Psalms 65:7
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁבִּ֤יחַ׀
Which stilleth
H7623
מַשְׁבִּ֤יחַ׀
Which stilleth
Strong's:
H7623
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud
שְׁא֥וֹן
the noise
H7588
שְׁא֥וֹן
the noise
Strong's:
H7588
Word #:
2 of 7
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
יַ֭מִּים
of the seas
H3220
יַ֭מִּים
of the seas
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
3 of 7
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
שְׁא֥וֹן
the noise
H7588
שְׁא֥וֹן
the noise
Strong's:
H7588
Word #:
4 of 7
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
גַּלֵּיהֶ֗ם
of their waves
H1530
גַּלֵּיהֶ֗ם
of their waves
Strong's:
H1530
Word #:
5 of 7
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples feared the sea's chaos, often deified as hostile to order. YHWH's stilling of seas demonstrated supremacy over what pagans worshiped as gods. The parallel with tumultuous peoples shows His control extends to political chaos.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over natural chaos comfort you regarding social and political turmoil?
- What does the parallel between seas and peoples teach about God's comprehensive rule?
Analysis & Commentary
God stilling the seas' noise parallels calming tumultuous peoples. The Hebrew 'sha'on' (roar/tumult) applies to both natural and human chaos. That God quiets both demonstrates sovereignty over creation and history. This anticipates Christ's stilling the storm (Mark 4:39) and establishes peace despite nations' rage (Psalm 2:1).