Psalms 107:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:29
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, mercy. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 107:29
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Analysis
This verse describes God's deliverance from storm. 'He maketh the storm a calm' shows instant transformation. 'Maketh' (qum, קוּם) means He causes to stand or establishes—He institutes calm. 'Storm' becomes 'calm' (demamah, דְּמָמָה), meaning silence, whisper, or stillness—the same word for 'still small voice' after Elijah's storm (1 Kings 19:12). 'So that the waves thereof are still' uses chashak (חָשַׁךְ), meaning hushed or quieted. The raging chaos becomes peaceful quiet. This demonstrates divine authority over creation's fury. Jesus' command 'Peace, be still' (Mark 4:39) echoes this—creation obeys the Creator's word instantly.
Historical Context
Jesus calming the storm fulfilled this pattern (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). The disciples marveled: 'What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?' The answer: He's the Creator whose word commands nature. For storm-tossed disciples and later storm-experiencing church, this demonstrated Jesus' divine power and availability in crisis. God's storm-calming continues figuratively—He brings peace to life's chaotic circumstances.
Reflection
- How does God's instant calming of storms demonstrate His sovereignty?
- In what ways does Jesus' storm-calming reveal His divine identity?
- How does God bring calm to the spiritual and emotional storms believers face?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 65:7, 89:9, Jonah 1:15, Matthew 8:26