Psalm 107: 23-26, 28-31

This week’s responsorial psalm is from Psalm 107, a hymn inviting those who have been rescued by God to give praise.

In its entirety, the psalm describes four archetypal divine rescues, each ending in thanksgiving: from the sterile desert (v. 4–9), from imprisonment in gloom (v. 10–16), from mortal illness (v. 17–22), and from the angry sea, which is our passage for today (v. 23–32).

The number four connotes totality, all the possible varieties of rescue.

They who sailed the sea in ships, trading on the deep waters, these saw the works of the LORD and his wonders in the abyss.

God is praised for saving seafaring merchants, those who risked their lives by traversing dangerous waters.

His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high. 

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, where unpredictable and often violent seas threatened both life and livelihood, myths of divine control over the sea were particularly resonant. In these myths, the sea, personified as the Canaanite god Yām, threatens the order of the world.

Throughout the Bible, God’s control over the sea is a recurring theme, symbolizing his sovereignty over chaos and evil. This depiction of divine authority directly counteracts these ancient myths, asserting that the God of Israel is the ultimate Creator and ruler of all.

They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths; their hearts melted away in their plight.

Menacing waves can force a boat up to the height of their crests and dash it just as far down into the depths, casting those in the boat into a panic.

The psalmist uses this as a metaphor to describe the plight of those who find themselves overwhelmed by the circumstances of life. They are like those who are cast about in the sea.

They cried to the LORD in their distress; 

The faith of the people is evident in their cries to the LORD. They knew where to turn in their distress. There was no question about their vulnerability and need for rescue. 

from their straits he rescued them, he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled.

The description of the rescue is as dramatic as the depiction of the storm. With no effort at all, the LORD quells the fury as one would hush a restless babe in swaddling bands (Job 38:9). By the power of God, the savage gale is reduced to a gentle breeze.

The mythical monster of the deep is no match for God. 

They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men.

In the final scene, those who have been delivered from the danger of the sea are filled with joy and gratitude and brought safely into harbor. Once again the LORD has demonstrated the kindness (hesed) that flows from the covenant bond. Committed to these people, God has not left them in distress.

This is certainly reason for praising God and giving thanks!