Psalms 48:7

Authorized King James Version

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Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Original Language Analysis

בְּר֥וּחַ wind H7307
בְּר֥וּחַ wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 1 of 5
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
קָדִ֑ים with an east H6921
קָדִ֑ים with an east
Strong's: H6921
Word #: 2 of 5
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
תְּ֝שַׁבֵּ֗ר Thou breakest H7665
תְּ֝שַׁבֵּ֗ר Thou breakest
Strong's: H7665
Word #: 3 of 5
to burst (literally or figuratively)
אֳנִיּ֥וֹת the ships H591
אֳנִיּ֥וֹת the ships
Strong's: H591
Word #: 4 of 5
a ship
תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃ of Tarshish H8659
תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃ of Tarshish
Strong's: H8659
Word #: 5 of 5
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

Analysis & Commentary

God breaks 'the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.' Tarshish ships represented the height of maritime technology and commercial power. The 'east wind' from the desert symbolizes divine judgment throughout Scripture. The mightiest human achievements are fragile before God's breath.

Historical Context

Tarshish (probably Spain) was associated with distant, wealthy trading expeditions. Ships of Tarshish represented human commerce and ambition at their greatest. God's destruction of them declares His supremacy over human achievement.

Questions for Reflection