Psalm 104 celebrates the manifold works of God, made by wisdom. The earth is full of Yahweh’s creatures. So is the sea (v. 27), which spreads far and wide, is filled with swarms of creatures small and great, like Leviathan that plays in the deeps (v. 28). Sea creatures like ” ships ” (v. 28). Ships are among God’s sea creatures; man is among God’s sea creatures. No “if God had wanted man to cross the ocean, He would have given him gills” mentality. Man in his ship belongs right there on the sea with Leviathan. Man with his culture and technology belongs right there in the vast and wide ocean.

God feeds the ships as well as the sea creatures and Leviathan (v. 29-30). These are trading ships, bringing food and ivory and apes from distant lands. Not only men but merchants are among Yahweh’s sea creatures, and trade is a gift from His open hand.