When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.
Ver. 25. When he raiselh up himself, the mighty are afraid] When he shows himself like some moving mountain upon the surface of the water, the most assured pilots or passengers are seized with fear of death, and seek to make peace with God, as those mariners did, John 1:5,6, &c.
By reason of breakings] Broughton reads, of shiverings.
They purify themselves] Expiant se, they beg pardon of sin, and prepare to die. Others render it aberrant, they are dispirited; and know not what course to take. Others again, they purge downwards; their retentive faculty being weakened with fear, they let go their excrements; as Loper the traitor did, when he was upon his trial before the lords of the council; and as God somewhere in Ezekiel threateneth his rebels, that for fear of his displeasure they shall not be able to hold their water.