Psalms 104:26
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֭ם
H8033
יְהַלֵּכ֑וּן
There go
H1980
יְהַלֵּכ֑וּן
There go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ן
there is that leviathan
H3882
לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ן
there is that leviathan
Strong's:
H3882
Word #:
4 of 8
a wreathed animal, i.e., a large sea-monster; figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of babylon
יָצַ֥רְתָּ
whom thou hast made
H3335
יָצַ֥רְתָּ
whom thou hast made
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
6 of 8
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
Cross References
Psalms 107:23They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;Isaiah 27:1In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.Psalms 74:14Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
Historical Context
Leviathan likely refers to a large sea creature, possibly a whale or crocodile, but symbolized primordial chaos in ancient Near Eastern thought. Presenting it as God's playmate dramatically emphasizes divine sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'leviathans' (overwhelming problems or fears) in your life does God have under complete control?
- How does God's sovereignty over chaos strengthen your confidence when circumstances seem out of control?
Analysis & Commentary
Ships travel the sea, and leviathan (livyatan) plays there. God made both human commerce and mysterious sea creatures. Leviathan, elsewhere a fearsome symbol of chaos (Job 41, Ps 74:14), here frolics playfully. God is so sovereign that even chaos monsters are His playthings. This demonstrates ultimate divine authority—what terrifies humans amuses God. Christ's calming the storm and walking on water (Matt 14:25-33) similarly showed authority over what humans fear. The Reformed doctrine of God's sovereignty assures believers no force threatens God's purposes.