Psalms 104:25

Psalms 104:25

“So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.” The psalmist expands the sense of God’s wisdom and abundance into the oceans. The sea is immense, mysterious, and teeming with life—creatures small and large that inhabit its depths and shores. The phrase “creeping innumerable” captures the abundance and variety of life in creation, including forms that are both familiar and strange to the ancient reader. The sea often symbolized mystery, danger, and chaos in ancient Near Eastern literature, yet here it is celebrated as part of God’s ordered world. The verse reinforces the idea that God’s wisdom governs all waters and life within them, highlighting the unity of creation from land to sea.

The sea’s abundance testifies to God’s generosity and power. It also reflects a theology of divine sovereignty over chaos—the sea, which can symbolize threats, is under God’s rule. The verse aligns with biblical motifs of life’s diversity and interdependence, reminding readers that creation’s variety points to a wise Creator. It invites humility before the vastness of God’s works and invites humans to steward oceans and aquatic life responsibly.

This invites care for oceans and waterways: reduce pollution, support sustainable fisheries, and protect marine habitats. It can inspire awe while prompting practical actions like minimizing plastic use, supporting reef-friendly policies, and educating others about marine biodiversity. For individuals, it can be a reminder of the smallness of human concerns in the face of vast creation, fostering humility and gratitude. In family time, explore local water ecosystems—watch tide pools, visit aquariums that emphasize conservation, or read about marine life. The verse invites us to see the sea not as a resource to exploit but as a gift to cherish and protect as part of God’s manifold works.

Cross-References: Psalm 33:7; Psalm 104:26; Job 41; Isaiah 27:1; Revelation 10:6