Psalm 89 10

Psalm 89:10 kjv

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

Psalm 89:10 nkjv

You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

Psalm 89:10 niv

You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

Psalm 89:10 esv

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

Psalm 89:10 nlt

You crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 10 Meaning

Psalm 89:10 extols the unparalleled power and absolute sovereignty of God, specifically highlighting His dominion over the tumultuous and chaotic forces of nature, symbolized by the "raging sea." This verse proclaims that God alone possesses the authority to subdue the most formidable and rebellious elements, demonstrating His supreme control and ability to bring order out of disorder. It asserts that God does not merely observe, but actively "rules" and "stills" the sea's might.

Psalm 89 10 Context

Psalm 89 is a Maskil (a didactic or contemplative psalm) of Ethan the Ezrahite, one of the wise men from the time of Solomon. The psalm begins as a magnificent hymn celebrating God's steadfast love (hesed) and faithfulness, particularly as demonstrated in His covenant with David (2 Sam 7). Verses 5-18 specifically extol God's unparalleled greatness, uniqueness, and power as Creator and King, often using cosmic imagery. Verse 10 is part of this section, establishing God's absolute sovereignty over creation as a foundational truth. This affirmation of divine power over the chaotic sea then sets the stage for the deep lament that follows in the latter half of the psalm (beginning around verse 38), where the psalmist questions God's apparent abandonment of the Davidic covenant and His anointed king amidst a national crisis. The assertion of God's control over the "raging sea" serves to emphasize that if God can control the greatest forces of nature, surely He is able to maintain His covenant promises despite present turmoil, underscoring the paradox and despair felt by the psalmist. Historically, the "sea" was often a symbol of untamed, hostile chaos in ancient Near Eastern (ANE) cosmologies, and the act of subduing it was a definitive act of a conquering deity establishing order.

Psalm 89 10 Word analysis

• You rule: Hebrew: תִמְשֹׁל (timshol). Root: מָשַׁל (mashal) – "to rule, have dominion, reign, govern." This verb indicates absolute authority and continuous exercise of control. It is a powerful declaration of God's regal and inherent sovereignty.
• the raging: Hebrew: בְּגֵאוּת (b'ge'ut). Root: גֵּאוּת (ge'ut) – "arrogance, loftiness, swelling, pride." Here, it vividly describes the boisterous, violent, and surging nature of the sea, its swelling pride resembling an uncontrollable force. It metaphorically captures the defiant power of chaos.
• sea: Hebrew: יָם (yam) – a common term for "sea." In biblical literature, "sea" often functions as both a literal body of water and a metaphor for chaotic forces, formidable enemies, or even the abyss.
• when its waves mount up: Hebrew: בִּשְׂאוֹ גַלֶּיהָ (bish'o galleiha).
  • בִּשְׂאוֹ (bish'o): "in the lifting up of." Root: נָשָׂא (nasa) – "to lift, carry, bear." Conveys the image of the waves rising to great heights, embodying their potential for destruction.
  • גַלֶּיהָ (galleiha): "its waves." Refers to the rolling, turbulent surges of the sea. This phrase specifically highlights the height and ferocity of the waves, not just the general turbulence.
• You still them: Hebrew: אַתָּה תְשַׁבְּחֵם (attah t'shabbichem).
  • אַתָּה (attah): "You." Emphatic second-person singular pronoun, stressing that it is God Himself, not another, who acts.
  • תְשַׁבְּחֵם (t'shabbichem): "you quiet them, subdue them, calm them." Root: שָׁבַח (shavach) – "to soothe, tranquilize, calm." This signifies an act of forceful but calming authority, transforming uproar into quietness and demonstrating supreme control.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• You rule the surging sea: This phrase establishes God's continuous and active dominion over what appears to be the most uncontrollable element. It challenges ancient notions of a chaotic sea or independent forces by proclaiming God's inherent sovereignty over it, without a struggle. It suggests divine power that is not merely supervisory but actively governing.
• when its waves mount up, You still them: This second clause highlights the specific and intense application of God's power. It describes the moment of peak chaos—when the waves are at their most threatening and arrogant height—and contrasts it immediately with God's immediate and effective intervention. It is not just rule in general, but specific, potent power to calm active threats, demonstrating an effortless superiority. The use of "You" (אַתָּה) again makes the act intensely personal and immediate to God.

Psalm 89 10 Bonus section

The "raging sea" in biblical thought, especially within the Psalms and prophetic literature, extends beyond a literal body of water to encompass symbolic representations of rebellious nations (e.g., Isa 17:12-13, Rev 17:15), the ungodly masses, and chaotic human rebellion against divine order. Therefore, God's mastery over the literal sea implicitly points to His ultimate dominion over all earthly powers and spiritual forces of chaos and evil. The New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus, provides a dramatic fulfillment and illustration of this verse. Jesus's command to the storm on the Sea of Galilee ("Peace, be still!") directly demonstrates the divine authority asserted in Psalm 89:10, confirming His identity as the embodiment of Yahweh's cosmic rule. This verse underscores that there is no power, visible or invisible, that can defy the absolute and inherent dominion of the Most High God.

Psalm 89 10 Commentary

Psalm 89:10 serves as a majestic declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled power over all creation. By stating that God "rules the raging of the sea" and "stills its waves," the psalmist invokes a profound symbol of cosmic disorder and primeval chaos prevalent in ancient Near Eastern thought. Unlike the storm-gods of surrounding cultures who often had to fight and subdue a pre-existent water-monster (e.g., Marduk fighting Tiamat), the God of Israel is presented as inherently sovereign over the sea; He doesn't struggle with it, He simply rules and stills it by His very word or will. This verse emphasizes divine omnipotence and a unique monotheistic claim. It sets a foundational truth: the God who commands the wild elements effortlessly can certainly uphold His covenant promises and bring order to human and national chaos. This assurance is critical given the severe lament that unfolds later in Psalm 89, where the Davidic king appears to be defeated and God's covenant seemingly broken. The verse implies that the God capable of such cosmic order is faithful and mighty enough to restore His people.

• Example: Just as a parent calms a frightened child in a thunderstorm, God's sovereign command stills the tumultuous "sea" of life's fears and uncertainties.
• Example: When overwhelming challenges "mount up" like crashing waves, this verse assures believers that God's presence and power can "still" those circumstances and bring peace.