Topical Bible: The Sea: God: Stills, by his Power

◄ The Sea: God: Stills, by his Power ►

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The sea, a vast and often tumultuous body of water, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a symbol of chaos and unpredictability. Yet, it is also a testament to the sovereign power of God, who alone has the authority to still its raging waves and bring peace to its tumult. Throughout Scripture, the calming of the sea serves as a powerful demonstration of God's omnipotence and His control over creation.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the sea is often portrayed as a formidable force, yet one that is subject to the command of God. In the book of Job, God challenges Job by reminding him of His power over the sea: "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and when I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’?" (Job 38:8-11). This passage underscores God's authority in setting limits to the sea's reach, illustrating His control over the natural world.

The Psalms also celebrate God's dominion over the sea. Psalm 65:7 praises God as the one "who stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations" . Similarly, Psalm 89:9 declares, "You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them" . These verses highlight the sea as a metaphor for chaos, which God alone can subdue.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ demonstrating divine authority over the sea. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, a narrative that echoes the Old Testament depictions of God's power. As the disciples are caught in a violent storm, they cry out to Jesus, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" (Matthew 8:25). Jesus responds by rebuking the winds and the sea, resulting in a great calm. The disciples marvel, asking, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). This miracle not only affirms Jesus' divine nature but also reassures believers of His ability to bring peace amidst life's storms.

Theological Significance

The biblical motif of God stilling the sea serves as a profound reminder of His sovereignty and faithfulness. It reassures believers that no matter how chaotic or overwhelming circumstances may appear, God remains in control. The sea, with all its power and unpredictability, is but a creation of God, subject to His will and command. This truth offers comfort and hope, encouraging believers to trust in God's providence and His ability to bring peace to their lives.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the one who stills the sea by His power. From the Old Testament to the New, this theme underscores God's supreme authority over creation and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 65:7
Which stills the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:9
You rule the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, you still them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 107:29
He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
... CHRIST STILLS THE STORM ON THE LAKE OF GALILEE ... final manifestation of the sons of
God.' And here ... corrupted.' [2897] Christ's dominion over the sea was, therefore ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv christ stills the.htm

Praise and Thanksgiving the Goodness of God.
... The God who every sorrow stills; Give to our God the glory! ... Far over land and
sea; Oh soul and body now rejoice,. ... Give to our God the glory! ...
/.../praise and thanksgiving the goodness.htm

We Shall See God when we Put on Immortality.
... This is my God, the Lord of all, who alone stretched ... who stirs the deep recesses
of the sea, and makes ... waves roar; who rules its power, and stills the tumult ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter vii we shall see god.htm

Christ Our Mediator.
... mighty chasm between man and God, between earth and heaven, is bridged over in the
God-man, Christ ... But when He stills the tempest on the Sea of Galilee ...
/.../ix christ our mediator.htm

The Secret of Tranquillity
... and equable motion to its rest in the central sea. ... the current of your being set
towards God, then your ... by one master-passion which unites and stills the soul. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the secret of tranquillity.htm

Christian Meekness
... before it wrought salvation (Exodus 4:6), so God may let ... the heart as Christ did
to the angry sea, Peace, be ... there is grace in the heart, it stills the raging ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... scattered between the Nile and the Red Sea, and between ... a small temple under the
patronage of his wife Tii. ... which he dedicated to Anion, the Sun-god, have been ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... walks on the sea and stills the storm on the lake, 687-695; ... Kingdom of God, its history
and meaning in O. and NT, i.160, 161, 265, 266, 269, 270, 275, 276; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm