Psalms 107:23

“They that go down to the sea in ships, etc.] This is the fourth instance of persons in distress crying to the Lord for help, and, having it, are laid under obligation to praise him; the case of seafaring men: so the Targum introduces it, “mariners that go down to the sea in ships;” the same form of expression as here is used in (<234210>Isaiah 42:10). Some affirm the sea to be higher than the earth, but by this it should be lower; besides the earth is said to be founded on the seas, which suggests superiority; and all the rivers run into the sea, which supposes a declivity; but, be it so that it is higher than the earth, yet this phrase is to be justified by the shores being higher than the…”

“They that go down to the sea in ships - The scene here changes again. From those that wander in the desert - from those who are in prison - from those who are sick - the eye of the psalmist turns to those who encounter the perils of the ocean, and he finds there occasion for praise to God. The phrase “go down” or “descend” is employed here because the sea is lower than the land, and because we “descend” when we embark on board of a vessel. That do business ... - Whose business or employment is on the ocean. return to 'Top of Page'”

“107:23-32 Sailors give thanks to the Lord when he saves them from the chaos and peril of the sea.”

“They: This is the fourth comparison; their captivity was as dangerous and alarming as a dreadful tempest at sea; with a most natural and striking description of which we are here presented. go down: Psa 48:7; Eze 27:26; Acts 27:9-28:31; Rev 18:17 Psalms 107:24”

“Others have returned to tell of the perils of the sea. Without any allegory (Hengstenberg) it speaks of those who by reason of their calling traverse (which is expressed by ירד because the surface of the sea lies below the dry land which slopes off towards the coast) the sea in ships (read boŏnijoth without the article), and that not as fishermen, but (as Luther has correctly understood the choice of the word) in commercial enterprises. These have seen the works and wonders of God in the eddying deep, i.e., they have seen with their own eyes what God can do when in His anger He calls up the powers of nature, and on the other hand when He compassionately orders them back into their bounds.…”