John Calvin Commentary Psalms 24:2

"For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods." — Psalms 24:2 (ASV)

For he hath founded it upon the seas. The Psalmist here confirms the truth that men are rightfully under the authority and power of God, so that in all places and countries they ought to acknowledge him as King. And he confirms it from the very order manifested in creation, for the wonderful providence of God is clearly reflected in the whole face of the earth.

To prove this, he brings forward the proof of it, which is most evident. How is it that the earth appears above the water, if not because God purposely intended to prepare a habitation for men? Philosophers themselves admit that, since the element of water is higher than the earth, it is contrary to the nature of the two elements for any part of the earth to remain uncovered by the waters and habitable.

Accordingly, Job (Job 28:11, 25) extols, in magnificent terms, that remarkable miracle by which God restrains the violent and tempestuous ragings of the sea, so that it may not overwhelm the earth—which, if not so restrained, it would immediately do, producing horrible confusion. Nor does Moses forget to mention this in the history of the creation.

After narrating that the waters were spread abroad so as to cover the whole earth, he adds that by an express command of God they retired into one place to leave empty space for the living creatures which were afterwards to be created (Genesis 1:9). From that passage we learn that God cared for men before they existed, since he prepared for them a dwelling place and other conveniences; and that he did not regard them as complete strangers, since he provided for their necessities no less liberally than the father of a family does for his own children.

David does not here dispute philosophically concerning the situation of the earth when he says that it has been founded upon the seas. He uses popular language and adapts himself to the capacity of the unlearned. Yet this manner of speaking, which is taken from what may be judged by the eye, is not without reason.

The element of earth, it is true, insofar as it occupies the lowest place in the order of the sphere, is beneath the waters. However, the habitable part of the earth is above the water. And how can we account for this separation of the water from the earth remaining stable, if not because God has put the waters underneath, as it were, for a foundation?

Now, since God extended his fatherly care to all mankind from the creation of the world, the prerogative of honor by which the Jews excelled all other nations proceeded only from the free and sovereign choice by which God distinguished them.