Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Psalms » Chapter 107 » Verse 1-43

Psalms 107:1-43 King James Version (KJV)

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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 wit's 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.

Psalms 107:1-43 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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1 O give thanks H3034 unto the LORD, H3068 for he is good: H2896 for his mercy H2617 endureth for ever. H5769

2 Let the redeemed H1350 of the LORD H3068 say H559 so, whom he hath redeemed H1350 from the hand H3027 of the enemy; H6862

3 And gathered H6908 them out of the lands, H776 from the east, H4217 and from the west, H4628 from the north, H6828 and from the south. H3220

4 They wandered H8582 in the wilderness H4057 in a solitary H3452 way; H1870 they found H4672 no city H5892 to dwell H4186 in.

5 Hungry H7457 and thirsty, H6771 their soul H5315 fainted H5848 in them.

6 Then they cried H6817 unto the LORD H3068 in their trouble, H6862 and he delivered H5337 them out of their distresses. H4691

7 And he led them forth H1869 by the right H3477 way, H1870 that they might go H3212 to a city H5892 of habitation. H4186

8 Oh that men would praise H3034 the LORD H3068 for his goodness, H2617 and for his wonderful works H6381 to the children H1121 of men! H120

9 For he satisfieth H7646 the longing H8264 soul, H5315 and filleth H4390 the hungry H7457 soul H5315 with goodness. H2896

10 Such as sit H3427 in darkness H2822 and in the shadow of death, H6757 being bound H615 in affliction H6040 and iron; H1270

11 Because they rebelled H4784 against the words H561 of God, H410 and contemned H5006 the counsel H6098 of the most High: H5945

12 Therefore he brought down H3665 their heart H3820 with labour; H5999 they fell down, H3782 and there was none to help. H5826

13 Then they cried H2199 unto the LORD H3068 in their trouble, H6862 and he saved H3467 them out of their distresses. H4691

14 He brought them out H3318 of darkness H2822 and the shadow of death, H6757 and brake H5423 their bands H4147 in sunder. H5423

15 Oh that men would praise H3034 the LORD H3068 for his goodness, H2617 and for his wonderful works H6381 to the children H1121 of men! H120

16 For he hath broken H7665 the gates H1817 of brass, H5178 and cut H1438 the bars H1280 of iron H1270 in sunder. H1438

17 Fools H191 because H1870 of their transgression, H6588 and because of their iniquities, H5771 are afflicted. H6031

18 Their soul H5315 abhorreth H8581 all manner of meat; H400 and they draw near H5060 unto the gates H8179 of death. H4194

19 Then they cry H2199 unto the LORD H3068 in their trouble, H6862 and he saveth H3467 them out of their distresses. H4691

20 He sent H7971 his word, H1697 and healed H7495 them, and delivered H4422 them from their destructions. H7825

21 Oh that men would praise H3034 the LORD H3068 for his goodness, H2617 and for his wonderful works H6381 to the children H1121 of men! H120

22 And let them sacrifice H2076 the sacrifices H2077 of thanksgiving, H8426 and declare H5608 his works H4639 with rejoicing. H7440

23 They that go down H3381 to the sea H3220 in ships, H591 that do H6213 business H4399 in great H7227 waters; H4325

24 These see H7200 the works H4639 of the LORD, H3068 and his wonders H6381 in the deep. H4688

25 For he commandeth, H559 and raiseth H5975 the stormy H5591 wind, H7307 which lifteth up H7311 the waves H1530 thereof.

26 They mount up H5927 to the heaven, H8064 they go down H3381 again to the depths: H8415 their soul H5315 is melted H4127 because of trouble. H7451

27 They reel to and fro, H2287 and stagger H5128 like a drunken man, H7910 and are at their wits' H2451 end. H1104

28 Then they cry H6817 unto the LORD H3068 in their trouble, H6862 and he bringeth them out H3318 of their distresses. H4691

29 He maketh H6965 the storm H5591 a calm, H1827 so that the waves H1530 thereof are still. H2814

30 Then are they glad H8055 because they be quiet; H8367 so he bringeth H5148 them unto their desired H2656 haven. H4231

31 Oh that men would praise H3034 the LORD H3068 for his goodness, H2617 and for his wonderful works H6381 to the children H1121 of men! H120

32 Let them exalt H7311 him also in the congregation H6951 of the people, H5971 and praise H1984 him in the assembly H4186 of the elders. H2205

33 He turneth H7760 rivers H5104 into a wilderness, H4057 and the watersprings H4325 H4161 into dry ground; H6774

34 A fruitful H6529 land H776 into barrenness, H4420 for the wickedness H7451 of them that dwell H3427 therein.

35 He turneth H7760 the wilderness H4057 into a standing H98 water, H4325 and dry H6723 ground H776 into watersprings. H4325 H4161

36 And there he maketh the hungry H7457 to dwell, H3427 that they may prepare H3559 a city H5892 for habitation; H4186

37 And sow H2232 the fields, H7704 and plant H5193 vineyards, H3754 which may yield H6213 fruits H6529 of increase. H8393

38 He blesseth H1288 them also, so that they are multiplied H7235 greatly; H3966 and suffereth H4591 not their cattle H929 to decrease. H4591

39 Again, they are minished H4591 and brought low H7817 through oppression, H6115 affliction, H7451 and sorrow. H3015

40 He poureth H8210 contempt H937 upon princes, H5081 and causeth them to wander H8582 in the wilderness, H8414 where there is no way. H1870

41 Yet setteth he the poor H34 on high H7682 from affliction, H6040 and maketh H7760 him families H4940 like a flock. H6629

42 The righteous H3477 shall see H7200 it, and rejoice: H8055 and all iniquity H5766 shall stop H7092 her mouth. H6310

43 Whoso is wise, H2450 and will observe H8104 these things, even they shall understand H995 the lovingkindness H2617 of the LORD. H3068

Psalms 107:1-43 American Standard (ASV)

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1 O give thanks unto Jehovah; For he is good; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of Jehovah say `so', Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary,

3 And gathered 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 desert way; They found no city of habitation.

5 Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses,

7 He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, And the hungry soul he filleth with good.

10 Such as sat 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 labor; They fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried unto Jehovah 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 bonds in sunder.

15 Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, 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 food; And they draw near unto the gates of death.

19 Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saveth them out of their distresses.

20 He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth `them' from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters;

24 These see the works of Jehovah, 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 heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away 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 Jehovah 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 are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

32 Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, And watersprings into a thirsty ground;

34 A fruitful land into a salt desert, For the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth a wilderness into a pool of water, And a dry land into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, That they may prepare a city of habitation,

37 And sow fields, and plant vineyards, And get them fruits of increase.

38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; And he suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down Through oppression, trouble, and sorrow.

40 He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.

41 Yet setteth he the needy on high from affliction, And maketh `him' families like a flock.

42 The upright shall see it, and be glad; And all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

43 Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah. Psalm 108 A Song, A Psalm of David.

Psalms 107:1-43 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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1 `Give ye thanks to Jehovah, For good, for to the age `is' His kindness:'

2 Let the redeemed of Jehovah say, Whom He redeemed from the hand of an adversary.

3 And from the lands hath gathered them, From east and from west, From north, and from the sea.

4 They wandered in a wilderness, in a desert by the way, A city of habitation they have not found.

5 Hungry -- yea -- thirsty, Their soul in them becometh feeble,

6 And they cry unto Jehovah in their adversity, From their distress He delivereth them,

7 And causeth them to tread in a right way, To go unto a city of habitation.

8 They confess to Jehovah His kindness, And His wonders to the sons of men.

9 For He hath satisfied a longing soul, And a hungry soul hath filled `with' goodness.

10 Inhabitants of dark places and death-shade, Prisoners of affliction and of iron,

11 Because they changed the saying of God, And the counsel of the Most High despised.

12 And He humbleth with labour their heart, They have been feeble, and there is no helper.

13 And they cry unto Jehovah in their adversity, From their distresses He saveth them.

14 He bringeth them out from the dark place, And death-shade, And their bands He draweth away.

15 They confess to Jehovah His kindness, And His wonders to the sons of men.

16 For He hath broken doors of brass, And bars of iron He hath cut.

17 Fools, by means of their transgression, And by their iniquities, afflict themselves.

18 All food doth their soul abominate, And they come nigh unto the gates of death,

19 And cry unto Jehovah in their adversity, From their distresses He saveth them,

20 He sendeth His word and healeth them, And delivereth from their destructions.

21 They confess to Jehovah His kindness, And His wonders to the sons of men,

22 And they sacrifice sacrifices of thanksgiving, And recount His works with singing.

23 Those going down `to' the sea in ships, Doing business in many waters,

24 They have seen the works of Jehovah, And His wonders in the deep.

25 And He saith, and appointeth a tempest, And it lifteth up its billows,

26 They go up `to' the heavens, they go down `to' the depths, Their soul in evil is melted.

27 They reel to and fro, and move as a drunkard, And all their wisdom is swallowed up.

28 And they cry to Jehovah in their adversity, And from their distresses He bringeth them out.

29 He establisheth a whirlwind to a calm, And hushed are their billows.

30 And they rejoice because they are quiet, And He leadeth them to the haven of their desire.

31 They confess to Jehovah His kindness, And His wonders to the sons of men,

32 And they exalt Him in the assembly of the people, And in the seat of the elders praise Him.

33 He maketh rivers become a wilderness, And fountains of waters become dry land.

34 A fruitful land becometh a barren place, For the wickedness of its inhabitants.

35 He maketh a wilderness become a pool of water, And a dry land become fountains of waters.

36 And He causeth the hungry to dwell there, And they prepare a city of habitation.

37 And they sow fields, and plant vineyards, And they make fruits of increase.

38 And He blesseth them, and they multiply exceedingly, And their cattle He doth not diminish.

39 And they are diminished, and bow down, By restraint, evil, and sorrow.

40 He is pouring contempt upon nobles, And causeth them to wander in vacancy -- no way.

41 And setteth on high the needy from affliction, And placeth families as a flock.

42 The upright do see and rejoice, And all perversity hath shut her mouth.

43 Who `is' wise, and observeth these? They understand the kind acts of Jehovah!

Psalms 107:1-43 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

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1 Give ye thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of Jehovah say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the oppressor,

3 And gathered out of the countries, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the sea.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way, they found no city of habitation;

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them:

6 Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses,

7 And he led them forth by a right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Let them give thanks unto Jehovah for his loving-kindness, and for his wondrous works to the children of men;

9 For he hath satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry soul with good.

10 Such as inhabit darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron,

11 Because they had rebelled against the words of ùGod, and had despised the counsel of the Most High; ...

12 And he bowed down their heart with labour; they stumbled, and there was none to help:

13 Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, [and] he saved them out of their distresses;

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands in sunder.

15 Let them give thanks unto Jehovah for his loving-kindness, and for his wondrous works to the children of men;

16 For he hath broken the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron.

17 Fools, because of their way of transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted;

18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of food, and they draw near unto the gates of death:

19 Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses;

20 He sendeth his word, and healeth them, and delivereth them from their destructions.

21 Let them give thanks unto Jehovah for his loving-kindness, and for his wondrous works to the children of men,

22 And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works in joyful song.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters,

24 These see the works of Jehovah, and his wonders in the deep.

25 For he speaketh, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof:

26 They mount up to the heavens, they go down to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble;

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and they are at their wits' end:

28 Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses;

29 He maketh the storm a calm, and the waves thereof are still:

30 And they rejoice because they are quiet; and he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks unto Jehovah for his loving-kindness, and for his wondrous works to the children of men;

32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the session of the elders.

33 He maketh rivers into a wilderness, and water-springs into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into a plain of salt, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He maketh the wilderness into a pool of water, and the dry land into water-springs;

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, and they establish a city of habitation;

37 And sow fields, and plant vineyards, which yield fruits of increase;

38 And he blesseth them, so that they are multiplied greatly; and he suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39 And they are diminished and brought low, through oppression, adversity, and sorrow:

40 He poureth contempt upon nobles, and causeth them to wander in a pathless waste;

41 But he secureth the needy one on high from affliction, and maketh [him] families like flocks.

42 The upright shall see it, and rejoice; and all unrighteousness shall stop its mouth.

43 Whoso is wise, let him observe these things, and let them understand the loving-kindnesses of Jehovah.

Psalms 107:1-43 World English Bible (WEB)

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1 Give thanks to Yahweh, For he is good, For his loving kindness endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so, Whom he has redeemed from the hand of the adversary,

3 And gathered 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 desert way. They found no city to live in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses,

7 He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city to live in.

8 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, For his wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For he satisfies the longing soul. He fills the hungry soul with good.

10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron,

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, And condemned the counsel of the Most High.

12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labor. They fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble, And he saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their bonds in sunder.

15 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, For his wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For he has broken the gates of brass, And cut through bars of iron.

17 Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, And because of their iniquities.

18 Their soul abhors all kinds of food. They draw near to the gates of death.

19 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, He saves them out of their distresses.

20 He sends his word, and heals them, And delivers them from their graves.

21 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, For his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business in great waters;

24 These see Yahweh's works, And his wonders in the deep.

25 For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up its waves.

26 They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths. Their soul melts away because of trouble.

27 They reel back and forth, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end.

28 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, And he brings them out of their distress.

29 He makes the storm a calm, So that its waves are still.

30 Then they are glad because it is calm, So he brings them to their desired haven.

31 Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, For his wonderful works for the children of men!

32 Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders.

33 He turns rivers into a desert, Water springs into a thirsty ground,

34 And a fruitful land into a salt waste, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.

35 He turns a desert into a pool of water, And a dry land into water springs.

36 There he makes the hungry live, That they may prepare a city to live in,

37 Sow fields, plant vineyards, And reap the fruits of increase.

38 He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly. He doesn't allow their cattle to decrease.

39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down Through oppression, trouble, and sorrow.

40 He pours contempt on princes, And causes them to wander in a trackless waste.

41 Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction, And increases their families like a flock.

42 The upright will see it, and be glad. All the wicked will shut their mouths.

43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things. They will consider the loving kindnesses of Yahweh.

Psalms 107:1-43 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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1 O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.

2 Let those whose cause the Lord has taken up say so, his people whom he has taken out of the hands of their haters;

3 Making them come together out of all the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

4 They were wandering in the waste places; they saw no way to a resting-place.

5 Their souls became feeble for need of food and drink.

6 Then they sent up their cry to the Lord in their sorrow, and he gave them salvation out of all their troubles;

7 Guiding them in the right way, so that they might come into the town of their resting-place.

8 Let men give praise to the Lord for his mercy, and for the wonders which he does for the children of men!

9 He gives its desire to the unresting soul, so that it is full of good things.

10 Those who were in the dark, in the black night, in chains of sorrow and iron;

11 Because they went against the words of God, and gave no thought to the laws of the Most High:

12 So that he made their hearts weighted down with grief; they were falling, and had no helper.

13 Then they sent up their cry to the Lord in their sorrow, and he gave them salvation out of all their troubles.

14 He took them out of the dark and the black night, and all their chains were broken.

15 Let men give praise to the Lord for his mercy, and for the wonders which he does for the children of men!

16 The doors of brass are broken by his arm, and the bands of iron are cut in two.

17 Foolish men, because of their sins, and because of their wrongdoing, are troubled;

18 They are disgusted by all food, and they come near to the doors of death.

19 Then they send up their cry to the Lord in their sorrow, and he gives them salvation out of all their troubles.

20 He sent his word and made them well, and kept them safe from the underworld.

21 Let men give praise to the Lord for his mercy, and for the wonders which he does for the children of men!

22 Let them make offerings of praise, giving news of his works with cries of joy.

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business in the great waters;

24 They see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.

25 For at his word comes up the storm-wind, lifting high the waves.

26 The sailors go up to heaven, and down into the deep; their souls are wasted because of their trouble.

27 They are turned here and there, rolling like a man who is full of wine; and all their wisdom comes to nothing.

28 Then they send up their cry to the Lord in their sorrow, and he gives them salvation out of all their troubles.

29 He makes the storm into a calm, so that the waves are at peace.

30 Then they are glad, because the sea is quiet, and he takes them to the harbour of their desire.

31 Let men give praise to the Lord for his mercy, and for the wonders which he does for the children of men!

32 Let them give glory to him in the meeting of the people, and praise among the chiefs.

33 He makes rivers into waste places, and springs of water into a dry land;

34 He makes a fertile country into a salt waste, because of the sins of those who are living there.

35 He makes a waste land into a place of water, and a dry land into water-springs.

36 And there he gives the poor a resting-place, so that they may make themselves a town;

37 And put seed in the fields and make vine-gardens, to give them fruit.

38 He gives them his blessing so that they are increased greatly, and their cattle do not become less.

39 And when they are made low, and crushed by trouble and sorrow,

40 He puts an end to the pride of kings, and sends them wandering in the waste lands where there is no way.

41 But he puts the poor man on high from his troubles, and gives him families like a flock.

42 The upright see it and are glad: the mouth of the sinner is stopped.

43 Let the wise give thought to these things, and see the mercies of the Lord.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Psalms 107

Commentary on Psalms 107 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Psalm 107

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 (v. 2-9).
    • 2. Captivity and imprisonment (v. 10-16).
    • 3. Sickness and distemper of body (v. 17-22).
    • 4. Danger and distress at sea (v. 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 (v. 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.

Psa 107:1-9

Here is,

  • I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, v. 1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails.
  • II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Jn. 11:52; Mt. 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, v. 6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen.
    • 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (v. 2), not by might or power, it may be (Zec. 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa. 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men.
    • 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, v. 3. See Deu. 30:4; Eze. 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them.
    • 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, v. 4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (v. 7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu. 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations.
    • 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (v. 5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, v. 9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (v. 8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note,
      • (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to.
      • (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him.
      • (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.

Psa 107:10-16

We are to take notice of the goodness of God towards prisoners and captives. Observe,

  • 1. A description of this affliction. Prisoners are said to sit in darkness (v. 10), in dark dungeons, close prisons, which intimates that they are desolate and disconsolate; they sit in the shadow of death, which intimates not only great distress and trouble, but great danger. Prisoners are many times appointed to die; they sit despairing to get out, but resolving to make the best of it. They are bound in affliction, and many times in iron, as Joseph. Thus sore a calamity is imprisonment, which should make us prize liberty, and be thankful for it.
  • 2. The cause of this affliction, v. 11. It is because they rebelled against the words of God. Wilful sin is rebellion against the words of God; it is a contradiction to his truths and a violation of his laws. They contemned the counsel of the Most High, and thought they neither needed it nor could be the better for it; and those that will not be counselled cannot be helped. Those that despise prophesying, that regard not the admonitions of their own consciences nor the just reproofs of their friends, contemn the counsel of the Most High, and for this they are bound in affliction, both to punish them for and to reclaim them from their rebellions.
  • 3. The design of this affliction, and that is to bring down their heart (v. 12), to humble them for sin, to make them low in their own eyes, to cast down every high, proud, aspiring thought. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we not only lose the benefit of them, but thwart God's designs and walk contrary to him in them if our hearts be unhumbled and unbroken, as high and hard as ever under them. Is the estate brought down with labour, the honour sunk? Have those that exalted themselves fallen down, and is there none to help them? Let this bring down the spirit to confess sin, to accept the punishment of it, and humbly to sue for mercy and grace.
  • 4. The duty of this afflicted state, and that is to pray (v. 13): Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, though before perhaps they had neglected him. Prisoners have time to pray, who, when they were at liberty, could not find time; they see they have need of God's help, though formerly they thought they could do well enough without him. Sense will make men cry when they are in trouble, but grace will direct them to cry unto the Lord, from whom the affliction comes and who alone can remove it.
  • 5. Their deliverance out of the affliction: They cried unto the Lord, and he saved them, v. 13. He brought them out of darkness into light, welcome light, and then doubly sweet and pleasant, brought them out of the shadow of death to the comforts of life, and their liberty was to them life from the dead, v. 14. Were they fettered? He broke their bands asunder. Were they imprisoned in strong castles? He broke the gates of brass and the bars of iron wherewith those gates were made fast; he did not put back, but cut in sunder. Note, When God will work deliverance the greatest difficulties that lie in the way shall be made nothing of. Gates of brass and bars of iron, as they cannot keep him out from him people (he was with Joseph in the prison), so they cannot keep them in when the time, the set-time, for their enlargement, comes.
  • 6. The return that is required from those whose bands God has loosed (v. 15): Let them praise the Lord for his goodness, and take occasion from their own experience of it, and share in it, to bless him for that goodness which the earth is full of, the world and those that dwell therein.

Psa 107:17-22

Bodily sickness is another of the calamities of this life which gives us an opportunity of experiencing the goodness of God in recovering us, and of that the psalmist speaks in these verses, where we may observe,

  • I. That we, by our sins, bring sickness upon ourselves and then it is our duty to pray, v. 17-19.
    • 1. It is the sin of the soul that is the cause of sickness; we bring it upon ourselves both meritoriously and efficiently: Fools, because of their transgression, are thus afflicted; they are thus corrected for the sins they have committed and thus cured of their evil inclinations to sin. If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness; but the transgression of our life, and the iniquity of our heart, make it necessary. Sinners are fools; they wrong themselves, and all against their own interest, not only their spiritual, but their secular interest. They prejudice their bodily health by intemperance and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly, and they need the rod of correction to drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts.
    • 2. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness, v. 18. When people are sick their soul abhors all manner of meat; they not only have no desire to eat nor power to digest it, but they nauseate it, and their stomach is turned against it. And here they may read their sin in their punishment: those that doted most on the meat that perishes, when they come to be sick are sick of it, and the dainties they loved are loathed; what they took too much of now they can take nothing of, which commonly follows upon the overcharging of the heart with surfeiting and drunkenness. And when the appetite is gone the life is as good as gone: They draw near unto the gates of death; they are, in their own apprehension and in the apprehension of all about them, at the brink of the grave, as ready to be turned to destruction.
    • 3. Then is a proper time for prayer: Then they cry unto the Lord, v. 19. Is any sick? Let him pray; let him be prayed for. Prayer is a salve for every sore.
  • II. That it is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and then it is our duty to be thankful. Compare with this Job 33:18, 28.
    • 1. When those that are sick call upon God he returns them an answer of peace. They cry unto him and he saves them out of their distresses (v. 19); he removes their griefs and prevents their fears.
      • (1.) He does it easily: He sent his word and healed them, v. 20. This may be applied to the miraculous cures which Christ wrought when he was upon earth, by a word's speaking; he said, Be clean, Be whole, and the work was done. It may also be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works in regeneration; he sends his word, and heals souls, convinces, converts, sanctifies them, and all by the word. In the common instances of recovery from sickness God in his providence does but speak, and it is done.
      • (2.) He does it effectually: He delivereth them out of their destructions, that they shall neither be destroyed nor distressed with the fear of being so. Nothing is too hard for that God to do who kills and makes alive again, brings down to the grave and raises up, who turneth man almost to destruction, and yet saith, Return.
    • 2. When those that have been sick are restored they must return to God an answer of praise (v. 21, 22): Let all men praise the Lord for his goodness, and let those, particularly, to whom God has thus granted a new life, spend it in his service; let them sacrifice with thanksgiving, not only bring a thank-offering to the altar, but a thankful heart to God. Thanksgivings are the best thank-offerings, and shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock. And let them declare his works with rejoicing, to his honour and for the encouragement of others. The living, the living, they shall praise him.

Psa 107:23-32

The psalmist here calls upon those to give glory to God who are delivered from dangers at sea. Though the Israelites dealt not much in merchandise, yet their neighbours the Tyrians and Zidonians did, and for them perhaps this part of the psalm was especially calculated.

  • I. Much of the power of God appears at all times in the sea, 23, 24. It appears to those that go down to the sea in ships, as mariners, merchants, fishermen, or passengers, that do business in great waters. And surely none will expose themselves there but those that have business (among all Solomon's pleasant things we do not read of any pleasure-boat he had), but those that go on business, lawful business, may, in faith, put themselves under the divine protection. These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders, which are the more surprising, because most are born and bred upon land, and what passes at sea is new to them. The deep itself is a wonder, its vastness, its saltness, its ebbing and flowing. The great variety of living creatures in the sea is wonderful. Let those that go to sea be led, by all the wonders they observe there, to consider and adore the infinite perfections of that God whose the sea is, for he made it and manages it.
  • II. It especially appears in storms at sea, which are much more terrible than at land. Observe here,
    • 1. How dangerous and dreadful a tempest at sea is. Then wonders begin to appear in the deep, when God commands and raises the strong wind, which fulfils his word, Ps. 148:8. He raises the winds, as a prince by his commission raises forces. Satan pretends to be the prince of the power of the air; but he is a pretender; the powers of the air are at God's command, not at his. When the wind becomes stormy it lifts up the waves of the sea, v. 25. Then the ships are kicked like tennis-balls on the tops of the waves; they seem to mount up to the heavens, and then they couch again, as if they would go down to the depths, v. 26. A stranger, who had never seen it, would not think it possible for a ship to live at sea, as it will in a storm, and ride it out, but would expect that the next wave would bury it and it would never come up again; and yet God, who taught man discretion to make ships that should so strangely keep above water, does by his special providence preserve them, that they answer the end to admiration. When the ships are thus tossed the soul of the seaman melts because of trouble; and, when the storm is very high, even those that are used to the sea can neither shake off nor dissemble their fears, but they reel to and fro, and tossing makes them giddy, and they stagger and are sick, it may be, like a drunken man; the whole ship's crew are in confusion and quite at their wits' end (v. 27), not knowing what to do more for their preservation; all their wisdom is swallowed up, and they are ready to give up themselves for gone, Jonah 1:5, etc.
    • 2. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray. Those that go to sea must expect such perils as are here described, and the best preparation they can make for them is to make sure a liberty of access to God by prayer, for then they will cry unto the Lord, v. 28. We have a saying, "Let those that would learn to pray go to sea;' I say, Let those that will go to sea learn to pray, and accustom themselves to pray, that they may come with the more boldness to the throne of grace when they are in trouble. Even heathen mariners, in a storm, cried every man to his god; but those that have the Lord for their God have a present and powerful help in that and every other time of need, so that when they are at their wits' end they are not at their faith's end.
    • 3. How wonderfully God sometimes appears for those that are in distress at sea, in answer to their prayers: He brings them out of the danger; and,
      • (1.) The sea is still: He makes the storm a calm, v. 29. The winds fall, and only by their soft and gentle murmurs serve to lull the waves asleep again, so that the surface of the sea becomes smooth and smiling. By this Christ proved himself to be more than a man that even the winds and the seas obeyed him.
      • (2.) The seamen are made easy: They are glad because they are quiet, quiet from the noise, quiet from the fear of evil. Quietness after a storm is a very desirable thing, and sensibly pleasant.
      • (3.) The voyage becomes prosperous and successful: So he brings them to their desired haven, v. 30. Thus he carries his people safely through all the storms and tempests that they meet with in their voyage heaven-ward, and lands them, at length, in the desired harbour.
    • 4. How justly it is expected that all those who have had a safe passage over the sea, and especially who have been delivered from remarkable perils at sea, should acknowledge it with thankfulness, to the glory of God. Let them do it privately in their closets and families. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness to themselves and others, v. 31. Let them do it publicly (v. 32), in the congregation of the people and in the assembly of the elders; there let them erect the memorials of their deliverance, to the honour of God, and for the encouragement of others to trust him.

Psa 107:33-43

The psalmist, having given God the glory of the providential reliefs granted to persons in distress, here gives him the glory of the revolutions of providence, and the surprising changes it sometimes makes in the affairs of the children of men.

  • I. He gives some instances of these revolutions.
    • 1. Fruitful countries are made barren and barren countries are made fruitful. Much of the comfort of this life depends upon the soil in which our lot is cast. Now,
      • (1.) The sin of man has often marred the fruitfulness of the soil and made it unserviceable, v. 33, 34. Land watered with rivers is sometimes turned into a wilderness, and that which had been full of water-springs now has not so much as water-streams; it is turned into dry and sandy ground, that has not consistency and moisture enough to produce any thing valuable. Many a fruitful land is turned into saltness, not so much from natural causes as from the just judgment of God, who thus punished the wickedness of those that dwell therein; as the vale of Sodom became a salt sea. Note, If the land be bad, it is because the inhabitants are so. Justly is the ground made unfruitful to those that bring not forth fruit unto God, but serve Baal with their corn and wine.
      • (2.) The goodness of God has often mended the barrenness of the soil, and turned a wilderness, a land o drought, into water-springs, v. 35. The land of Canaan, which was once the glory of all lands for fruitfulness, is said to be, at this day, a fruitless, useless, worthless spot of ground, as was foretold, Deu. 29:23. This land of ours, which formerly was much of it an uncultivated desert, is now full of all good things, and more abundant honour is given to that part which lacked. Let the plantations in America, and the colonies settled there, compared with the desolations of many countries in Asia and Europe, that formerly were famous, expound this.
    • 2. Necessitous families are raised and enriched, while prosperous families are impoverished and go to decay. If we look broad in the world,
      • (1.) We see many greatly increasing whose beginning was small, and whose ancestors were mean and made no figure, v. 36-38. Those that were hungry are made to dwell in fruitful lands; there they take root, and gain a settlement, and prepare a city for habitation for themselves and theirs after them. Providence puts good land under their hands, and they build upon it. Cities took rise from rising families. But as lands, will not serve for men without lodgings, and therefore they must prepare a city of habitation, so lodgings, though ever so convenient, will not serve without lands, and therefore they must sow the fields, and plant vineyards (v. 37), for the king himself is served of the field. And yet the fields, though favoured with water-springs, will not yield fruits of increase, unless they be sown, nor will vineyards be had, unless they be planted; man's industry must attend God's blessing, and then God's blessing will crown man's industry. The fruitfulness of the soil should engage, for it does encourage, diligence; and, ordinarily, the hand of the diligent, by the blessing of God, makes rich, v. 38. He blesses them also, so that they are, in a little time, multiplied greatly, and he diminishes not their cattle. As in the beginning, so still it is, by the blessing of God, that the earth and all the creatures increase and multiply (Gen. 1:22), and we depend upon God for the increase of the cattle as well as for the increase of the ground. Cattle would decrease many ways if God should permit it, and men would soon suffer by it.
      • (2.) We see many that have thus suddenly risen as suddenly sunk and brought to nothing (v. 39): Again they are diminished and brought low by adverse providences, and end their days as low as they began them; or their families after them lose as fast a they got, and scatter what they heaped together. Note, Worldly wealth is an uncertain thing, and often those that are filled with it, ere they are aware, grow so secure and sensual with it that, ere they are aware, they lose it again. Hence it is called deceitful riches and the mammon of unrighteousness. God has many ways of making men poor; he can do it by oppression, affliction, and sorrow, as he tempted Job and brought him low.
    • 3. Those that were high and great in the world are abased, and those that were mean and despicable are advanced to honour, v. 40, 41. We have seen,
      • (1.) Princes dethroned and reduced to straits. He pours contempt upon them, even among those that have idolized them. Those that exalt themselves God will abase, and, in order thereunto, will infatuate: He makes them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. He baffles those counsels by which they thought to support themselves, and their own power and pomp, and drives them headlong, so that they know not what course to steer, nor what measures to take. We met with this before, Job 12:24, 25.
      • (2.) Those of low degree advanced to the posts of honour (v. 41): Yet setteth he the poor on high, raiseth from the dust to the throne of glory, 1 Sa. 2:8; Ps. 113:7, 8. Those that were afflicted and trampled on are not only delivered, but set on high out of the reach of their troubles, above their enemies, and have dominion over those to whom they had been in subjection. That which adds to their honour, and strengthens them in their elevation, is the multitude of their children: He maketh him families like a flock of sheep, so numerous, so useful, so sociable with one another, and so meek and peaceable. He that sent them meat sent them mouths. Happy is the man that has his quiver filled with arrows, for he shall boldly speak with the enemy in the gate, Ps. 127:5. God is to be acknowledged both in setting up families and in building them up. Let not princes be envied, nor the poor despised, for God has many ways of changing the condition of both.
  • II. He makes some improvement of these remarks; such surprising turns as these are of use,
    • 1. For the solacing of saints. They observe these dispensations with pleasure (v. 42): The righteous shall see it and rejoice in the glorifying of God's attributes and the manifesting of his dominion over the children of men. It is a great comfort to a good man to see how God manages the children of men, as the potter does the clay, so as to serve his own purposes by them, to see despised virtue advanced and impious pride brought low to the dust, to see it evinced beyond dispute that verily there is a God that judges in the earth.
    • 2. For the silencing of sinners: All iniquity shall stop her mouth; it shall be a full conviction of the folly of atheists, and of those that deny the divine providence; and, forasmuch as practical atheism is at the bottom of all sin, it shall in effect stop the mouth of all iniquity. When sinners see how their punishment answers to their sin, and how justly God deals with them in taking away from them those gifts of his which they had abused, they shall not have one word to say for themselves; for God will be justified, he will be clear.
    • 3. For the satisfying of all concerning the divine goodness (v. 43): Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, these various dispensations of divine providence, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Here is,
      • (1.) A desirable end proposed, and that is, rightly to understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. It is of great use to us, in religion, to be fully assured of God's goodness, to be experimentally acquainted and duly affected with it, that his lovingkindness may be before our eyes, Ps. 26:3.
      • (2.) A proper means prescribed for attaining this end, and that is a due observance of God's providence. We must lay up these things, mind them, and keep them in mind, Lu. 2:19.
      • (3.) A commendation of the use of this means as an instance of true wisdom: Whoso is wise, let him by this both prove his wisdom and improve it. A prudent observance of the providences of God will contribute very much to the accomplishing of a good Christian.