Psalms 107
FBMeyerPsalms 107:1-43
Oh that men would praise the Lord! This Psalm, according to Psalms 107:32, was composed to be sung at a national religious service in which joy was the keynote. It was also, according to Psalms 107:22, connected with the offering of sacrifices and thank-offerings. It is thought that it was composed for the celebration of the feast of tabernacles, after the return from the exile, when Israel was gathered as one man at Jerusalem, and sacrifices were offered (Ezra 3:1-3). The special references, however, are not very distinct. So the Psalm is appropriate to the whole Church, and to each individual, after experiencing some marked Divine interposition or deliverance.
The Psalm begins with an exhortation to praise for God’s gracious deeds. In the following verses we are presented with four tableaux: of the caravan in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9); of the prisoner (Psalms 107:10-16); of the sick (Psalms 107:17-22); of the mariner in the storm (Psalms 107:23-32). In each of these paragraphs there is a great similarity of order: first the trouble, then the cry fir help, then the gracious deliverance, and, the exhortation to give thanks. After this there is a glad reference to the restored nation (Psalms 107:33-43), which, in spite of the hate of its enemies, had been reinstated in its own land and was already preparing to rebuild the Holy City.
Psalms 107:1-2. His mercy endureth forever It is not enough to think it: say it.
Psalms 107:3. He gathered them out of the lands Evidently in reference to the return from the Captivity (Isaiah 43:5-6; Isaiah 56:8). Psalms 107:4. They wandered in the wilderness We are in this world as in a wilderness, having no continuing city. But we are under the care of One who is leading us through the desert to our home, and He will not suffer us to lack any good thing.
Psalms 107:8. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness! This prayerful refrain occurs four times (Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31).
Psalms 107:9. He satisfieth and filleth Blessed hunger, which meets with such a provision! (Matthew 5:6).
Psalms 107:10-14. In darkness and in the shadow of death Words fail to describe the miseries of an Oriental prison: a true type, though, of souls under conviction; or of the pressure of some great heart-sorrow. Yet out of these the Lord delivereth (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Psalms 107:17. Because of their transgression We are foolish to yield to transgression, which so often brings in its train sickness of body. But let us beware of saying that sickness is a sign of special sin (John 9:2-3).
Psalms 107:20. He sent his word, and healed them His name in all ages has been Jehovah-rophi, “the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:1-27; Exodus 16:1-36; Exodus 17:1-16; Exodus 18:1-27; Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-26; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-31; Exodus 23:1-33; Exodus 24:1-18; Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37). And He heals the diseases of souls as well as of bodies. Oh, put yourselves into the hands of the good Physician of souls!
Psalms 107:25-29. He raiseth the stormy wind We all know what these storms mean. They are valuable if they bring us to an end of ourselves. For then we are at the beginning of God.
Psalms 107:33-38. He turneth a fruitful land into barrenness Those who trust in earthly comforts and seem secure, may in a moment be left destitute. Those who are in the greatest straits may suddenly become enriched with all manner of good. Do not trust in things, but in God.
Psalms 107:43. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things Let us ask God to give us this true wisdom and spiritual insight, that we may look out for these indications of Divine mercy, treasuring them for encouragement, comfort and praise.
Psalms 107:16
“ Wonderful Works to the Children of Men” Psalms 107:16 In this psalm those who have been redeemed by the gracious interpositions of God are summoned to praise Him for a love which endures through all our rebuffs and backslidings. Note how this refrain breaks out in Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 31:1-24. The psalmist passes before us a series of pictures, selected from the stories of human suffering which have been repeated in all ages of human history. Travelers who have lost their way, captives, sick men, storm-tossed sailors, are presented in as many panels or pictures. The psalmist says that, whatever our trouble, there is only one way out of it-to cry to God. This is never in vain. There is always the saving help of His right hand; and there is always, therefore, the obligation of praise. The first scene is of a caravan in the desert, with depleted water-skins, emptied stores, and exhausted strength. How many have lost their way in life and are in this plight! These details are true not only physically, but spiritually. The second scene is of a prison-house, and the suggestion is that, in all our lives, there are imprisoning circumstances and limitations which compel us to call for help from Him who said, “ He hath sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
Oh that men would praise the Lord! This Psalm, according to Psalms 107:32, was composed to be sung at a national religious service in which joy was the keynote. It was also, according to Psalms 107:22, connected with the offering of sacrifices and thank-offerings. It is thought that it was composed for the celebration of the feast of tabernacles, after the return from the exile, when Israel was gathered as one man at Jerusalem, and sacrifices were offered (Ezra 3:1-3). The special references, however, are not very distinct. So the Psalm is appropriate to the whole Church, and to each individual, after experiencing some marked Divine interposition or deliverance.
The Psalm begins with an exhortation to praise for God’s gracious deeds. In the following verses we are presented with four tableaux: of the caravan in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9); of the prisoner (Psalms 107:10-16); of the sick (Psalms 107:17-22); of the mariner in the storm (Psalms 107:23-32). In each of these paragraphs there is a great similarity of order: first the trouble, then the cry fir help, then the gracious deliverance, and, the exhortation to give thanks. After this there is a glad reference to the restored nation (Psalms 107:33-43), which, in spite of the hate of its enemies, had been reinstated in its own land and was already preparing to rebuild the Holy City.
Psalms 107:1-2. His mercy endureth forever It is not enough to think it: say it.
Psalms 107:3. He gathered them out of the lands Evidently in reference to the return from the Captivity (Isaiah 43:5-6; Isaiah 56:8). Psalms 107:4. They wandered in the wilderness We are in this world as in a wilderness, having no continuing city. But we are under the care of One who is leading us through the desert to our home, and He will not suffer us to lack any good thing.
Psalms 107:8. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness! This prayerful refrain occurs four times (Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31).
Psalms 107:9. He satisfieth and filleth Blessed hunger, which meets with such a provision! (Matthew 5:6).
Psalms 107:10-14. In darkness and in the shadow of death Words fail to describe the miseries of an Oriental prison: a true type, though, of souls under conviction; or of the pressure of some great heart-sorrow. Yet out of these the Lord delivereth (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Psalms 107:17. Because of their transgression We are foolish to yield to transgression, which so often brings in its train sickness of body. But let us beware of saying that sickness is a sign of special sin (John 9:2-3).
Psalms 107:20. He sent his word, and healed them His name in all ages has been Jehovah-rophi, “the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:1-27; Exodus 16:1-36; Exodus 17:1-16; Exodus 18:1-27; Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-26; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-31; Exodus 23:1-33; Exodus 24:1-18; Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37). And He heals the diseases of souls as well as of bodies. Oh, put yourselves into the hands of the good Physician of souls!
Psalms 107:25-29. He raiseth the stormy wind We all know what these storms mean. They are valuable if they bring us to an end of ourselves. For then we are at the beginning of God.
Psalms 107:33-38. He turneth a fruitful land into barrenness Those who trust in earthly comforts and seem secure, may in a moment be left destitute. Those who are in the greatest straits may suddenly become enriched with all manner of good. Do not trust in things, but in God.
Psalms 107:43. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things Let us ask God to give us this true wisdom and spiritual insight, that we may look out for these indications of Divine mercy, treasuring them for encouragement, comfort and praise.
Psalms 107:17-32
“ His Wonders in the Deep” Psalms 107:17-32 Sickness yields the third type of suffering. Emphasis is laid on the cause of the suffering, which in the view of the writer is transgression and sin. We shall be justified, therefore, in confining our view of this section to the pain which is directly traceable to wrong-doing. Men ruin their health by evil courses, and the sinner drags down his punishment with his own hands. The portals of death had already opened to receive the sick men, but before they passed through they cried to Jehovah, and though their voice was feeble, they were heard. May we not make our own application of Psa 107:20, by referring it to that Word of God through whom God’ s love and healing came to sinners in the days of his flesh? The storm at sea is the next tableau. We have the sudden gale, the high waves, the ship now on the crest and then in the trough; the terror of the crew; the failure of the helm; the desperation of the sailors; and finally the voice of God above and through the storm. The sudden subsidence of the tempest is a grateful change to the sailors and the crew; and what gladness is theirs when they reach the harbor which they had longed for but had never thought to see again! Such is life, and such will be, by God’ s mercy our coming into harbor. “ Safe into the haven guide” !
Oh that men would praise the Lord! This Psalm, according to Psalms 107:32, was composed to be sung at a national religious service in which joy was the keynote. It was also, according to Psalms 107:22, connected with the offering of sacrifices and thank-offerings. It is thought that it was composed for the celebration of the feast of tabernacles, after the return from the exile, when Israel was gathered as one man at Jerusalem, and sacrifices were offered (Ezra 3:1-3). The special references, however, are not very distinct. So the Psalm is appropriate to the whole Church, and to each individual, after experiencing some marked Divine interposition or deliverance.
The Psalm begins with an exhortation to praise for God’s gracious deeds. In the following verses we are presented with four tableaux: of the caravan in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9); of the prisoner (Psalms 107:10-16); of the sick (Psalms 107:17-22); of the mariner in the storm (Psalms 107:23-32). In each of these paragraphs there is a great similarity of order: first the trouble, then the cry fir help, then the gracious deliverance, and, the exhortation to give thanks. After this there is a glad reference to the restored nation (Psalms 107:33-43), which, in spite of the hate of its enemies, had been reinstated in its own land and was already preparing to rebuild the Holy City.
Psalms 107:1-2. His mercy endureth forever It is not enough to think it: say it.
Psalms 107:3. He gathered them out of the lands Evidently in reference to the return from the Captivity (Isaiah 43:5-6; Isaiah 56:8). Psalms 107:4. They wandered in the wilderness We are in this world as in a wilderness, having no continuing city. But we are under the care of One who is leading us through the desert to our home, and He will not suffer us to lack any good thing.
Psalms 107:8. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness! This prayerful refrain occurs four times (Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31).
Psalms 107:9. He satisfieth and filleth Blessed hunger, which meets with such a provision! (Matthew 5:6).
Psalms 107:10-14. In darkness and in the shadow of death Words fail to describe the miseries of an Oriental prison: a true type, though, of souls under conviction; or of the pressure of some great heart-sorrow. Yet out of these the Lord delivereth (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Psalms 107:17. Because of their transgression We are foolish to yield to transgression, which so often brings in its train sickness of body. But let us beware of saying that sickness is a sign of special sin (John 9:2-3).
Psalms 107:20. He sent his word, and healed them His name in all ages has been Jehovah-rophi, “the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:1-27; Exodus 16:1-36; Exodus 17:1-16; Exodus 18:1-27; Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-26; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-31; Exodus 23:1-33; Exodus 24:1-18; Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37). And He heals the diseases of souls as well as of bodies. Oh, put yourselves into the hands of the good Physician of souls!
Psalms 107:25-29. He raiseth the stormy wind We all know what these storms mean. They are valuable if they bring us to an end of ourselves. For then we are at the beginning of God.
Psalms 107:33-38. He turneth a fruitful land into barrenness Those who trust in earthly comforts and seem secure, may in a moment be left destitute. Those who are in the greatest straits may suddenly become enriched with all manner of good. Do not trust in things, but in God.
Psalms 107:43. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things Let us ask God to give us this true wisdom and spiritual insight, that we may look out for these indications of Divine mercy, treasuring them for encouragement, comfort and praise.
Psalms 107:33-43
the “ Loving-Kindnesses of the Lord” Psalms 107:33-43 The measure changes here. From Psalms 107:33 the psalmist drops the refrain and describes, not deliverance from peril or pain, but the sudden alternations wrought by God’ s providence. Lands pass from fertility to barrenness, and human lives from prosperity to trouble, and back again. But through all these vicissitudes runs the same loving-kindness, as is clearly discerned by those who have eyes to see and hearts to take heed. How little did Joseph’ s brethren realize that behind all the strange experiences they had with his steward, in his house, and in the matter of the cup, a brother’ s heart was yearning to reach a moment when all disguise might be laid aside! Similarly we fail to believe that Love is above and through and in all things. Life resembles this psalm, so full is it of change and trying experiences. Few enjoy unbroken years of prosperity. We are poured from vessel to vessel, and are forbidden to settle on our lees. Our nests are stirred up to teach us how to fly. For most there is the wilderness, the cell, sickness, and the tossing of the ocean waves. But always believe in the love of God. Do not forget to cry; and when your cry has brought an answer of peace, do not forget to praise.
Oh that men would praise the Lord! This Psalm, according to Psalms 107:32, was composed to be sung at a national religious service in which joy was the keynote. It was also, according to Psalms 107:22, connected with the offering of sacrifices and thank-offerings. It is thought that it was composed for the celebration of the feast of tabernacles, after the return from the exile, when Israel was gathered as one man at Jerusalem, and sacrifices were offered (Ezra 3:1-3). The special references, however, are not very distinct. So the Psalm is appropriate to the whole Church, and to each individual, after experiencing some marked Divine interposition or deliverance.
The Psalm begins with an exhortation to praise for God’s gracious deeds. In the following verses we are presented with four tableaux: of the caravan in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9); of the prisoner (Psalms 107:10-16); of the sick (Psalms 107:17-22); of the mariner in the storm (Psalms 107:23-32). In each of these paragraphs there is a great similarity of order: first the trouble, then the cry fir help, then the gracious deliverance, and, the exhortation to give thanks. After this there is a glad reference to the restored nation (Psalms 107:33-43), which, in spite of the hate of its enemies, had been reinstated in its own land and was already preparing to rebuild the Holy City.
Psalms 107:1-2. His mercy endureth forever It is not enough to think it: say it.
Psalms 107:3. He gathered them out of the lands Evidently in reference to the return from the Captivity (Isaiah 43:5-6; Isaiah 56:8). Psalms 107:4. They wandered in the wilderness We are in this world as in a wilderness, having no continuing city. But we are under the care of One who is leading us through the desert to our home, and He will not suffer us to lack any good thing.
Psalms 107:8. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness! This prayerful refrain occurs four times (Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31).
Psalms 107:9. He satisfieth and filleth Blessed hunger, which meets with such a provision! (Matthew 5:6).
Psalms 107:10-14. In darkness and in the shadow of death Words fail to describe the miseries of an Oriental prison: a true type, though, of souls under conviction; or of the pressure of some great heart-sorrow. Yet out of these the Lord delivereth (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Psalms 107:17. Because of their transgression We are foolish to yield to transgression, which so often brings in its train sickness of body. But let us beware of saying that sickness is a sign of special sin (John 9:2-3).
Psalms 107:20. He sent his word, and healed them His name in all ages has been Jehovah-rophi, “the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:1-27; Exodus 16:1-36; Exodus 17:1-16; Exodus 18:1-27; Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-26; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-31; Exodus 23:1-33; Exodus 24:1-18; Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37). And He heals the diseases of souls as well as of bodies. Oh, put yourselves into the hands of the good Physician of souls!
Psalms 107:25-29. He raiseth the stormy wind We all know what these storms mean. They are valuable if they bring us to an end of ourselves. For then we are at the beginning of God.
Psalms 107:33-38. He turneth a fruitful land into barrenness Those who trust in earthly comforts and seem secure, may in a moment be left destitute. Those who are in the greatest straits may suddenly become enriched with all manner of good. Do not trust in things, but in God.
Psalms 107:43. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things Let us ask God to give us this true wisdom and spiritual insight, that we may look out for these indications of Divine mercy, treasuring them for encouragement, comfort and praise.