Psalms 107:29

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

He maketh {H6965} the storm {H5591} a calm {H1827}, so that the waves {H1530} thereof are still {H2814}.

He silenced the storm and stilled its waves,

He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still.

Commentary

Psalms 107:29 (KJV) beautifully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and power over creation, particularly His ability to bring peace to the most tumultuous circumstances. This verse is a direct declaration of divine intervention, showcasing the Lord's complete control over the natural world and His responsiveness to His people.

Context

Psalm 107 is a profound psalm of thanksgiving, detailing God's deliverance of various groups of people from different forms of distress. The verses immediately preceding (Psalms 107:23-28) specifically describe sailors who encounter a terrifying storm at sea. Tossed by mighty waves and facing certain death, they cry out to the Lord in their trouble. Verse 29 is God's immediate and powerful response to their desperate plea, demonstrating His immediate action to save those who trust in Him. The psalm then transitions to a call for thanksgiving, emphasizing the goodness of God and His wonderful works to the children of men.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The verse unequivocally states that God "maketh the storm a calm," asserting His ultimate authority over the forces of nature. This highlights His omnipotence and control over all things, from the smallest wave to the most violent tempest. It underscores that all creation is subject to His command.
  • Divine Deliverance and Intervention: It underscores God's readiness to intervene on behalf of those who cry out to Him. Just as He stills the literal storm for the distressed sailors, He is able to bring peace and resolution to life's figurative storms and crises, demonstrating His active care for His people.
  • Peace Amidst Chaos: The imagery of "the waves thereof are still" conveys a profound sense of peace and order restored by divine command. This theme offers immense comfort and assurance that even in the most chaotic and overwhelming situations, God can bring absolute stillness, tranquility, and rest.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "calm" in this verse is dฤ•mamah (ื“ึฐึผืžึธืžึธื”), which conveys a sense of deep stillness, quietness, or silence. It's not merely a lessening of the storm, but a complete cessation of its fury, a profound tranquility. Similarly, "still" comes from chashah (ื—ึธืฉึธืื”), meaning to be silent, to be quiet, or to cease from motion. Together, these words emphasize the absolute and immediate nature of God's command over the elements, resulting in a perfect and undeniable peace.

Related Scriptures

  • This powerful act of God foreshadows the New Testament accounts where Jesus Himself calms a raging storm with a simple command, revealing His divine nature and authority over creation (also seen in Matthew 8:26 and Luke 8:24).
  • The broader context of God hearing cries for help is a recurring theme in Psalm 107, as seen in Psalms 107:6, where the distressed cry out to the Lord.
  • God's power over the elements is also evident in His creation of the world, as described in Genesis 1:9-10, where He gathers the waters and reveals the dry land.

Practical Application

Psalms 107:29 serves as a profound source of comfort and encouragement for believers today. In a world full of uncertainties, anxieties, and personal challenges that can feel like overwhelming storms, this verse reminds us that God is still on the throne, mighty and powerful. We can bring our fears, anxieties, and chaotic situations to Him in prayer, trusting that He has the power to bring calm and stillness to our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's omnipotence, knowing that His peace transcends all understanding and can quiet even the most turbulent "waves" we encounter.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 65:7 (14 votes)

    Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

  • Matthew 8:26 (14 votes)

    And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

  • Luke 8:23 (13 votes)

    But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.

  • Luke 8:25 (13 votes)

    And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

  • Psalms 89:9 (11 votes)

    Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

  • Mark 4:39 (9 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.

  • Mark 4:41 (9 votes)

    And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?