They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Human affairs are not ruled by blind fortune but by God's judgments in all the changes and chances of this world. Adversity, shipwreck, famine, disease, war, marks His displeasure summoning us to account for our sins; prosperity flows from His grace so He may receive the praise due a merciful Father and impartial Judge.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 107:1-43
They mount up to the heaven. Borne aloft on the crest of the wave, the sailors and their vessels appear to climb the skies, but it is only for a moment, for very soon in the trough of the sea they go down again to the depths.
The psalmist here calls upon those to give glory to God who are delivered from dangers at sea. Though the Israelites dealt not much in merchandise, yet their neighbours the Tyrians and Zidonians did, and for them perhaps this part of the psalm was especially calculated. I. Much of the power of God appears at all times in the sea, Psa 107:23, Psa 107:24.
Commenting on Psalm 107:23-32