1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, [being] bound in affliction and iron;
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and [there was] none to help.
13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
15 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses.
20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.
21 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.
41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh [him] families like a flock.
42 The righteous shall see [it], and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43 Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Overview of Psalm 107
Psalm 107 is a hymn of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s steadfast love and deliverance. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s mercy and grace in times of trouble and distress. The psalm is structured around various scenarios in which people find themselves in dire situations, only to be rescued by God’s intervention.
Structure and Themes
The chapter can be divided into several key themes and sections:
- Call to Thanksgiving (Verses 1-3)
- The Wanderers (Verses 4-9)
- The Captives (Verses 10-16)
- The Sick (Verses 17-22)
- The Storm-tossed (Verses 23-32)
- God’s Sovereignty and Wisdom (Verses 33-43)
Call to Thanksgiving (Verses 1-3)
These opening verses set the tone for the entire psalm, urging the faithful to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring love. The call to gather the redeemed from various lands highlights the universal nature of God’s mercy.
The Wanderers (Verses 4-9)
This section describes the plight of those who wander in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty. Their desperation leads them to cry out to the Lord, who responds by guiding them to a place of safety and sustenance. The imagery of hunger and thirst symbolizes spiritual longing, and God’s provision represents His ability to satisfy those needs.
The Captives (Verses 10-16)
Here, the psalmist addresses those who sit in darkness and chains due to their rebellion against God. Their suffering serves as a consequence of their actions, yet God’s mercy shines through as He breaks their chains and brings them out of darkness. This section emphasizes the redemptive power of repentance and divine intervention.
The Sick (Verses 17-22)
In this part, the focus shifts to the sick and afflicted, who suffer due to their folly. Their cries for help are met with God’s healing touch. The call to thank God for His steadfast love and wondrous works reinforces the theme of gratitude and acknowledgment of divine healing and restoration.
The Storm-tossed (Verses 23-32)
This section portrays sailors caught in a storm, representing those who face life’s unpredictable challenges. Their fear leads them to cry out to God, who calms the storm and brings them safely to shore. This narrative illustrates God’s control over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos.
God’s Sovereignty and Wisdom (Verses 33-43)
The concluding verses reflect on God’s sovereignty over creation and His ability to turn situations around for the good. The psalmist emphasizes that those who are wise will observe these acts of God and recognize His steadfast love. This serves as a reminder of the importance of wisdom in understanding God’s ways.
Conclusion
Psalm 107 is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and the importance of gratitude. It encourages believers to acknowledge God’s interventions in their lives and to trust in His ability to deliver from various forms of distress. The psalm serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the necessity of calling upon God in times of need.
