Psalms 107:24
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Original Language Analysis
רָ֭אוּ
These see
H7200
רָ֭אוּ
These see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַעֲשֵׂ֣י
the works
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֣י
the works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
3 of 6
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Psalm 104:24-26 celebrates God's works in the sea: 'This great and wide sea...there go the ships.' Job 38:16 asks, 'Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?' The ocean's vastness and power reveal God's majesty. For the disciples (many fishermen), experiencing Jesus calm the storm revealed His divine authority over creation (Mark 4:41: 'What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?').
Questions for Reflection
- How do different life experiences reveal different aspects of God's character?
- What 'wonders in the deep' do those who venture into difficult circumstances witness?
- In what ways does facing natural forces reveal God's power and majesty?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes what mariners witness. 'These see the works of the LORD' means mariners have unique perspective on God's power. 'See' (raah, רָאָה) emphasizes eyewitness observation. 'And his wonders in the deep' uses pala (פָּלָא), meaning wonderful, extraordinary, or miraculous deeds. 'In the deep' (metsulah, מְצוּלָה) means the depths or abyss. Those who venture into ocean depths witness God's wonders unavailable to land-dwellers. This teaches that different life circumstances reveal different aspects of God's character and power. Those who risk 'great waters' see wonders others miss.