Sailors Are Delivered From a Troubled Sea
March 4, 2022
Commentary
Many were in terrible pain, and some were almost dead because of their foolish sins but they prayed and were rescued (vv. 17-19). He restored them by healing them with His word (v. 20). We should praise the Lord and sing joyful songs to tell what He has done (vv. 21-22).
The fourth and final segment of deliverance has to do with those that sail out into the sea in ships (v. 23). A great advantage for sailors is that “they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep” (v. 24). The tempests and storms that suddenly arise on the sea cause great concern to even the most seasoned sailor. The psalmist pictures sailors at the complete mercy of God as they are tossed about by the raging sea (v. 25). As they attempt to ride out the storm, the ship seems to “mount up to the heaven” (v. 26) as it rises high on the crest of the waves. Then it “goes down again to the depths” of the sea between the waves. Regardless of how brave they might act, their toughness is broken by the command of God (v. 27). When man is at his wit’s end, he will call unto the Lord, and He will bring him out of his distress (v. 28). The Lord “makes the storm a calm, so that the waves are still” (v. 29). Regardless of how fierce the storm of life may get, when men cry out for help, “He brings them unto their desired haven” (v. 30) of rest. The psalmist reminds Israel of the dreadful time through which the nation has just passed, pointing out both the cause and the cure. The sailors prayed in their distress, and the Lord responded to their prayer. He quieted the sea and brought the sailors safely to their destination
Application
We need to praise the Lord constantly for His love and for all the wonderful things He does for us (v. 31). We also need to make sure we are honoring the Lord when we meet with our leaders and those that we worship with (v. 32).
Psalms 107:17– 32 (NET)
17 They acted like fools in their rebellious ways, and suffered because of their sins.
18 They lost their appetite for all food, and they drew near the gates of death.
19 They cried out to the Lord in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles.
20 He sent them an assuring word and healed them; he rescued them from the pits where they were trapped.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people.
22 Let them present thank offerings, and loudly proclaim what he has done.
23 Some traveled on the sea in ships, and carried cargo over the vast waters.
24 They witnessed the acts of the Lord, his amazing feats on the deep water.
25 He gave the order for a windstorm, and it stirred up the waves of the sea.
26 They reached up to the sky, then dropped into the depths. The sailors’ strength left them because the danger was so great.
27 They swayed and staggered like drunks, and all their skill proved ineffective.
28 They cried out to the Lord in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles.
29 He calmed the storm, and the waves grew silent.
30 The sailors rejoiced because the waves grew quiet, and he led them to the harbor they desired.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people. Let them praise him in the place where the leaders preside.