Psalms 89:25

Psalms 89:25

The imagery of the sea and rivers evokes a sense of vastness and untamed power. In this context, God promises to set the king “his hand also in the sea” and “his right hand in the rivers.” This is not mere nautical metaphor; it communicates divine authorization over chaotic forces and overwhelming domains. The sea and rivers symbolize threats, unknowns, and international realms beyond a king’s control. By placing the king’s hand in these waters, God signals protection, governance, and sovereignty over all forces that might threaten the realm. In biblical poetry, God’s right hand is typically the place of strength and action; to be set there is to receive enabling power to rule wisely and justly. The verse continues the promise of covenantal leadership and the idea that strength comes from the Lord’s empowering presence rather than human strategy alone.

This verse reinforces the theology of divine empowerment for leadership. God doesn’t leave the king to navigate dangers by human cleverness; he equips him with power to negotiate and steward creation, even the unruly waters. It speaks to God’s comprehensive sovereignty—over land, sea, and the political waters of nations. Theologically, it also highlights trust in God’s protective sovereignty: genuine security rests in the Lord’s enabling presence. The promise points forward to the messianic realm where God’s king rules with justice, compassion, and mastery over chaos. It invites believers to recognize that leadership, whether political, family, or communal, is a calling to steward the created order under God’s authority.

Consider areas of life where you face chaos—fill-in tasks, difficult conversations, or heavy responsibilities. Invite God to place your “hand” on the sea and “right hand” on the rivers through prayer for wisdom, discernment, and courage. In family life, this could mean leading with calm, setting boundaries, and protecting the vulnerable. In work, it means stewarding resources wisely, navigating conflicts with integrity, and seeking solutions that honor God and serve others. For communities, it invites collective prayer for leaders to be empowered by God to address systemic chaos—poverty, injustice, or division—trusting that divine empowerment enables meaningful steps forward. The verse reassures that no chaotic force is outside God’s authority when you are under his guidance.

Cross-References: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 18:32-35; Psalm 46:2-3; Job 9:8-11