Psalms 107 Commentary
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Psalms 107 is a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, calling God's people to praise Him for His redemptive acts and unwavering love. Often considered the beginning of "Book Five" of the Psalms, this chapter emphasizes praise as a fitting response to God's miraculous interventions in the lives of individuals and the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God's faithfulness extends to all who call upon Him, regardless of their circumstances. This psalm also carries prophetic undertones, hinting at the future regathering of Israel during the Messianic Kingdom.
A Call to Thanksgiving (Psalms 107:1-3)
The psalm opens with a direct exhortation: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalms 107:1). This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing gratitude as the appropriate response to God's goodness and enduring covenant love. The psalmist calls on the redeemed of the Lord, those He has rescued from trouble, to declare His praiseworthiness. It subtly alludes to the promise in Jeremiah 29:14 that the Lord would gather His people from the nations where they had been scattered. Those gathered from "the east and west, from the north and south" (Psalms 107:3) should respond with praise. This re-gathering, while initially fulfilled after the Babylonian exile, points toward a greater, permanent fulfillment in the millennial kingdom of the Messiah.
Deliverance from the Wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9)
The first illustration of God's intervention focuses on those lost and wandering in the wilderness, "hungry and thirsty, their lives ebbing away" (Psalms 107:5). When they cried out to the Lord in their distress, He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle (Psalms 107:7). This section highlights God's provision and guidance for those in desperate need. The psalmist then issues the refrain that will be repeated throughout the psalm: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:8). This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating God's faithful love, which is a love He expresses toward those in covenant with Him. Just as God provided physical sustenance and direction, He also provides life-giving spiritual help to His people. This should cause God's people today to praise Him and look to Him for deliverance in their own times of trouble.
Freedom from Captivity (Psalms 107:10-16)
The psalm then shifts to those imprisoned and in darkness, "bound in chains, because they had rebelled against God’s commands" (Psalms 107:10-11). This likely refers to the Babylonian captivity, where God's people suffered hardship as a consequence of their disobedience. However, even in this state of despair, God heard their cries and broke their chains, leading them out of darkness (Psalms 107:13-14). The psalmist again urges the people to thank God for His faithful love (Psalms 107:15). Those rescued from slavery and imprisonment should praise Him for His power to overcome any obstacle.
Healing from Affliction (Psalms 107:17-22)
The third scenario depicts those who suffer affliction due to their own foolishness and sinful choices (Psalms 107:17). They "loathed all food and drew near the gates of death" (Psalms 107:18). Even when facing the consequences of their actions, God extends His mercy. When they cried out to Him, He sent His word and healed them, rescuing them from the grave (Psalms 107:19-20). Once more, the refrain is repeated: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:21). The psalmist emphasizes that God's grace extends even to those who have brought suffering upon themselves. It's not about glorifying rebellious sinners but proclaiming the grace and mercy of the covenant-keeping God.
Rescue from the Storm (Psalms 107:23-32)
The final specific example highlights God's power over nature, focusing on those who go down to the sea in ships (Psalms 107:23). When a tempestuous wind arises, and the waves surge, they are brought to the brink of despair (Psalms 107:26-27). In their distress, they cry out to the Lord, who calms the storm and brings them to their desired haven (Psalms 107:28-30). The psalmist reiterates the call to thanksgiving: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:31). He also encourages them to exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders (Psalms 107:32). When God delivers us from the overwhelming circumstances of life, we should respond with great praise.
God's Sovereign Power (Psalms 107:33-43)
The psalm concludes with a broader reflection on God's sovereign power and His ability to transform circumstances. He turns rivers into deserts and springs into parched ground when people are wicked (Psalms 107:33-34). Conversely, He turns deserts into pools of water and dry land into flowing springs, settling the hungry there (Psalms 107:35-36). He blesses the needy, making their families like flocks (Psalms 107:41). God pours contempt on rulers and causes them to wander in trackless wastes (Psalms 107:40). These verses highlight God's control over creation and His commitment to justice and mercy. Whether the opposition is nature or humanity, nothing stands in the way of the sovereign God.
The psalm ends with a call to wisdom: "Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord" (Psalms 107:43). This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and recognizing His consistent, loyal love. Nothing is more valuable in life than the Lord’s faithful love. Nothing is wiser than aligning yourself with it. By recognizing God's hand in all things and responding with gratitude and obedience, we demonstrate true wisdom and experience the fullness of His blessings.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Psalms 107 is a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, calling God's people to praise Him for His redemptive acts and unwavering love. Often considered the beginning of "Book Five" of the Psalms, this chapter emphasizes praise as a fitting response to God's miraculous interventions in the lives of individuals and the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God's faithfulness extends to all who call upon Him, regardless of their circumstances. This psalm also carries prophetic undertones, hinting at the future regathering of Israel during the Messianic Kingdom.
A Call to Thanksgiving (Psalms 107:1-3)
The psalm opens with a direct exhortation: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalms 107:1). This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing gratitude as the appropriate response to God's goodness and enduring covenant love. The psalmist calls on the redeemed of the Lord, those He has rescued from trouble, to declare His praiseworthiness. It subtly alludes to the promise in Jeremiah 29:14 that the Lord would gather His people from the nations where they had been scattered. Those gathered from "the east and west, from the north and south" (Psalms 107:3) should respond with praise. This re-gathering, while initially fulfilled after the Babylonian exile, points toward a greater, permanent fulfillment in the millennial kingdom of the Messiah.
Deliverance from the Wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9)
The first illustration of God's intervention focuses on those lost and wandering in the wilderness, "hungry and thirsty, their lives ebbing away" (Psalms 107:5). When they cried out to the Lord in their distress, He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle (Psalms 107:7). This section highlights God's provision and guidance for those in desperate need. The psalmist then issues the refrain that will be repeated throughout the psalm: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:8). This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating God's faithful love, which is a love He expresses toward those in covenant with Him. Just as God provided physical sustenance and direction, He also provides life-giving spiritual help to His people. This should cause God's people today to praise Him and look to Him for deliverance in their own times of trouble.
Freedom from Captivity (Psalms 107:10-16)
The psalm then shifts to those imprisoned and in darkness, "bound in chains, because they had rebelled against God’s commands" (Psalms 107:10-11). This likely refers to the Babylonian captivity, where God's people suffered hardship as a consequence of their disobedience. However, even in this state of despair, God heard their cries and broke their chains, leading them out of darkness (Psalms 107:13-14). The psalmist again urges the people to thank God for His faithful love (Psalms 107:15). Those rescued from slavery and imprisonment should praise Him for His power to overcome any obstacle.
Healing from Affliction (Psalms 107:17-22)
The third scenario depicts those who suffer affliction due to their own foolishness and sinful choices (Psalms 107:17). They "loathed all food and drew near the gates of death" (Psalms 107:18). Even when facing the consequences of their actions, God extends His mercy. When they cried out to Him, He sent His word and healed them, rescuing them from the grave (Psalms 107:19-20). Once more, the refrain is repeated: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:21). The psalmist emphasizes that God's grace extends even to those who have brought suffering upon themselves. It's not about glorifying rebellious sinners but proclaiming the grace and mercy of the covenant-keeping God.
Rescue from the Storm (Psalms 107:23-32)
The final specific example highlights God's power over nature, focusing on those who go down to the sea in ships (Psalms 107:23). When a tempestuous wind arises, and the waves surge, they are brought to the brink of despair (Psalms 107:26-27). In their distress, they cry out to the Lord, who calms the storm and brings them to their desired haven (Psalms 107:28-30). The psalmist reiterates the call to thanksgiving: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" (Psalms 107:31). He also encourages them to exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders (Psalms 107:32). When God delivers us from the overwhelming circumstances of life, we should respond with great praise.
God's Sovereign Power (Psalms 107:33-43)
The psalm concludes with a broader reflection on God's sovereign power and His ability to transform circumstances. He turns rivers into deserts and springs into parched ground when people are wicked (Psalms 107:33-34). Conversely, He turns deserts into pools of water and dry land into flowing springs, settling the hungry there (Psalms 107:35-36). He blesses the needy, making their families like flocks (Psalms 107:41). God pours contempt on rulers and causes them to wander in trackless wastes (Psalms 107:40). These verses highlight God's control over creation and His commitment to justice and mercy. Whether the opposition is nature or humanity, nothing stands in the way of the sovereign God.
The psalm ends with a call to wisdom: "Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord" (Psalms 107:43). This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and recognizing His consistent, loyal love. Nothing is more valuable in life than the Lord’s faithful love. Nothing is wiser than aligning yourself with it. By recognizing God's hand in all things and responding with gratitude and obedience, we demonstrate true wisdom and experience the fullness of His blessings.