Psalms Chapter 107 — A Song of Thanksgiving and Deliverance
This chapter calls upon the redeemed to give thanks to God for His enduring mercy and deliverance from diverse troubles.
1Give thanks to the LORD,*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). for he is good,
2Let the redeemed by the LORD say so,
3and gathered out of the lands,
4They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way.
5Hungry and thirsty,
6Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
7He led them also by a straight way,
8Let them praise the LORD for his loving kindness,
9For he satisfies the longing soul.
10Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
11because they rebelled against the words of God,†The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).
12Therefore he brought down their heart with labor.
13Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
15Let them praise the LORD for his loving kindness,
16For he has broken the gates of bronze,
17Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience,
18Their soul abhors all kinds of food.
19Then they cry to the LORD in their trouble,
20He sends his word, and heals them,
21Let them praise the LORD for his loving kindness,
22Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
23Those who go down to the sea in ships,
24these see the LORD’s deeds,
25For he commands, and raises the stormy wind,
26They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths.
27They reel back and forth, and stagger like a drunken man,
28Then they cry to the LORD in their trouble,
29He makes the storm a calm,
30Then they are glad because it is calm,
31Let them praise the LORD for his loving kindness,
32Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people,
33He turns rivers into a desert,
34and a fruitful land into a salt waste,
35He turns a desert into a pool of water,
36There he makes the hungry live,
37sow fields, plant vineyards,
38He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly.
39Again, they are diminished and bowed down
40He pours contempt on princes,
41Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction,
42The upright will see it, and be glad.
43Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 107:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,”
This verse establishes the central theme of the psalm, calling for gratitude based on God's inherent goodness.
Psalms 107:20
“He sends his word, and heals them,”
It highlights the restorative power of God's word as a means of healing and deliverance from distress.
Psalms 107:29
“He makes the storm a calm,”
This verse showcases God's absolute authority over the natural elements and His ability to bring peace during chaos.
Chapter Summary
Psalms Chapter 107 is a corporate hymn of thanksgiving that recounts four distinct scenarios of distress and divine rescue. It begins with a call for the redeemed to proclaim God's goodness and lovingkindness. The text describes travelers lost in the wilderness, captives sitting in darkness, those suffering from illness due to their own folly, and sailors caught in life-threatening storms at sea. In each instance, the people cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivers them, leading to a repeated refrain of praise for His wonderful deeds. The latter part of the psalm shifts to God's sovereignty over the environment and human society, illustrating how He turns fruitful lands into deserts or brings water to the thirsty wilderness. It concludes by noting that the upright observe these acts with joy, while the wise take note of the Lord’s lovingkindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter describes travelers lost in the desert, prisoners in darkness, the sick who are suffering for their choices, and sailors caught in a storm. In each case, God hears their cries and delivers them from their specific hardships.
The psalm repeatedly calls on the people to 'praise the LORD for his loving kindness' and for His 'wonderful works' on behalf of humanity. This refrain appears after each of the four scenarios of deliverance.
The text shows God turning rivers into deserts and dry ground into water springs to provide for the hungry. It also depicts His command over the winds and waves, demonstrating total sovereignty over the environment.
Study Note
Psalms Chapter 107 is the opening chapter of the fifth and final 'book' or division within the Psalter.
Related Chapters
Psalms Chapter 106
The preceding psalm also focuses on God's enduring mercy and the history of His people.
Matthew Chapter 8
This chapter features Jesus calming a storm, mirroring the divine power over the sea described in Psalm 107.
Psalms Chapter 136
Another major hymn of thanksgiving that repeats a similar refrain about God's mercy.
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