Psalms 107:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:24
24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, wisdom, covenant. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 107:24
24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Analysis
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.
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?').
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord