Psalms 107
Psalms 107 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 107 summary
The psalmist, having in the two foregoing psalms celebrated the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, in his dealings with his church in particular, here observes some of the instances of his providential care of the children of men in general, especially in their distresses; for he is not only King of saints, but King of nations, not only the God of Israel, but the God of the whole earth, and a common Father to all mankind. Though this may especially refer to Israelites in their personal capacity, yet there were those who pertained not to the commonwealth of Israel and yet were worshippers of the true God; and even those who worshipped images…
Read the full introduction
The psalmist, having in the two foregoing psalms celebrated the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, in his dealings with his church in particular, here observes some of the instances of his providential care of the children of men in general, especially in their distresses; for he is not only King of saints, but King of nations, not only the God of Israel, but the God of the whole earth, and a common Father to all mankind. Though this may especially refer to Israelites in their personal capacity, yet there were those who pertained not to the commonwealth of Israel and yet were worshippers of the true God; and even those who worshipped images had some knowledge of a supreme "Numen," to whom, when they were in earnest, they looked above all their false gods. And of these, when they prayed in their distresses, God took a particular care, I. The psalmist specifies some of the most common calamities of human life, and shows how God succours those that labour under them, in answer to their prayers. 1. Banishment and dispersion (Psa 107:2-9). 2. Captivity and imprisonment (Psa 107:10-16). 3. Sickness and distemper of body (Psa 107:17-22). 4. Danger and distress at sea (Psa 107:23-32). These are put for all similar perils, in which those that cry unto God have ever found him a very present help. II. He specifies the varieties and vicissitudes of events concerning nations and families, in all which God's hand is to be eyed by his own people, with joyful acknowledgments of his goodness (Psa 107:33-43). When we are in any of these or the like distresses it will be comfortable to sing this psalm, with application; but, if we be not, others are, and have been, of whose deliverances it becomes us to give God the glory, for we are members one of another.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 107
Psalms 107 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Give Thanks to the Lord for His Steadfast Love
1O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever. 2Let the redeemed of Jehovah say [so], Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary, 3And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. 4They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way; They found no city of habitation. 5Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. 6Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses, 7He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation. 8Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9For he satisfieth the longing soul, And the hungry soul he filleth with good. 10Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron, 11Because they rebelled against the words of God, And contemned the counsel of the Most High: 12Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. 13Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saved them out of their distresses. 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And brake their bonds in sunder. 15Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 16For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder. 17Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18Their soul abhorreth all manner of food; And they draw near unto the gates of death. 19Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saveth them out of their distresses. 20He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth [them] from their destructions. 21Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 22And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing. 23They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters; 24These see the works of Jehovah, And his wonders in the deep. 25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble. 27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. 28Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still. 30Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders. 33He turneth rivers into a wilderness, And watersprings into a thirsty ground; 34A fruitful land into a salt desert, For the wickedness of them that dwell therein. 35He turneth a wilderness into a pool of water, And a dry land into watersprings. 36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, That they may prepare a city of habitation, 37And sow fields, and plant vineyards, And get them fruits of increase. 38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; And he suffereth not their cattle to decrease. 39Again, they are diminished and bowed down Through oppression, trouble, and sorrow. 40He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way. 41Yet setteth he the needy on high from affliction, And maketh [him] families like a flock. 42The upright shall see it, and be glad; And all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah.