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Psalms 107:1
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The introit, with the call upon them to grateful praise, is addressed to the returned exiles. The Psalm carries the marks of its deutero-Isaianic character on the very front of it, viz.: "the redeemed of Jahve," taken from Isa 62:12, cf. Psa 63:4; Psa 35:9.; קבּץ as in Isa 56:8, and frequently; "from the north and from the sea," as in Isa 49:12 : "the sea" (ים) here (as perhaps there also), side by side with east, west, and north, is the south, or rather (since ים is an established usus loquendi for the west) the south-west, viz., the southern portion of the Mediterranean washing the shores of Egypt. With this the poet associates the thought of the exiles of Egypt, as with וּממּערב the exiles of the islands, i.e., of Asia Minor and Europe; he is therefore writing at a period in which the Jewish state newly founded by the release of the Babylonian exiles had induced the scattered fellow-countrymen in all countries to return home. Calling upon the redeemed ones to give thanks to God the Redeemer in order that the work of the restoration of Israel may be gloriously perfected amidst the thanksgiving of the redeemed ones, he forthwith formulates the thanksgiving by putting the language of thanksgiving of the ancient liturgy (Jer 33:11) into their mouth. The nation, now again established upon the soil of the fatherland, has, until it had acquired this again, seen destruction in every form in a strange land, and can tell of the most manifold divine deliverances. The call to sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving is expanded accordingly into several pictures portraying the dangers of the strange land, which are not so much allegorical, personifying the Exile, as rather exemplificative.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O give thanks unto the Lord,.... As all men should do, at all times and for all things; the psalm begins as the former does, and gives the same reasons for thanksgiving. For he is good; and does good, and is the author of all good. For his mercy endureth for ever; and men in every age are partakers of it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails. II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 107 This psalm is a hymn of praise to God the Redeemer. After an introduction exhorting the redeemed to praise God for his goodness (107:1-3), the psalmist brings together four case studies of people whom the Lord redeemed from adversity (107:4-32). He then sums up the Lord’s sovereignty (107:33-42) and concludes with an invitation to discern God’s unfailing love in all areas of life (107:43).
Psalms 107:1
Thanksgiving for Deliverance
1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. 2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Mercy of God
By Carter Conlon1.8K46:48Mercy Of GodPSA 14:1PSA 107:1PSA 107:12PSA 107:16PSA 107:31In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 107 and emphasizes the enduring mercy of God. He highlights how God's mercy is shown to those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, and lonely. The speaker relates this to the experiences of individuals who may feel lost and hopeless, both physically and spiritually. He encourages people to cry out to the Lord in their distress, as God delivers and leads them to a place of habitation. The sermon concludes with a call for all to praise the Lord for His goodness and wonderful works to humanity.
Dead Orthodoxy and How God Brings Men to Salvation
By Rolfe Barnard1.4K58:13PSA 107:1PSA 107:28MAT 6:33ROM 10:9EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly understanding and internalizing the word of God. He highlights that the world does not provide true peace and does not care about what we believe. The preacher encourages believers to demonstrate their faith through prayer and witnessing. He also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to salvation and the need for individualized approaches to preaching. The sermon concludes with a call to passionately and urgently share the message of Jesus Christ and rely on His strength and power for salvation.
Waterloo Conference - Part 4
By Colin Anderson1.3K46:36CommunityGratitudeBible ConferencePSA 107:1EPH 5:20PHP 1:3COL 3:151TH 5:18Colin Anderson emphasizes gratitude in his sermon, repeatedly expressing thanks to the audience for their presence and engagement. He highlights the importance of acknowledging others and fostering a sense of community through appreciation. The repetitive nature of his thanks serves to reinforce the value of connection and support among individuals. Anderson's message encourages listeners to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in their own lives.
Flip-Flopping Christians 1 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:44PSA 30:2PSA 77:11PSA 107:1MAT 21:9LUK 17:15This sermon reflects on the profound impact of God's touch in one's life, leading to miraculous healing and extended years of active service. It emphasizes the gratitude and praise due to God for His saving power and the importance of remembering His works. The speaker shares personal experiences of God's touch and the challenge of witnessing ingratitude despite pouring love and care into others' lives. The sermon also delves into the contrasting responses towards Jesus, from triumphant praise to the eventual cries for His crucifixion, highlighting the fickleness and silence of the crowd in the face of adversity.
Evangelism 01 My Testimony
By Welcome Detweiler81538:03PSA 66:2PSA 66:16PSA 107:1MAT 25:21MRK 5:19In this sermon, the teacher discusses a situation where a board does not explicitly state whether a certain action is allowed or not. The teacher asks the audience if they would like to engage in this action, and they all raise their hands in agreement. However, later on, the teacher discovers that one of the students, little Johnny, has carved initials on a desk. The teacher decides to punish Johnny, but the other students intervene and ask if they can take Johnny's punishment instead. The sermon emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of our actions and the concept of taking responsibility for our deeds.
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 37 Psalm 107
By Keith Simons3833:04KJV BibleGod's DeliveranceTestimonies of FaithPSA 107:1Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 107, emphasizing the four testimonies of God's rescue for His people. He highlights God's enduring mercy and goodness, illustrating how He delivers those in distress, whether they are wandering in the wilderness, imprisoned, afflicted by their own foolishness, or caught in a storm at sea. Each testimony culminates in a call to praise the Lord for His wonderful works and loving kindness. Simons encourages believers to recognize and share their own testimonies of God's faithfulness and deliverance.
For His Mercy Endureth Forever
By Jack Hyles1PSA 23:6PSA 107:1LAM 3:23EPH 2:4Jack Hyles preaches about the enduring mercy of God as highlighted in Psalms 136, emphasizing that His mercy goes beyond our deepest sins and loneliest hours, always conquering and enduring forever. The sermon delves into various instances in the Bible where God's mercy is evident, from the dedication of the Temple to the return of the ark of the covenant, showcasing how His mercy sustains His people through trials and victories. Hyles stresses the importance of acknowledging our need for God's mercy, whether in times of sin, sickness, heartache, or uncertainty, as His mercy is ever-present and all-encompassing.
Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving
By E.M. Bounds0ThanksgivingPrayerPSA 65:1PSA 95:2PSA 100:4PSA 107:1PSA 136:1ROM 12:1EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:161TH 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the inseparable relationship between prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, illustrating how gratitude arises from contemplation of God's mercies and is expressed through thanksgiving. He explains that while gratitude is an inward feeling, thanksgiving is an outward expression, and both are essential for a vibrant prayer life. Bounds highlights that true prayer leads to gratitude and thanksgiving, which in turn fosters a deeper commitment to God and a more profound prayer life. He warns against the dangers of murmuring and ingratitude, which can stifle the spirit of praise and prayer. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of the spirit of praise in the church, linking it to the presence of God and the genuine worship of His people.
Luke 17:11-19. the Ten Lepers.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 107:1LUK 17:17JHN 3:16ROM 1:21COL 3:171TH 5:18Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of gratitude and thankfulness towards God for His blessings and deliverance. Using the story of the ten lepers, she highlights the ingratitude of the nine who did not return to give thanks, contrasting it with the Samaritan who displayed genuine gratitude despite societal prejudices. She emphasizes that even among the most ignorant or outcast, there are hearts prepared by God to love Him and receive His truth. Mortimer warns about the natural ungratefulness of the human heart, especially towards God's mercies, and the grave charge of not being thankful for the ultimate gift of God's Son, a crime even devils will not have to answer for.
Thankfulness
By John Newton0PSA 34:19PSA 107:11TH 5:18HEB 4:16HEB 7:25John Newton reflects on the importance of gratitude, humility, and patience in the midst of afflictions, emphasizing that our sufferings are far less than we deserve and less than what others are enduring. He encourages a focus on thankfulness for the countless mercies we receive, even in the midst of trials, and urges reliance on God's compassion and grace. Newton shares his personal experiences of undergoing surgery and the gratitude he feels for being brought safely through it, highlighting the need to anchor our hope in God's ability to save and help us.
Finding Fellowship
By David Wilkerson0Community in ChristFellowshipPSA 107:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of finding true fellowship among believers, drawing from Psalm 107 to illustrate the plight of those who once experienced God's fullness but now wander in spiritual desolation. He highlights the struggle many face in locating a church that meets their needs, leading some to abandon their search altogether. Wilkerson reassures that God has a body of believers worldwide, and encourages the faithful to seek out their 'city' of worship, as fellowship is vital to maintaining a vibrant relationship with Christ. He reminds us that God delights in His children gathering together in worship, and urges believers to boldly ask for guidance in finding their community.
Thanksgiving - 1 Thess. 5:18
By Bernard Fell0PSA 107:1PHP 4:6COL 3:171TH 5:18Bernard Fell preaches on the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, drawing inspiration from a story of a preacher who was robbed but found reasons to thank God in the midst of the ordeal. The preacher reflects on four key points to be grateful for, highlighting the perspective of gratitude even in challenging situations.
Psalms 100
By Chuck Smith0GratitudeThankfulnessPSA 95:2PSA 100:4PSA 107:1PSA 136:1ROM 1:21EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:151TH 5:18JAS 1:17Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between unthankful and thankful individuals, illustrating how an ungrateful person is often miserable and burdensome to be around, while a thankful person brings joy and appreciation into relationships. He highlights that ingratitude is condemned by God, as seen in Romans 1, and encourages self-reflection on our own attitudes of appreciation. Smith also discusses the importance of thanksgiving to God, noting that true praise invites God's presence and blessings, as exemplified by David's life of gratitude.
The Habit of Thankfulness
By John A. Broadus01CH 16:34PSA 100:4PSA 107:1PSA 136:1ROM 2:4EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:171TH 5:161TH 5:18John A. Broadus preaches on the habit of thankfulness to God, emphasizing its value in quelling repining, enhancing enjoyment, soothing distress, allaying anxiety, deepening penitence, brightening hope, and strengthening for endurance and exertion. He discusses the occasions of habitual thankfulness, highlighting the importance of being thankful for both pleasant and painful experiences, as they can lead to gratitude, character improvement, and a deeper understanding of divine compassion. Broadus encourages forming and maintaining the habit of thankfulness through consistent practice, self-control, and vigilance, drawing parallels to the discipline required in cultivating other habits like playing a musical instrument.
Count Your Blessings
By Mary Wilder Tileston0DEU 8:2PSA 107:1PHP 4:61TH 5:18JAS 1:17Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of remembering the way in which the Lord has led us, emphasizing the need for gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings that remain despite the challenges faced. She highlights the significance of counting our mercies rather than our trials, rejoicing in God's gifts, and maintaining a bright and happy soul that finds reasons for thankfulness and gladness in everything, even in times of sickness, bereavement, and death.
Homily 11 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 107:1PRO 12:221CO 6:19EPH 4:291TH 5:18JAS 5:12John Chrysostom preaches about giving thanks to God for deliverance from expected evils, reflecting on past trials and present blessings. He addresses criticisms of the human body's design, emphasizing God's wisdom in creating both beauty and frailty to lead us to admiration of Him and away from idolatry. Chrysostom also discusses the creation of man, highlighting God's purpose in making the body corruptible to humble humanity and prevent pride. He concludes by urging against the sin of making oaths, emphasizing the need to purify the tongue before partaking in sacred rituals.
Reading on the Fifth Book of Psalms Psalms 107-150
By John Nelson Darby0God's MercyRedemption and RestorationPSA 107:1PSA 108:1PSA 111:6PSA 118:1PSA 136:1PSA 139:14PSA 145:9PSA 146:1PSA 147:3PSA 150:6John Nelson Darby explores the Fifth Book of Psalms, emphasizing God's enduring mercy amidst Israel's struggles and failures after their return to the land. He highlights the significance of the ark being brought back to Zion by David, which marked a restoration of worship and a reminder of God's sovereign grace. The Psalms recount Israel's vicissitudes, their cries for help, and God's faithfulness, culminating in the proclamation that 'His mercy endureth for ever.' Darby connects the themes of redemption, divine judgment, and the exaltation of Christ, illustrating how these Psalms reflect both Israel's history and prophetic future. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of recognizing God's mercy as a constant in the face of adversity.
Continuous Thanksgiving
By Richard E. Bieber01CH 16:34PSA 107:1MAT 26:26EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:151TH 5:161TH 5:18Richard E. Bieber delivers a sermon on the importance of giving thanks to God not just with words, but through actions that demonstrate our gratitude for His blessings. He emphasizes the significance of being grateful in all circumstances, drawing inspiration from Jesus who consistently gave thanks even in challenging situations. The sermon highlights the transformative power of turning anxiety into prayer and prayer into thanksgiving, following the example set by Paul in his letters, ultimately leading to a life filled with appreciation, positivity, and a deep sense of gratitude towards God.
Detailing the "Everything"
By A.W. Tozer0GratitudeAcknowledging GodPSA 100:4PSA 107:1PSA 136:1LUK 17:152CO 9:15EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:171TH 5:18JAS 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of tracing our blessings back to their true source, God, rather than expressing vague gratitude. He reflects on an old couple who, despite not being Christians, showed genuine thankfulness for their lives, yet their gratitude lacked a direct recipient. Tozer contrasts this with modern individuals who express joy without acknowledging God, highlighting a common fear of openly directing gratitude to Him. He suggests that many people, like Adam, hide from God due to shame or fear of judgment, leading to a generalization of their thankfulness instead of a personal acknowledgment. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a more intentional and personal expression of gratitude towards God.
God's Vengeance on Evil Spirits
By Robert B. Thompson0PSA 107:1ISA 61:2LUK 4:18HEB 5:13HEB 6:1REV 21:8Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of moving from elementary teachings to maturity in Christ, focusing on repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. He emphasizes the spiritual fulfillment of the last three feasts of the Lord, symbolizing the coming of Jesus, removal of enemies, and God dwelling in believers. Thompson discusses redemption as being rescued from Satan's possession and preserved in God's Presence for fellowship and service in His Kingdom. He delves into the concept of Divine vengeance on wicked spirits, the distinction between judgment and vengeance, and the necessity of being redeemed from Satan to serve God.
Remembering to Give Thanks
By A.W. Tozer0GratitudeThankfulness1CH 16:34PSA 107:1PSA 136:1LUK 17:17EPH 5:20PHP 4:6COL 3:151TH 5:18HEB 13:15JAS 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude, noting that while everyone feels gratitude at some point, many fail to adequately thank those who deserve it, especially God. He reflects on the biblical account of the ten lepers, highlighting the disappointment of Christ when only one returned to give thanks. Tozer points out that this tendency to overlook gratitude towards God is prevalent in modern society, where thanks are often given to people but not to the Creator. He encourages believers to cultivate a habit of thanking God, contrasting it with the instinctive gratitude shown by others. The sermon serves as a reminder to acknowledge God's blessings and express our thanks sincerely.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The introit, with the call upon them to grateful praise, is addressed to the returned exiles. The Psalm carries the marks of its deutero-Isaianic character on the very front of it, viz.: "the redeemed of Jahve," taken from Isa 62:12, cf. Psa 63:4; Psa 35:9.; קבּץ as in Isa 56:8, and frequently; "from the north and from the sea," as in Isa 49:12 : "the sea" (ים) here (as perhaps there also), side by side with east, west, and north, is the south, or rather (since ים is an established usus loquendi for the west) the south-west, viz., the southern portion of the Mediterranean washing the shores of Egypt. With this the poet associates the thought of the exiles of Egypt, as with וּממּערב the exiles of the islands, i.e., of Asia Minor and Europe; he is therefore writing at a period in which the Jewish state newly founded by the release of the Babylonian exiles had induced the scattered fellow-countrymen in all countries to return home. Calling upon the redeemed ones to give thanks to God the Redeemer in order that the work of the restoration of Israel may be gloriously perfected amidst the thanksgiving of the redeemed ones, he forthwith formulates the thanksgiving by putting the language of thanksgiving of the ancient liturgy (Jer 33:11) into their mouth. The nation, now again established upon the soil of the fatherland, has, until it had acquired this again, seen destruction in every form in a strange land, and can tell of the most manifold divine deliverances. The call to sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving is expanded accordingly into several pictures portraying the dangers of the strange land, which are not so much allegorical, personifying the Exile, as rather exemplificative.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O give thanks unto the Lord,.... As all men should do, at all times and for all things; the psalm begins as the former does, and gives the same reasons for thanksgiving. For he is good; and does good, and is the author of all good. For his mercy endureth for ever; and men in every age are partakers of it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails. II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 107 This psalm is a hymn of praise to God the Redeemer. After an introduction exhorting the redeemed to praise God for his goodness (107:1-3), the psalmist brings together four case studies of people whom the Lord redeemed from adversity (107:4-32). He then sums up the Lord’s sovereignty (107:33-42) and concludes with an invitation to discern God’s unfailing love in all areas of life (107:43).