global uncertainties, or overwhelming challenges—this verse reminds us that nothing is outside of God's control. He is not merely observing our struggles; He is sovereign over every circumstance, even those that seem chaotic or destructive. Knowing that the same God who commands the wind and waves is our deliverer gives us confidence to cry out to Him in our distress, assured that He hears and has the power to bring us through.

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Cross-References

  • Jonah 1:4 (11 votes)

    ¶ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

  • Matthew 8:24 (7 votes)

    And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

  • Psalms 148:8 (6 votes)

    Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

  • Psalms 93:3 (5 votes)

    The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

  • Psalms 105:34 (5 votes)

    He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

  • Psalms 135:7 (3 votes)

    He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

  • John 6:18 (3 votes)

    And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.