With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish. With a wind from the eastThe phrase "With a wind from the east" in Psalm 48:7 evokes a powerful image of divine intervention and judgment. In the Hebrew text, the word for "wind" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean wind, breath, or spirit. This multifaceted term often signifies the presence and action of God, as seen in Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters. The "east wind" specifically, "קָדִים" (qadim), is frequently associated with destruction and judgment in the Old Testament. For instance, in Exodus 14:21, it is the east wind that parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape and subsequently drowning the Egyptian army. This wind is not just a natural phenomenon but a tool of divine will, emphasizing God's sovereignty over creation and history. You wrecked the ships of Tarshish
The phrase "You wrecked the ships of Tarshish" refers to a historical and symbolic act of divine power. "Tarshish" is believed to be a distant trading partner, possibly located in what is now Spain or Sardinia, known for its wealth and maritime prowess. The "ships of Tarshish" symbolize human pride, economic power, and worldly ambition. In the ancient world, these ships were the epitome of naval strength and commercial success. The Hebrew verb "שָׁבַר" (shabar), translated as "wrecked," conveys a sense of breaking or shattering, indicating total destruction. This imagery serves as a reminder of the futility of human endeavors against the will of God. It echoes the theme found throughout Scripture that no matter how mighty or prosperous a nation or individual may seem, they are ultimately subject to God's authority and judgment. This serves as a call to humility and reliance on God rather than on human strength or wealth. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ships of TarshishThese were large, sea-going vessels known for their strength and capacity, often used for long voyages and trade. Tarshish is believed to be a distant port, possibly in Spain, representing wealth and maritime power. 2. East WindIn biblical literature, the east wind is often associated with God's judgment and power. It is a natural force that God uses to accomplish His purposes, often bringing destruction or change. 3. Jerusalem (Zion)While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 48 celebrates the city of Jerusalem, representing God's presence and protection over His people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Nature and NationsGod uses natural elements, like the east wind, to demonstrate His control over creation and human affairs. This reminds us that no human power or wealth can stand against God's will. The Futility of Human PrideThe destruction of the ships of Tarshish symbolizes the futility of relying on human strength and wealth. We are reminded to place our trust in God rather than in material possessions or human achievements. God's Protection of His PeopleThe context of Psalm 48 highlights God's protection over Jerusalem. Just as He defends His city, God is a refuge for His people today, offering security and peace amidst life's storms. Judgment and DeliveranceThe east wind serves as a dual symbol of judgment against the wicked and deliverance for the righteous. Believers are called to live in righteousness, trusting in God's deliverance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the east wind in Psalm 48:7 enhance our understanding of God's power and judgment? 2. In what ways can the destruction of the ships of Tarshish serve as a warning against placing our trust in material wealth and human achievements? 3. How does the theme of God's protection in Psalm 48 encourage you in your personal walk with God, especially during challenging times? 4. Can you identify other instances in the Bible where God uses natural elements to accomplish His purposes? How do these instances reinforce the message of Psalm 48:7? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance or protection. How does this personal experience relate to the themes found in Psalm 48? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14:21The east wind is used by God to part the Red Sea, demonstrating His power over nature and His ability to deliver His people. Ezekiel 27:25-27The ships of Tarshish are mentioned in the context of trade and wealth, but also in the context of judgment and downfall, similar to their destruction in Psalm 48:7. Isaiah 2:12-16This passage speaks of the day of the Lord's judgment against all that is proud and lofty, including the ships of Tarshish, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human pride and power. People Korah, Psalmist, TarshishPlaces JerusalemTopics Break, Breakest, Broken, East, Hast, Shatter, Shattered, Ships, Shiverest, Tarshish, WindDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 48:7 4821 east
4860 wind
5295 destruction
5517 seafaring Psalm 48:1-14 7271 Zion, as symbol Library A Song of Deliverance
'Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. 5. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. 6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. 7. Thou breakest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Mystery
Of the Two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth. Two witnesses or prophets sent by God, clothed in sackcloth, are to preach, while the Gentiles are treading under foot the court of the people of God, or the holy city. These are the interpreters and assertors of Divine truth, who should deplore that foul and lamentable contamination of the Church of Christ, by continual complaints, and whom God would raise up as unceasing monitors to the Christian world, committing whoredom with the Gentiles, and as …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
"In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the advocate of the prophets! He destroyed them as their rival, by converting their disciples; he took up their cause as their friend, by stigmatizing [3984] their persecutors. But, [3985] in as far as the defence of the prophets could not be consistent in the Christ of Marcion, who came to destroy them; in so far is it becoming to the Creator's Christ that …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
7. But I marvel, if, as it is allowed to put away a wife who is an adulteress, so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. For holy Scripture causes a hard knot in this matter, in that the Apostle says, that, by commandment of the Lord, the wife ought not to depart from her husband, but, in case she shall have departed, to remain unmarried, or to be reconciled to her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remain unmarried, save from an husband that is an adulterer, …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
Having endeavored, in the foregoing pages, to form to ourselves some idea of the glorious happiness reserved for us in heaven, there still remains to say something of its crowning glory--the eternity of its duration. This is not only its crowning glory, but it is, moreover, an essential constituent of that unspeakable joy which now inebriates the souls of the blessed. A moment's reflection will make this evident. Let us suppose, for the sake of illustration, that on the last day, God should thus …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 48:7 NIVPsalm 48:7 NLTPsalm 48:7 ESVPsalm 48:7 NASBPsalm 48:7 KJV
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