Psalms 33:7

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

He gathereth {H3664} the waters {H4325} of the sea {H3220} together as an heap {H5067}: he layeth up {H5414} the depth {H8415} in storehouses {H214}.

He collects the sea waters together in a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.

He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses.

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap: He layeth up the deeps in store-houses.

Commentary

Psalm 33:7 describes God's immense power and wisdom in organizing the natural world, specifically His control over the vast waters of the earth. It portrays the Creator as one who precisely manages and contains the seas, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

Context

Psalm 33 is a joyful hymn, a call to worship that extols God for His righteous deeds, His faithful word, and His mighty acts in creation. The preceding verses emphasize God's power through His spoken word (verse 6), and this verse continues that theme by focusing on His mastery over the elements, particularly the oceans. It sets the stage for a declaration of God's creative power, following a call to righteous worship and trust in His unfailing love.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute authority over the natural world. He is not merely a creator but a sustainer who actively manages His creation, even the chaotic and immense power of the sea. This highlights His sovereignty over all things.
  • Order Out of Chaos: By gathering waters "as an heap" and laying "the depth in storehouses," God demonstrates His ability to bring perfect order and structure to what might otherwise be formless or destructive. This echoes the original creation account in Genesis 1:9-10, where waters were separated from the dry land.
  • God's Wisdom and Design: The meticulous way God controls the waters speaks to His infinite wisdom. The oceans are not left to chance but are "laid up in storehouses," implying intentionality, purpose, and a well-ordered design for the planet.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used enhance the imagery:

  • The word for "heap" is ned (Χ Φ΅Χ“), which often refers to a piled-up mass, particularly of water. This term is famously used to describe the waters of the Red Sea standing up like a heap when God made a way for the Israelites to cross. It conveys the idea of water being held back or contained by an invisible, mighty force.
  • "Storehouses" comes from the Hebrew 'otsarot (אוֹצָרוֹΧͺ), meaning treasuries, store-chambers, or depositories. This suggests that the vast depths of the sea are not unruly but are carefully managed and held in reserve by God, much like valuable resources. It underscores God's complete mastery and ownership of the earth's natural resources.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse offers profound comfort and a basis for worship. If God possesses such absolute control over the immense and powerful seas, we can trust Him with the seemingly overwhelming or chaotic aspects of our own lives. It encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Control: Recognize that no situation is beyond God's power to manage or bring order to. Just as He sets boundaries for the seas (as seen in Job 38:8-11), He governs all circumstances.
  • Cultivate Awe and Worship: Reflecting on God's creative power should inspire a deep sense of awe and lead to worship. His ability to command the elements testifies to His greatness, inviting us to praise His name.
  • Find Security in His Sovereignty: Knowing that the Creator of the universe holds the depths in His storehouses provides a foundation of security. We are not left to the whims of chance but are under the care of a powerful, wise, and loving God. This truth can anchor our hope, reminding us of His limitless power and wisdom.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:16

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Exodus 15:8

    And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, [and] the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

  • Joshua 3:13

    And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

  • Jeremiah 5:22

    Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

  • Habakkuk 3:15

    Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, [through] the heap of great waters.

  • Psalms 104:6

    Thou coveredst it with the deep as [with] a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

  • Psalms 104:9

    Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
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