Psalm One Hundred and Seven
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
Psalm 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
endureth for ever. Psalm 107 stresses eternal values, and is thus essentially prophetic in scope, foreseeing future times of trouble and chastisement for the people of God in every age, with the mercy and power of the Lord always ready to deliver them when they call upon Him.
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
say so. This psalm, as an exhortation to open public testimony to the Lord and His great work of redemption, opens Book V of the Psalms. It clearly goes well beyond the direct experiences of Israel, especially at the time it was written. Presumably it couldand shouldbe applied to people everywhere.
from the south. This could not refer to the return from exile in Babylon or Assyria. Both were to the east of Israel, whereas the psalm envisions believers being gathered from all over the world. It may apply to the regathering of Israelites from all the nations in the last days, as do many other prophecies (e.g., Ezekiel 37:21). More likely, it applies in a broader sense to the calling of people from every nation through the saving gospel of Christ.
Psalm 107:4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Psalm 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
cried unto the Lord. This verse is repeated in Psalm 107:13, 19, and 28. Compare Judges 2:10-23. This cyclic drama of backsliding and revival has been repeatedly illustrated in the history of both Israel and Christianity.
Psalm 107:7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
for his goodness. This stirring exhortation is repeated in Psalm 107:15, 21 and 31. It speaks of all “the children of men” (or, literally, “the children of Adam”), not just the children of Israel. This is further indication that Psalm 107 applies in general to all people.
Psalm 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
they rebelled. This indictment surely applies to the whole world, beginning at Babel (note Romans 1:21-25), and continuing everywhere today.
Psalm 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Psalm 107:17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Psalm 107:18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
Psalm 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Psalm 107:24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Psalm 107:25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Psalm 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
maketh the storm a calm. See Mark 4:39 for a demonstration of His literal power to do this. “Peace, be still,” He said. “And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Psalm 107:30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psalm 107:33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
Psalm 107:34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
Psalm 107:35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
Psalm 107:36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
Psalm 107:37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
Psalm 107:39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
Psalm 107:41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
Psalm 107:42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.