Psalms 107:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:25
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, hope. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 107:25
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Analysis
This verse describes God's sovereignty over storms. 'For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind' shows God's active control over weather. 'Commandeth' (amar, אָמַר) means He speaks, and it happens. 'Raiseth' (amad, עָמַד) means to cause to stand or arise. 'Stormy wind' (ruach searah, רוּחַ סְעָרָה) is tempest or hurricane-force wind. 'Which lifteth up the waves thereof' describes waves rising to terrifying heights. God's word controls storms—He commands and they arise. This demonstrates absolute sovereignty over nature. What terrifies humans obeys God instantly. The same power that speaks storms into existence can speak them into calm.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, God controls weather: flood (Genesis 6-7), plagues on Egypt, Red Sea parting, storm in Jonah 1, Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:39). God asks Job, 'Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?...Out of whose womb came the ice?' (Job 38:28-29). Weather reveals God's sovereignty and humanity's dependence. Climate isn't autonomous but subject to divine command.
Reflection
- What does God's control over weather teach about His sovereignty over all creation?
- How should God's command over storms affect our response to natural disasters?
- In what ways does Jesus' storm-calming demonstrate His divine nature?