Psalms 48:7

KJV

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou breakest {H7665}{H8762)} the ships {H591} of Tarshish {H8659} with an east {H6921} wind {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as when the wind out of the east wrecks the "Tarshish" ships.

Berean Standard Bible

With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.

American Standard Version

With the east wind Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 48:7 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power, particularly in His protective judgment over Zion and against all who oppose His divine will. The verse vividly depicts the effortless destruction of the formidable "ships of Tarshish" by a mere "east wind," symbolizing the utter futility of human strength, wealth, or pride when confronted by the omnipotent Creator. This powerful imagery serves as a testament to God's unwavering control over creation and His steadfast commitment to defend His people, demonstrating that no earthly force or human achievement can withstand His unchallengeable might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 48 is a vibrant "Song of Zion," a hymn of praise and assurance celebrating Jerusalem as the holy city, the dwelling place of God, and the secure center of His kingdom. The psalm opens with an exalted declaration of God's greatness and His glorious presence in Mount Zion, the city of the Great King [Psalms 48:1-3](/psalms/48-1-3 "Psalm 48:1-3 - God's Greatness in Zion"). Immediately preceding verse 7, the psalmist recounts a dramatic scene where a confederation of earthly kings gathers against Jerusalem, only to be struck with sudden terror and flee in disarray at the mere sight of God's power. They are overwhelmed as if by the pains of childbirth, melting away in fear [Psalms 48:4-6](/psalms/48-4-6 "Psalm 48:4-6 - Kings Tremble Before God's Power"). Verse 7 functions as a powerful simile and a concluding statement to this narrative of divine intervention, likening this swift and decisive defeat of human adversaries to a natural catastrophe that shatters even the most formidable human creations. This reinforces the immediate narrative of God's protective and destructive power, demonstrating the ease with which He defends His city against seemingly overwhelming threats.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, or Zion, held immense significance not merely as a geographical location but as the chosen place where God's presence dwelt, making it a powerful symbol of His covenant faithfulness, protective care, and the security of His kingdom. Throughout Israel's history, Jerusalem frequently faced existential threats from surrounding empires, with notable sieges like that of Sennacherib in the days of King Hezekiah [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah and Sennacherib's Siege"). The "ships of Tarshish" represented the pinnacle of ancient maritime power, far-reaching commerce, and immense wealth. These large, sturdy vessels were known for their long voyages to distant lands, often symbolizing human pride, global influence, and the accumulation of earthly riches. The "east wind" (Hebrew: _ruach qadim_) was universally understood in the ancient Near East as a powerful, often destructive force, known for its scorching heat, its ability to bring drought, or its capacity to shatter ships at sea. Its deployment in this verse underscores the swift, irresistible, and divinely ordained nature of God's judgment, often working through seemingly common natural phenomena.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 48:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Psalm 48 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing God's absolute control over all creation—including the elements and human endeavors. The effortless defeat of the "ships of Tarshish" highlights that no human strength, wealth, or military might can withstand His will, as seen in His immediate and decisive defeat of the kings and their forces. Another crucial theme is **God's Protection of Zion**, underscoring His unwavering commitment to defend His chosen city and people. The destruction of the symbols of worldly might signifies the complete dismantling of any force threatening God's dwelling place, echoing the assurance found in [Psalm 46:5](/psalms/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God is in the Midst of Her"). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Judgment on Human Pride and Worldly Might**, serving as a stark reminder of the futility of trusting in earthly power over divine strength. The very objects of human pride and achievement are shown to be fragile and transient before God's simple command, a concept frequently explored in prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 2:16](/isaiah/2-16 "Isaiah 2:16 - Judgment on Ships of Tarshish").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **breakest (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This primitive root signifies a forceful and complete shattering, bursting, or utterly destroying something into pieces. It implies an action that is decisive, irreversible, and overwhelming, leaving no possibility of repair or recovery. The use of this word emphasizes the totality of God's destructive power against His enemies, indicating not merely a setback or a weakening, but absolute ruin and fragmentation.
* **Tarshish (Hebrew, _Tarshîysh'_):** While its exact geographical location is debated, "Tarshish" in the biblical context became synonymous with distant, wealthy lands and the large, sturdy ships capable of long voyages that sailed to and from such ports. These "ships of Tarshish" were renowned for carrying valuable cargo (such as gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, as mentioned in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet and Tarshish Goods")), symbolizing immense wealth, maritime power, and far-reaching human enterprise. Their destruction, therefore, represents the undoing of the most impressive and seemingly secure human achievements and sources of pride and reliance.
* **east wind (Hebrew, _qâdîym_ or _rûwach qâdîym'_):** In the biblical world, the "east wind" was often associated with destructive power, scorching heat, and desolation. Unlike gentle breezes, the _ruach qadim_ was known as a strong, hot, and often devastating wind that could bring drought, wither crops ([Genesis 41:6](/genesis/41-6 "Genesis 41:6 - East Wind Destroying Crops")), or cause great discomfort ([Jonah 4:8](/jonah/4-8 "Jonah 4:8 - Scorching East Wind")). Here, it functions as a metaphor for God's swift, irresistible, and often unseen judgment, capable of dismantling even the most formidable human creations with effortless ease, highlighting His absolute control over the natural world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou breakest":** The psalmist directly addresses God in the second person, attributing the decisive action solely to Him. This emphasizes God's active, personal, and sovereign involvement in the defeat of His enemies. It underscores that this destruction is not a result of human strategy or military might, but rather by God's simple, powerful decree, demonstrating His unchallengeable authority.
* **"the ships of Tarshish":** These vessels serve as a potent symbol of human strength, wealth, pride, and far-reaching influence. By targeting these renowned ships, the psalmist illustrates that no human endeavor, however grand, secure, or distant in its reach, is beyond God's grasp or immune to His judgment. They represent the pinnacle of worldly power, self-reliance, and material security, which are shown to be utterly vulnerable before divine omnipotence.
* **"with an east wind":** The instrument of destruction is not a mighty army, a complex weapon, or a cataclysmic event, but a common natural phenomenon—a wind. This highlights the effortless nature of God's power and His ability to achieve His purposes through the simplest and most seemingly insignificant means. The "east wind" specifically carries connotations of divine judgment and irresistible force, signifying that God can humble the proud and dismantle their might with ease, demonstrating His absolute control over creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 48:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the destruction of the "ships of Tarshish" by an "east wind" serves as a vivid representation of God's overwhelming defeat of His enemies. This is not necessarily a literal historical event occurring during the siege of Jerusalem, but a powerful image illustrating the ease with which God can dismantle any opposing force. **Symbolism** is also central, with "ships of Tarshish" symbolizing human pride, wealth, and worldly might, representing the pinnacle of human achievement and self-reliance. Conversely, the "east wind" symbolizes God's swift, irresistible, and often destructive judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over creation. The use of such a common, yet powerful, natural phenomenon to destroy something as formidable as a fleet of large ships creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast disparity between finite human strength and infinite divine omnipotence. The imagery is also highly **Evocative**, painting a clear and dramatic picture in the mind of the reader, underscoring the terror and suddenness of God's intervention against those who defy Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 48:7 powerfully encapsulates the profound biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It asserts that no human power, no matter how formidable, wealthy, or seemingly invincible, can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty. This verse serves as both a profound assurance for those who trust in God and a stark warning to those who rely on their own might or oppose His kingdom. It underscores that God's defense of His people is not merely passive protection but an active, destructive force against their adversaries, demonstrating that the Lord of Hosts is indeed a warrior who fights for His own. The ease with which He shatters the symbols of human pride with a mere "east wind" highlights the futility and transience of worldly strength in the face of divine omnipotence, inviting a posture of humility and reliance on God alone.

* [Isaiah 2:16](/isaiah/2-16 "Isaiah 2:16 - Judgment on Pride and Ships of Tarshish")
* [Psalm 46:5](/psalms/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God's Presence in the City")
* [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God's Power Over Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 48:7 offers a timeless and profound message for believers and unbelievers alike, speaking to the core of where we place our trust. For those who place their reliance in the Lord, this verse is a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His unmatched ability to overcome any obstacle or enemy, no matter how imposing. When faced with overwhelming challenges—be they personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual warfare—we are called to place our trust not in our own limited strength or the fleeting resources of the world, but in the Almighty God who can shatter the "ships of Tarshish" with a mere breath. It assures us that God is actively at work, defending His people and upholding His purposes, even when His methods seem simple or unseen to human eyes. For those who rely on their own might, wealth, or influence, this verse serves as a stark warning. No human empire, no individual power, no accumulation of worldly prestige can ultimately stand against the Creator of the universe. It calls for profound humility, recognizing that all human achievements and perceived securities are fragile and temporary before the eternal and unchallengeable power of God, urging us to re-evaluate the foundations upon which we build our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ships of Tarshish" (symbols of human strength, wealth, or pride) do I tend to rely on instead of God's power and provision?**
* **How does the imagery of God using a "mere east wind" to achieve such profound destruction challenge my understanding of His power and methods in my own life or in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to surrender my perceived control and trust more fully in God's sovereign protection and righteous judgment?**
* **How does this verse encourage and strengthen me when I feel overwhelmed or intimidated by powerful forces or opposition in the world around me?**

### FAQ
**What are "ships of Tarshish" and why are they significant in this verse?**

Answer: "Ships of Tarshish" refer to large, sturdy, ocean-going vessels capable of long voyages, typically associated with extensive trade and great wealth. While Tarshish itself was a distant port (possibly in modern-day Spain or elsewhere in the Mediterranean), the phrase became a metonym for the most impressive and valuable maritime assets of the ancient world. They symbolized human achievement, economic power, far-reaching influence, and often, human pride. In Psalms 48:7, their significance lies in their representation of the pinnacle of human strength and worldly security. Their effortless destruction by a simple "east wind" highlights the futility and fragility of all human endeavors and pride when confronted by God's overwhelming power. They were known to carry valuable cargo like gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, as mentioned in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet and Tarshish Goods"), making their loss a profound symbol of divine judgment against human arrogance, a theme also explored in [Isaiah 2:16](/isaiah/2-16 "Isaiah 2:16 - Judgment on Ships of Tarshish").

**Why is an "east wind" specifically mentioned as the instrument of destruction?**

Answer: In the biblical context, the "east wind" (Hebrew: _ruach qadim_) was not merely any wind; it carried specific connotations of destructive power and divine judgment. Unlike gentle breezes, the east wind was often a strong, hot, and scorching wind, known for its ability to bring drought, wither vegetation, and cause devastation. For example, it destroyed Pharaoh's crops in [Genesis 41:6](/genesis/41-6 "Genesis 41:6 - East Wind Destroying Crops") and brought great discomfort to Jonah in [Jonah 4:8](/jonah/4-8 "Jonah 4:8 - Scorching East Wind"). In Psalms 48:7, its mention emphasizes the swift, irresistible, and divinely ordained nature of the judgment. It signifies that God does not need a massive army or complex weaponry to defeat His enemies; He can achieve His purposes through the simplest and most common of natural phenomena, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His ability to humble the proud with effortless ease.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:7, with its vivid depiction of God's effortless triumph over the mightiest symbols of human power and pride, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God shattered the "ships of Tarshish" with a mere "east wind," Christ demonstrates absolute sovereignty over all creation and all earthly powers. His miraculous calming of the storm with a simple word, rebuking the wind and waves with divine authority ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), perfectly illustrates the divine control over the very elements that God used in Psalms 48. Furthermore, the "kings" who gathered against Zion in Psalm 48 foreshadow the earthly rulers and spiritual principalities that conspired against Christ, ultimately to be defeated by His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them in a cosmic victory ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), thereby shattering the spiritual "ships of Tarshish" that held humanity captive to sin and death. He is the ultimate protector of His Church, the new Zion, against whom the gates of hell shall not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Ultimately, Christ's glorious return will bring the final and decisive judgment upon all human pride and rebellion, as He comes to rule with a rod of iron, utterly destroying all who oppose His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment")), fulfilling the psalmist's vision of God's effortless and decisive victory over all His foes.

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

Jeremiah 18:17

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

1 Kings 22:48

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Ezekiel 27:25

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.

Ezekiel 27:26

¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

Isaiah 2:16

And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

1 Kings 10:22

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.