Psalms 107
Psalm 107 is a thanksgiving celebrating God's deliverance in four scenarios of distress, establishing Book V's redemptive focus, exemplifying the theological concerns of Book 4. The psalmist employs vivid imagery and direct address to God, establishing the intimate dialogue between worshiper and the divine that characterizes the psalmic tradition. The theological assertions center on God's character as both judge and redeemer, creating a comprehensive vision of divine justice and mercy integrated with human experience. The psalm reflects on both personal circumstance and communal identity, suggesting that individual faith finds validation through shared experience with the covenant community. The liturgical context indicates this psalm's function in worship where personal piety integrates with communal celebration of God's acts and attributes. The concluding movement typically affirms confidence in God's faithfulness, exemplifying the psalmic pattern of transformation through prayer and remembrance of divine acts throughout history.
Psalms 107:40
He pours contempt on princes, and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
Psalms 107:41
But he raises the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks.
Psalms 107:42
The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth.
Psalms 107:43
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalms 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalms 107:2
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble. The 'redeemed'—those whom God has saved—become the subject-speakers of the psalm, invited to testify to their deliverance. The phrase 'redeemed from trouble' suggests that redemption addresses specific crises and deliverances. This verse establishes that personal experience of salvation becomes the basis for corporate testimony and praise.
Psalms 107:3
And gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Psalms 107:4
Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in.
Psalms 107:5
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
Psalms 107:6
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
Psalms 107:7
He led them by a straight way until they reached a city to dwell in.
Psalms 107:8
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.