24:2 For he set its foundation upon the seas,
and established 1 it upon the ocean currents. 2
65:7 You calm the raging seas 3
and their roaring waves,
as well as the commotion made by the nations. 4
107:23 5 Some traveled on 6 the sea in ships,
and carried cargo over the vast waters. 7
1 tn The prefixed verbal form is understood as a preterite, referring to the creation of the world.
2 sn He…established it upon the ocean currents. The description reflects ancient Israelite prescientific cosmology, which is based on outward appearances. The language also suggests that God’s creative work involved the subjugation of chaos, symbolized by the sea.
3 tn Heb “the roar of the seas.”
4 sn The raging seas…the commotion made by the nations. The raging seas symbolize the turbulent nations of the earth (see Ps 46:2-3, 6; Isa 17:12).
5 sn Verses 23-30, which depict the Lord rescuing sailors from a storm at sea, do not seem to describe the exiles’ situation, unless the word picture is metaphorical. Perhaps the psalmist here broadens his scope and offers an example of God’s kindness to the needy beyond the covenant community.
6 tn Heb “those going down [into].”
7 tn Heb “doers of work on the mighty waters.”