Psalms 107 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 107 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This begins the so-called "Book Five" of the Psalms. The theme is praise in response to God's miraculous intervention. Each example given uses a repeated statement of the Lord's response to prayer (Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28). The stanzas also repeat a call for praise aimed at God's "works" for men (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31).

When Israel was scattered into captivity and exile by Babylon, the Lord promised they would be collected again as one (Jeremiah 29:14). This psalm doesn't mention the exile specifically, but the mention of being "gathered" from all points of the compass may be such a reference. Those rescued by the Lord ought to respond with praise (Psalm 107:1–3).

The first example of God's intervention are those saved from starvation and thirst in the desert. God led these people to a place where they could survive. They should thank the Lord for His work on their behalf. In the same way, God also provides life-giving spiritual help to His people (Psalm 107:4–9).

Even those who rebel against God have hope of redemption. Some, suffering for their own sin, were chained in captivity and forced into hard work. Yet God heard their cries and saved them from that fate. Those whom the Lord has rescued from slavery and imprisonment should praise Him for His power to overcome any obstacle (Psalm 107:10–16).

Others who suffer do so in personal ways, the consequences of sinful choices. Even those near death can be healed by God's power. When someone has been saved from death by God's power, the appropriate response is worship (Psalm 107:17–22).

Some have experienced God's rescue from the terrible dangers of the sea. When a boat is pummeled by winds and massive waves, it seems there is nothing to be done. But God has rescued men from these threats in response to prayer. When saved from inevitable death at sea, a person should be aware of God's goodness and faithful love (Psalm 107:23–32).

Other incidents have proven God's power to work for the good of His people. Fertile lands can become deserts when the people reject the Lord. Uninhabitable wastelands can become an oasis of life. Powerful oppressors have been ousted from their positions. The poor and disadvantaged have been granted freedom and success. This frustrates those who are evil but encourages those who love God (Psalm 107:33–42).

All these examples should lead to a sensible conclusion: that the Lord deserves praise and worship. His loyal, consistent love ought to be a theme in the minds of His people (Psalm 107:43).

Psalm 107:1–9 calls on God's people to offer praise. This is a response to the Lord's many examples of intervention. The examples may be general, but some suggest the song was written during or about the exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:14). The first example of the Lord's love are people struggling to survive in the desert. God directed them to a place where they could live.

Psalm 107:10–16 continues to give examples of how the Lord has intervened for Israel. Due to sin and rebellion against God, some were imprisoned and forced into hard work. Yet when they called for rescue, the Lord answered them with freedom. The example may be generic, or a description of some of the Israelites taken captive into Babylon.

Psalm 107:17–22 points out that sin brings natural consequences. An example of God's mercy are those whom He rescues from those experiences. This seems to imply disease and other forms of physical trouble. As with other examples, those who reached out to the Lord were rescued. Such people should praise God for His love.

Psalm 107:23–32 mentions those the Lord rescued when in trouble at sea. Few situations are as helpless and hopeless as being caught in a boat being thrashed in stormy seas. Yet there are those whom God rescued when they cried out for help. As with other examples from this psalm, such people ought to worship God in gratitude.

Psalm 107:33–43 relates several more instances of how God works for the good of His people. This can involve God punishing enemies with drought or blessing the hungry and poor with prosperity. The Lord brings judgment on the powerful and evil but supports the needs of the needy. Understanding these examples should lead a follower of God to a deeper appreciation of the Lord's loyal, merciful love.

Chapter Summary:

Those whom God has rescued from trouble should worship Him for their salvation. The Lord's intervention has saved people from harsh environments, imprisonment, dangers of travel, famine, and oppression. Seeing those rescues should lead people to appreciate God's deep and loyal love.

Chapter Context:

The section often called "Book Five" of the Psalms begins here. A do other songs (Psalm 9:11; 29:2; 30:4; 99:5), this one calls on the people to praise God. Using several examples, the psalmist points out that Israel should be worshipping God; this is proper thanks for His work on behalf of Israel. Some references within the psalm suggest events surrounding the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 29:14).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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