Psalm 107 is a powerful declaration of praise and gratitude. This psalm highlights the many times God intervened in His people’s lives—delivering, restoring, and leading them to redemption. Throughout its verses, we are invited to reflect on the various situations of distress faced by different groups and on how divine mercy was revealed in each one.
Psalm 107
¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.
² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those He redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
³ and gathered out of the lands—from east and west, from north and south.
⁴ They wandered in the wilderness on desolate paths; they found no city in which to dwell.
⁵ Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
⁶ Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their difficulties.
⁷ He led them by a straight way to reach a city where they could live.
⁸ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
⁹ For He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good things.
¹⁰ Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in misery and iron;
¹¹ because they rebelled against God’s words and despised the counsel of the Most High.
¹² Therefore He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
¹³ Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He saved them from their troubles.
¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains.
¹⁵ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
¹⁶ For He shattered the bronze gates and snapped the iron bars.
¹⁷ Fools, because of their sinful ways and because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
¹⁸ Their soul abhorred all food, and they drew near the gates of death.
¹⁹ Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their troubles.
²⁰ He sent out His word and healed them, rescuing them from destruction.
²¹ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
²² Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with shouts of joy.
²³ Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on mighty waters—
²⁴ these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep.
²⁵ For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted up the waves.
²⁶ They rose up to the heavens, then plunged to the depths; their courage melted away in anguish.
²⁷ They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.
²⁸ Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He brought them out of their troubles.
²⁹ He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
³⁰ Then they rejoiced, for the waters were quiet, and He guided them to their desired haven.
³¹ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
³² Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.
³³ He turns rivers into a desert and flowing springs into thirsty ground;
³⁴ a fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
³⁵ He turns the desert into pools of water and parched ground into flowing springs.
³⁶ There He makes the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in.
³⁷ They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.
³⁸ He blesses them, and they greatly increase; He does not let their livestock diminish.
³⁹ Then they decrease and are humbled by oppression, calamity, and sorrow.
⁴⁰ He pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
⁴¹ Yet He lifts the needy out of their suffering and makes their families like flocks.
⁴² The upright see it and rejoice, but all iniquity shuts its mouth.
⁴³ Whoever is wise will observe these things and consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.
The psalm opens with a call to worship, stressing that God’s eternal goodness alone is reason enough for unceasing praise.
Psalm 107:2
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those He redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
The psalmist summons those liberated by God—especially Israel—to publicly testify to their salvation.
Psalm 107:3
and gathered out of the lands—from east and west, from north and south.
God regathered His scattered people from every direction, demonstrating His power to restore.
Psalm 107:4
They wandered in the wilderness on desolate paths; they found no city in which to dwell.
This depicts those who, directionless, roamed the physical and spiritual wilderness in total disorientation.
Psalm 107:5
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
They faced profound physical and emotional need, with no strength left.
Psalm 107:6
Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their difficulties.
Sincere cries in desperate moments moved God’s hand on their behalf.
Psalm 107:7
He led them by a straight way to reach a city where they could live.
God not only rescued but also provided direction and a new, secure home.
Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
This refrain appears repeatedly, urging gratitude for divine mercy.
Psalm 107:9
For He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good things.
The Lord supplies not only basic needs but also restores the inner being.
Psalm 107:10
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in misery and iron;
This image evokes those held captive—physically or spiritually—living in deep anguish.
Psalm 107:11
because they rebelled against God’s words and despised the counsel of the Most High.
The cause of their captivity was rebellion and rejection of divine guidance.
Psalm 107:12
Therefore He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
They suffered severely, reaping the bitter fruit of disobedience and finding no aid.
Psalm 107:13
Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He saved them from their troubles.
Again, repentance and sincere prayer brought God’s rescue.
Psalm 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains.
Divine liberation is complete—shattering bonds, dispelling darkness, and restoring freedom.
Psalm 107:15
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
Once more, the psalm issues its invitation to praise—God’s goodness overflows.
Psalm 107:16
For He shattered the bronze gates and snapped the iron bars.
God intervenes with supernatural power, destroying every obstacle to freedom.
Psalm 107:17
Fools, because of their sinful ways and because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
Rebellion brings consequences. Those who choose folly harvest suffering.
Psalm 107:18
Their soul abhorred all food, and they drew near the gates of death.
Pain was so intense that even food lost appeal. They hovered on the brink of death.
Psalm 107:19
Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their troubles.
The pattern continues: sincere cries are followed by divine liberation.
Psalm 107:20
He sent out His word and healed them, rescuing them from destruction.
God’s word carries healing power and reverses paths leading to death.
Psalm 107:21
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
Praise is the natural response to such care and intervention.
Psalm 107:22
Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with shouts of joy.
Gratitude should be expressed in words and deeds—and shared joyfully.
Psalm 107:23
Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on mighty waters,
The psalmist now addresses seafarers—people exposed to natural dangers.
Psalm 107:24
these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep.
On the sea, sailors witness God’s power in the forces of nature.
Psalm 107:25
For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted up the waves.
God commands the elements—the wind and the sea obey His voice.
Psalm 107:26
They rose up to the heavens, then plunged to the depths, and their courage melted away in anguish.
The waves’ power terrifies even seasoned sailors; life feels threatened at every moment.
Psalm 107:27
They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.
Fear destabilizes them; reason fails, and despair takes hold.
Psalm 107:28
Then they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He brought them out of their troubles.
Once again, the cry is heard and the response brings freedom.
Psalm 107:29
He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
With a divine command, peace replaces chaos. God rules even the fiercest crises.
Psalm 107:30
Then they rejoiced, for the waters were quiet, and He guided them to their desired haven.
God not only calms the sea—He safely leads to the intended destination.
Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.
Again and always, God’s goodness deserves praise.
Psalm 107:32
Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.
Gratitude should be public, shared with the faith community.
Psalm 107:33
He turns rivers into a desert and flowing springs into thirsty ground;
God also acts in judgment, removing abundance as a consequence of sin.
Psalm 107:34
a fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
Human wickedness can turn fertile regions into barren wastelands.
Psalm 107:35
He turns the desert into pools of water and parched ground into flowing springs.
Yet the same God transforms arid land into fertile ground, bringing life where there was scarcity.
Psalm 107:36
There He makes the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
God cares for the needy, giving them a place to reside and be secure.
Psalm 107:37
They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.
Divine blessing produces productivity and abundance for those who turn to Him.
Psalm 107:38
He blesses them, and they greatly increase; He does not let their livestock diminish.
God brings growth and stability in personal life and work.
Psalm 107:39
Then they decrease and are humbled by oppression, calamity, and sorrow.
Even the blessed may suffer again—whether by trial or by error.
Psalm 107:40
He pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
Pride is brought low—no leader escapes God’s justice.
Psalm 107:41
Yet He lifts the needy out of their suffering, sets them on high, and makes their families like flocks.
Conversely, God exalts the humble, restoring their lives and granting prosperity.
Psalm 107:42
The upright see it and rejoice, and all iniquity shuts its mouth.
God’s justice will be evident—the righteous rejoice while evil is silenced.
Psalm 107:43
Whoever is wise will observe these things and consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.
The psalm ends with a call to wisdom: those who reflect on these acts will clearly see God’s love and goodness.
The Historical Context of Psalm 107
Psalm 107 marks the beginning of the fifth and final book of the Psalter. It appears to have been composed after Israel’s return from the Babylonian exile. The psalmist calls the redeemed of the Lord to give thanks, recalling times they were delivered from dangers such as hunger, imprisonment, sickness, and storms at sea.
Poetic Structure and Thematic Repetition
A striking feature of Psalm 107 is its repetitive structure. In each stanza, a group of people is in distress, cries out to the Lord, and is then delivered. This pattern reinforces that, regardless of circumstance, God hears and answers with grace.
The Four Groups Described in the Psalm
Desert Wanderers
The first group mentioned in Psalm 107 comprises those who wandered through deserts, hungry and thirsty. They cried to God and were guided to a habitable city. The desert image symbolizes periods of confusion and spiritual barrenness.
Prisoners in Darkness
The second group portrayed is prisoners in chains—consequences of rebelling against God’s word. The psalm shows that even those who strayed can find redemption when they seek repentance.
The Sick and Afflicted
The third group in Psalm 107 speaks of those who were sick and weakened because of their choices. When they cried out, they received healing and restoration, underscoring divine compassion and power to mend broken lives.
Sailors in Peril at Sea
Finally, the psalm recounts sailors caught in storms. When they invoked God’s name, the sea calmed and peace returned. This section symbolizes times of uncertainty and fear, where only divine intervention brings safety.
Mercy as the Guiding Thread
Throughout Psalm 107, God’s mercy stands out as the central element. No matter the error, distress, or depth of pain, the heavenly response is always marked by compassion and deliverance.
The Call to Thanksgiving
The psalmist repeatedly says, “Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.” This refrain is a constant summons to gratitude, showing that acknowledging God’s past deliverances strengthens faith for future challenges.
The Symbolism of Waters and Storms
In Psalm 107, the raging sea represents life’s chaotic moments. When sailors cry out, God calms the storm. The image is powerful: no matter how great the turmoil, there is hope in divine intervention.
The Transforming Power of Prayer
Another highlight of this psalm is the efficacy of sincere cries. Prayer emerges as a bridge between human suffering and divine help. Every story in the text ends with an answer to the cry.
Spiritual Reflections from Psalm 107
Recognize Divine Sovereignty
Psalm 107 teaches that God is in control of all things. Even when everything seems lost, He continues to guide and act.
Live in Constant Gratitude
The repeated call to gratitude reminds us not to wait for only great miracles before giving thanks. Every deliverance, small or great, deserves praise.
Seek God in Difficult Times
Often it is in pain that we truly turn to the Lord. The psalm shows that suffering can be a spiritual turning point.
Practical Applications for Daily Life
- Daily meditation on Psalm 107 can renew faith.
- Use its verses as personal prayer in times of distress.
- Share the psalm’s teachings with others as a form of comfort.
- Record in a personal journal the “deliverances” experienced, inspired by the psalm’s structure.
Striking Excerpts from Psalm 107
“They cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their tribulations.”
This phrase, with slight variations, repeats and forms the psalm’s core message.
“He turns the desert into pools and parched land into springs of water.”
This verse shows God’s restorative character.
Psalm 107 in Worship and Praise
This psalm is often used in thanksgiving liturgies, celebration services, and moments of spiritual renewal. Its poetic language and universal appeal make it one of the most cherished texts of the Psalms.
Similarity to Other Psalms
Psalm 107 shares themes with Psalms 106 and Psalm 136, especially in the repeated expression “His mercy endures forever.” This parallel points to a theology centered on God’s enduring love.
The Importance of Spiritual Memory
The text encourages readers to remember the Lord’s deeds. This active memory feeds faith and helps us not to lose heart in new crises.
Why Study Psalm 107 Today?
In a world where emotional instability, fears, and uncertainties grow, Psalm 107 offers comfort. It reminds us that God still works miracles and deliverances in our time, just as He did in the past.
FAQ – Common Questions about Psalm 107
What is the main theme of Psalm 107?
The central theme is divine deliverance from distress, focusing on gratitude for every rescue received.
Who wrote Psalm 107?
Although the author is not named, it is believed to have been written by someone who experienced or witnessed the return from the Babylonian exile.
Is Psalm 107 used on specific occasions?
Yes, it is widely used in thanksgiving services, events of spiritual renewal, and devotional readings on hope and deliverance.
Which verse of Psalm 107 is the best known?
One of the most famous is:
“Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works for the children of men.”
How can I apply Psalm 107 in daily life?
Read it as an exercise in gratitude, remember past deliverances, and keep a heart that always trusts the Lord.
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