Psalms 89:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou rulest {H4910}{H8802)} the raging {H1348} of the sea {H3220}: when the waves {H1530} thereof arise {H7721}{H8800)}, thou stillest {H7623}{H8762)} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

You control the raging of the sea; when its waves rear up, you calm them.

Berean Standard Bible

You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.

American Standard Version

Thou rulest the pride of the sea: When the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:9 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled power over all creation, particularly over the most formidable and chaotic elements of the natural world. This verse majestically portrays the Lord's omnipotence, depicting Him as the supreme ruler who effortlessly calms the fiercest storms and subdues the most rebellious forces with a mere command, thereby establishing His unmatched dominion and unwavering faithfulness amidst the inherent turbulence of existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89, designated as a Maskil (a contemplative or instructional psalm) by Ethan the Ezrahite (cf. [1 Kings 4:31](/1_kings/4-31 "1 Kings 4:31 - Ethan the Ezrahite's Wisdom")), unfolds as a complex theological reflection. The psalm opens with an effusive celebration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly emphasizing His covenant with David, as articulated in passages like [Psalms 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalms 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David"). Verse 9 is strategically placed within this opening section, serving as a foundational declaration of God's cosmic sovereignty. By asserting His absolute control over the sea—a potent symbol of chaos in ancient thought—the psalmist establishes God's unparalleled might and authority. This powerful affirmation of divine character and dominion sets a critical theological bedrock, against which the psalm's later dramatic shift into a lament (beginning around [Psalms 89:38](/psalms/89-38 "Psalms 89:38 - God's Apparent Rejection")) is understood. The initial declaration of God's absolute control over chaos provides the necessary context for the psalmist's subsequent pleas and questions regarding the apparent failure of the Davidic covenant, grounding his hope in God's unchanging power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the sea was often perceived as a realm of untamed power, chaos, and even the dwelling place of primordial monsters or hostile deities, as evidenced in various creation myths where gods struggled to subdue the waters. For the God of Israel, Yahweh, to "rule the raging of the sea" and "stillest them" was an extraordinary and unique statement of divine omnipotence, distinguishing Him sharply from the limited storm gods or sea deities of surrounding nations. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an Israelite audience, who were intimately familiar with the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of the Mediterranean Sea. The ability to command such a formidable element underscored Yahweh's sole claim as the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, providing profound reassurance of His ultimate authority and His capacity to bring order out of even the most profound chaos. This theme is deeply rooted in the biblical creation narrative, where God separates the waters and sets boundaries for the sea (cf. [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Genesis 1:9-10 - God Separates the Waters")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 89:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically declares **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, highlighting His unquestionable dominion over all things, especially those forces perceived as uncontrollable by humanity. He is not merely powerful but possesses ultimate, unchallenged authority, a concept central to understanding His kingship over all creation. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Control Over Chaos**: the "raging of the sea" and its "waves" serve as potent metaphors for chaos, turbulence, and overwhelming forces—whether natural, political, or personal. God's ability to "still" them signifies His inherent power to impose order, peace, and control upon any chaotic situation, echoing His primal act of bringing cosmos out of chaos in creation (cf. [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Hovering Over the Waters")). Thirdly, this dramatic demonstration of power reinforces **God's Faithfulness and Dependability**. His unchanging nature and His unwavering ability to control creation provide a strong foundation for trust, assuring the psalmist and the reader that the God who commands the sea is also faithful to His covenant promises, even when circumstances appear to contradict them, a theme that becomes critically important later in the psalm when the Davidic covenant seems to be in jeopardy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rulest (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** From the primitive root H4910, this verb signifies to rule, reign, have dominion, or govern. It conveys not merely a passive oversight but an active, authoritative, and decisive control. When applied to God, it speaks directly to His kingship and absolute sovereignty over all creation, indicating His active and effective command over every aspect of existence.
* **raging (Hebrew, _gêʼûwth'_):** Derived from H1348, this term refers to arrogance, majesty, or a lifting up. In the context of the sea, it describes the proud, swelling, or tumultuous waves, conveying an immense, almost self-assertive power inherent in the waters. God's rule over this "raging" or "pride" of the sea profoundly emphasizes His supreme authority that humbles and subdues even the most formidable and seemingly uncontrollable natural forces.
* **stillest (Hebrew, _shâbach'_):** From the primitive root H7623, this verb primarily means to address in a loud tone, but figuratively, it means to pacify, subdue, or quiet. Here, it conveys the idea of God bringing down the mighty, calming the turbulent, and restoring tranquility with His sovereign command. It stands in stark contrast to the "raging" of the sea, highlighting God's immediate and effective power to impose order and peace where there was chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou rulest the raging of the sea:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute and active dominion over the most formidable and chaotic element of the natural world. The "raging of the sea" (its proud, swelling, and tumultuous waves) represents an untamed, powerful, and potentially destructive force. Yet, God is depicted as its sovereign ruler, exercising complete and unchallenged control. This is a profound declaration of His cosmic kingship, omnipotence, and unique authority, setting Him apart from all other powers, whether human or divine.
* **"when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."** This second clause elaborates on the nature of God's rule, providing a specific and vivid example of His power in action. It acknowledges the inherent turbulence and potential danger of the sea ("when the waves thereof arise"), but immediately counters this with God's decisive and effective intervention ("thou stillest them"). This demonstrates not only His ultimate authority but also His immediate and potent ability to bring peace and order to chaos, emphasizing His active presence and unwavering control in the face of overwhelming forces.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:9 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey God's supreme authority and control. **Personification** is clearly evident in the phrase "the raging of the sea," where the sea is imbued with human-like qualities of pride, fury, and rebellious self-assertion. This makes God's act of "stilling" it an even more impressive demonstration of His power, akin to taming a wild, defiant entity. The sea itself functions as a potent **Symbolism** for chaos, disorder, and overwhelming power, both in the natural world and metaphorically for life's challenges and uncertainties. By demonstrating absolute control over this symbol, the psalmist emphasizes God's ability to bring order out of any form of chaos. The verse also presents a striking **Contrast** between the sea's inherent turbulence ("raging," "waves thereof arise") and God's calming, ordering power ("rulest," "stillest them"), powerfully highlighting the divine mastery over natural forces. Furthermore, the direct address "Thou" creates a sense of intimacy and direct engagement, emphasizing the personal nature of God's omnipotent power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unique ability to bring order out of chaos, a theme woven throughout Scripture from the primordial creation to the eschatological consummation. It affirms that the God of Israel is not merely a regional deity but the cosmic Creator and Sustainer, whose power extends over every aspect of existence, including the most unpredictable and destructive forces. This divine control over the "raging sea" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's dominion over all forms of chaos, whether manifested as natural disasters, political turmoil, or deeply personal struggles. It assures the believer that no situation is beyond His reach or His ability to bring peace and resolution, reinforcing His unwavering faithfulness to His people and His covenant promises.

* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Challenge to Job Regarding the Sea")
* [Proverbs 8:29](/proverbs/8-29 "Proverbs 8:29 - God's Decree for the Sea")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9-10 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - God's Power Over the Waters of Chaos")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:9 offers profound comfort and a compelling call to worship for believers navigating the complexities of contemporary life. In a world often characterized by turbulence, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges—the "raging seas" of personal crises, societal unrest, and an unpredictable future—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that there is a sovereign God who remains firmly and actively in control. The assurance that God "rules the raging of the sea" means that no storm, whether external or internal, is too great for Him to command. It invites us to shift our focus from the daunting magnitude of our problems to the infinite power and wisdom of God, fostering a deep and abiding trust in His ability to bring peace and order to our chaos. This truth should inspire not only profound comfort but also a deep sense of awe and worship, as we reflect on the boundless greatness of the One who can quiet the fiercest waves with a mere word. Our worship is deepened when we recognize that the God who commands the physical elements is also the God who is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, capable of stilling the storms within our hearts and circumstances, and guiding us through the most turbulent waters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "raging seas" or chaotic situations are you currently facing in your life, and how does this verse speak directly to your anxieties and fears?**
* **How does reflecting on God's absolute power over creation impact your trust in His faithfulness and His ability to handle your most personal and overwhelming struggles?**
* **In what tangible ways can you actively express awe, worship, and submission to God's sovereignty as described in this psalm, especially when facing life's storms?**

### FAQ
**How does God's control over the sea in this verse relate to His overall character and attributes?**

Answer: God's control over the sea in Psalms 89:9 is a foundational declaration of His omnipotence, absolute sovereignty, and unique status as the Creator and Lord of all. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea often symbolized primordial chaos, untamed power, and forces beyond human control. Therefore, God's ability to "rule" and "still" its "raging" waves is a supreme demonstration of His divine authority, distinguishing Him from all other supposed deities. This attribute highlights that God is not merely powerful but possesses absolute dominion over all forces, whether natural, spiritual, or human. It underscores His inherent capacity to bring order out of disorder, peace out of turbulence, and to uphold His covenant promises, as He is the one who established the boundaries of the waters at creation (cf. [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Challenge to Job")). This profound control over creation is inextricably linked to His faithfulness, dependability, and unchangeable nature, assuring His people that the God who commands the elements is utterly trustworthy in all His ways and promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:9 finds its ultimate and most vivid fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine power and authority over creation attributed to Yahweh in the Old Testament. While the psalm declares God as the one who commands the seas, the New Testament Gospels reveal Jesus performing this very act, thereby demonstrating His inherent divinity. The most striking example is found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus, asleep in a boat during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, awakens and rebukes the wind and the waves with a simple, authoritative command: "Peace, be still!" (as recorded in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). The disciples' astonished reaction—"Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:41](/mark/4-41 "Mark 4:41 - Disciples' Amazement"))—underscores their recognition that such power belonged solely to God. Jesus's calming of the storm is a profound demonstration of His inherent divinity, revealing Him to be the very God of Psalms 89:9, the one who "rules the raging of the sea" and "stillest them." This miracle not only confirms His identity as the Son of God but also provides a powerful assurance that He is sovereign over all the "storms" of life, offering true peace and order to a chaotic world and to the hearts of those who trust in Him, just as He promised His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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 65:7

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

Psalms 107:25

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

Psalms 107:29

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

Mark 4:41

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

Matthew 8:24

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

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Mark 4:39

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.