Psalms 107:26

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יַעֲל֣וּ

H5927

They mount up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שָׁ֭מַיִם

H8064

to the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יֵרְד֣וּ

H3381

they go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

תְהוֹמ֑וֹת

H8415

again to the depths

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

נַ֝פְשָׁ֗ם

H5315

their soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּרָעָ֥ה

H7451

because of trouble

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

תִתְמוֹגָֽג׃

H4127

is melted

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?