Psalm 107:30

30 And they are glad, because they are quiet; and he guides them to their desire haven.

Psalm 107:30 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 107:30

Then are they glad because they be quiet
The mariners are glad that the waves are quiet, and they free from danger, and at ease and in repose themselves.

So he bringeth them unto their desired haven;
the port, city, border or tract of land ^F17, they are bound to; which they desire to be at, and eagerly look out for, and rejoice when arrived at it. This is all the Lord's work in providence: mariners too often take it to themselves, as if it was owing to their own skill and management that they have brought home the ship safe to the appointed port; but it is owing to the secret guidance and protection of divine Providence, which should be acknowledged. The late Mr. Hussey ^F18 thinks, that all this is not to be understood of seamen and naval affairs in common, but is a prophecy of what should befall the disciples of Christ, when on shipboard with him; who are the persons that went "down to the sea of Galilee" in a ship;

whose business in the great waters was fishing;
when, by the will of God, there came down a "stormy wind", which "lifted up the waves" of the sea, so that the ship in which they were was filled with them, and in danger of being sunk; when they went up and down, as here described, and reeled as they went along on the deck, to awake their Master their hearts melting, and they at their wit's end through fear, when they saw such wonders, what no common mariner ever did; the Godman and Mediator rising and in a majestic manner rebuked the winds and waves, and caused a calm, and so brought them to the country of the Gadarenes, whither they were bound; see ( Luke 8:23-26 ) . But it may be applied, in a more spiritual manner, to the people of God in common who are embarked in the cause of Christ, and in a church state, comparable to a ship, of which Christ is the master, governor, and pilot; and who are sailing through the tempestuous sea of this world, and are tossed with tempests in it; and have business to do here, not only of a civil, but of a spiritual nature and who not only see the wondrous works of creation and providence, but of grace and redemption; the deep things of God, the mysteries of his grace and love: and who sometimes are covered with the billows and waves of affliction, and in the utmost distress; which are all under the direction and at the command of God, to whom they apply for relief; and he commands a calm in their breasts, and causes their afflictions to cease, which produce joy and gladness in them; and at last they are brought safe to heaven, their desired haven, which they are bound unto, are seeking after, and desirous of; and where they are at entire rest, brought hither by the Lord himself.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 Vid. Kimchii Sepher Shorash. rad. (Nwx)
F18 Warning from the Winds, p. 21-26.

Psalm 107:30 In-Context

28 Then they cry to the Lord in their affliction, and he brings them out of their distresses.

29 And he commands the storm, and it is calmed into a gentle breeze, and its waves are still.

30 And they are glad, because they are quiet; and he guides them to their desire haven.

31 Let them acknowledge to the Lord his mercies, and his wonderful works to the children of men.

32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the seat of the elders.