Psalm 107 Study Notes
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107:1 Faithful love (Hb chesed, “covenant loyalty”) is a key word in this psalm, reinforcing Yahweh’s unconditional love, the basis on which he intervened on behalf of his people. See also 106:1.
107:2 The concept of redemption (Hb ga’al, “redeem”) relates to blood vengeance exercised by the Lord upon the enemy. The idea is rooted in Levitical law (Nm 35:12,19-27; Dt 19:6-12).
107:3 This verse refers to the return of Israel from exile (Is 42:10-13; 43:5-7).
107:4 While the wilderness normally implies the wanderings following the exodus, the context suggests the exiles journeyed through the Syrian-Arabic Desert. The exiles were unable to assimilate into the culture and lifestyle of their captors, anticipating the Lord’s rescue at any time.
107:5 Hungry and thirsty is a dual reference to physical hunger and thirst as well as the absence of organized worship and cultic practice (Am 8:11).
107:6 This sentence is repeated in vv. 13,19,28. God’s people continually sought the Lord’s intervention from adversity and danger (Is 51:13-16).
107:7 The psalmist envisioned a homeward procession led by the Lord (Is 35:8-10; 40:9-11; 42:10-12; 49:5,9-12,22-24; 52:7-12; 59:9-12).
107:8 This sentence is repeated in vv. 15,21,31. Salvation should result in testimony and praise (see note at 22:22-24). God’s wondrous works on behalf of Israel ultimately benefitted all humanity in Christ (Gn 12:3).
107:9 This verse expresses God’s response to the hunger and thirst of the exiles (v. 5).
107:10-14 Those who dwelt in darkness and gloom—prisoners in cruel chains recounts the terrible fate of those who were removed from social interaction with the community. When they repented, he saved them (see Is 42:7; 58:6; Jr 30:8).
107:15 For all humanity is literally “for the sons of man” (’adam). See note on v. 8.
107:16 The Lord rescued those who were restrained with chains and irons (v. 10). See Is 45:1-22, especially v. 2 for a literary connection.
107:17-18 These verses summarize the fate of those who suffered debilitating illness as a result of their disobedience and guilt.
107:19 This is a repetition of v. 13.
107:20 The Lord’s word healed the diseased and saved those who were close to death (Is 25:7-8; 35:5-6; 54:1; 57:18; 65:19-20).
107:23-32 The OT does not elaborate on the maritime activity of Israel, and commercial seafaring is rarely mentioned (Gn 49:13; 2Ch 9:21; 20:36).
107:23-26 The terminology and rhythm of this section mimic the up-and-down movement of the waves. The Lord exercises sovereign control over the fierce sea (Jb 38:8-11; Jnh 1:4-16; Mt 8:26-27). God’s powerful word brings all things to pass (Jb 37:6-13; Ps 147:15-20; Is 40:6-8; 55:8-11).
107:27 The sailors’ actions are compared to those of a drunkard (Pr 23:29-35). The Hebrew term hagag (reeled) normally describes celebration and dancing. Their skill was useless could be translated “their wisdom was confounded.”
107:29-30 The psalmist recounted the Lord’s deliverance of the sailors described in vv. 23-28.
107:33-35 Many of those exiled in Babylon became comfortable and were not anxious to return to Judah, so the psalmist, in an effort to encourage native Judeans to return to Jerusalem, reminded them that God could bring about a reversal in natural resources. The rivers of Babylon could fail, while the desert areas of Judah could flourish (Is 41:17-18).
107:36-38 The destruction of hunger and homelessness reflects a reversal of vv. 4-5,7. The hungry will become agriculturally independent, producing crops and cattle.
107:39-41 In an ironic twist, those who suffered oppression, grief, and misfortune will enjoy prosperity, while those who inflicted misery will be frustrated (7:14-16; Jb 12:21,24).
107:42 On injustice shuts its mouth, see Jb 5:16.
107:43 The psalm concludes with a wisdom saying centering on Yahweh’s covenant loyalty.