They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
The verse pictures sailors caught in a storm at sea, reeling and staggering helplessly in terror, brought to the end of their strength and ability to cope with the danger, as part of the portrayal of people at sea in Psalm 107:23-30. Its setting evokes shipwrecks, some of which result from the impaired judgment of people drinking liquor. God rules the forces of nature and can restrain the waves to protect those who trust in Him, with mighty angels able to hold back wind and waves to preserve people from destruction. Those spared from storms and shipwreck owe God gratitude.
The image teaches that trust in the Lord is essential when life's storms leave people unsteady: Jesus is with His people, and His word can bring calm and steadiness so they pass safely through the gale. To be at wits' end is to be overwhelmed and brought to the limit of knowing what to do, as when funds were unavailable and there was no knowing how to obtain money for family expenses. Byron was at his wits' end because he had to move, could not afford the rents, and did not know whether he was expected to remain or what arrangements would be made.
The verse pictures sailors caught in a storm at sea, reeling and staggering helplessly in terror, brought to the end of their strength and ability to cope with the danger, as part of the portrayal of people at sea in Psalm 107:23-30. Its setting evokes shipwrecks, some of which result from the impaired judgment of people drinking liquor. God rules the forces of nature and can restrain the waves to protect those who trust in Him, with mighty angels able to hold back wind and waves to preserve people from destruction. Those spared from storms and shipwreck owe God gratitude.
The image teaches that trust in the Lord is essential when life's storms leave people unsteady: Jesus is with His people, and His word can bring calm and steadiness so they pass safely through the gale. To be at wits' end is to be overwhelmed and brought to the limit of knowing what to do, as when funds were unavailable and there was no knowing how to obtain money for family expenses. Byron was at his wits' end because he had to move, could not afford the rents, and did not know whether he was expected to remain or what arrangements would be made.