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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 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 (Psa 107:10), 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, Psa 107:11. 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 (Psa 107:12), 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 (Psa 107:13): 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, Psa 107:13. 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, Psa 107:14. 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 (Psa 107:15): 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.
"Them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, fast bound in beggary and iron" [Psalm 107:10]. Whence this, but that you were attributing things to yourself? That you were not owning the grace of God? That you were rejecting the counsel of God [Luke 7:30] concerning you? For see what He adds: "Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord through pride" [Psalm 107:11], not knowing the righteousness of God, and wishing to establish their own, [Romans 10:3] "and they were bitter against the counsel of the Most High." "And their heart was brought low in labour" [Psalm 107:12]. And now fight against lust; if God cease to aid you may strive, you can not conquer. And when you shall be pressed by your evil, your heart will be brought low in labour, so that now with humbled heart you may learn to cry out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" [Romans 7:24] ...Freed, you will confess the mercies of the Lord. "And they cried unto the Lord when they were troubled, and He delivered them out of their distresses" [Psalm 107:13]. They were freed from the second temptation. There remains that of weariness and loathing. But first see what He did for them when freed. "And He led them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds asunder" [Psalm 107:14]. "Let them confess to the Lord His mercies, and His wonders to the children of men" [Psalm 107:15]. Wherefore? What difficulties has He overcome? "Because He broke the gates of brass, and snapped the bars of iron" [Psalm 107:16]. "He took them up from the way of their iniquity, for because of their unrighteousnesses they were brought low" [Psalm 107:17]. Because they gave honour to themselves, not to God, because they were establishing their own righteousness, not knowing the righteousness of God, [Romans 10:3] they were brought low. They found that they were helpless without His aid, who were presuming on their own strength alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 107:14 stands as a powerful declaration of God's sovereign power to rescue and liberate those who are in the direst forms of captivity and despair. Situated within a psalm of thanksgiving that recounts various scenarios of human distress and divine deliverance, this verse specifically highlights God's active intervention to bring individuals out of profound darkness and the very brink of death, decisively breaking the bonds that held them captive. It encapsulates a core message of hope: no matter how desperate the situation, God hears the cry of the afflicted and acts with overwhelming might to set them free.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 107 is a magnificent psalm of praise and thanksgiving, structured around a recurring four-fold pattern: people in distress, their cry to the Lord, His deliverance, and a call to give thanks. Our verse, Psalms 107:14, falls within the second of these four scenarios (verses 10-16), which describes those "sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron" because "they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High." This section vividly portrays the consequences of disobedience, leading to imprisonment and utter despair. Following their desperate cry, "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses" Psalm 107:13, verse 14 provides the specific, powerful action of God's rescue, bringing them into freedom and light. The subsequent verses continue to call for thanksgiving, emphasizing God's goodness and His wonderful works.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of "darkness and the shadow of death" and "bands" or "iron" would have resonated deeply with an ancient Israelite audience familiar with various forms of captivity. This could refer to literal imprisonment, as in dungeons or mines (common forms of ancient punishment or forced labor), or the experience of exile, such as the Babylonian captivity, where people were held in foreign lands, longing for liberation. The "shadow of death" (Hebrew: tsalmâveth) evokes not just physical peril but also the spiritual and existential dread associated with being cut off from life, hope, and God's presence. Culturally, liberation from bondage was a foundational theme, rooted in the Exodus narrative where God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, establishing Him as the ultimate Redeemer and Liberator.
Key Themes: Psalms 107:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Deliverance, portraying God as the active, compassionate, and omnipotent agent who intervenes directly in human suffering. This deliverance is not passive but involves a decisive, forceful act to "bring out" and "break." Secondly, the verse highlights Freedom from Bondage, whether the chains are literal imprisonment, the spiritual shackles of sin, or the overwhelming weight of despair and oppression. The breaking of "bands in sunder" signifies a complete and irreversible liberation, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God setting His people free from various forms of slavery, as seen in the foundational account of the Exodus from Egypt. Thirdly, the contrast between "darkness and the shadow of death" and being "brought out" emphasizes the theme of Light Over Darkness. This motif is pervasive in Scripture, illustrating God's power to transform the most hopeless situations into ones filled with light, life, and hope, foreshadowing the prophetic promise of a great light for those who walked in darkness in Isaiah 9:2.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and liberation. Metaphor is central, as "darkness and the shadow of death" are not merely literal absence of light but powerful representations of despair, oppression, and mortal peril. Similarly, "bands" serve as a metaphor for any form of captivity, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The phrase "shadow of death" itself is a form of hyperbole, intensifying the sense of danger and hopelessness to an extreme degree, emphasizing the dire straits from which God delivers. The verse also employs a form of parallelism by presenting two distinct but complementary actions of God's deliverance: bringing them out of a state of darkness and breaking their bonds. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of His rescue. Finally, the vivid imagery of being pulled from the "shadow of death" and having "bands...broken in sunder" creates a powerful mental picture of dramatic and decisive liberation, underscoring God's overwhelming might.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the character of God as the ultimate Deliverer and Redeemer. It reveals His compassionate nature to hear the cries of the afflicted and His omnipotent power to intervene in the most dire human circumstances. Theologically, it underscores humanity's inherent need for divine rescue from the various forms of bondage—whether physical imprisonment, the consequences of sin, or the existential darkness of despair. It affirms that true liberation comes not from human effort but from God's decisive action, bringing light where there is darkness and freedom where there is captivity. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, from Israel's liberation from Egypt to the ultimate spiritual freedom offered through Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:14 offers profound hope and encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world often marked by literal and metaphorical prisons—addiction, mental health struggles, oppressive systems, spiritual bondage, or the crushing weight of past failures—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that no situation is too dark or too entrenched for God's intervention. It calls us to recognize that our deepest needs for liberation can only be met by His divine power. When we find ourselves in "darkness and the shadow of death," whether due to our own rebellion or circumstances beyond our control, the psalmist's message is clear: cry out to the Lord. He is able and willing to "break our bands in sunder" and lead us into glorious freedom. This verse cultivates a spirit of trust in God's omnipotence and a profound gratitude for His steadfast love and miraculous works in our lives, urging us to acknowledge His active role in every deliverance we experience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "darkness" is referred to here?
Answer: The "darkness" in Psalms 107:14 refers to a multifaceted state of extreme distress and peril. While it can certainly encompass literal imprisonment or physical confinement in dark places like dungeons or mines, its primary biblical meaning extends to metaphorical and spiritual realms. It signifies a state of profound despair, misery, spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, or the overwhelming consequences of sin. The accompanying phrase "shadow of death" further intensifies this, denoting a condition so dire that one feels on the very brink of annihilation, devoid of hope or life. It is the antithesis of God's light and presence, representing alienation and suffering.
Does this verse promise deliverance from all suffering?
Answer: While Psalms 107:14 powerfully declares God's ability to deliver, it does not promise the immediate removal of all suffering or trials in a believer's life. Rather, it highlights God's power and willingness to intervene in response to a cry for help, particularly when suffering is a consequence of rebellion (as indicated in the preceding verses, Psalm 107:10-12). The deliverance described is often comprehensive, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical liberation. It's a testament to God's character as a rescuer, reminding us that even in the deepest valleys, He can bring light and freedom. However, the Christian life often involves enduring trials with God's strength, not always immediate escape from them, as Romans 5:3-5 reminds us.
How does this verse relate to personal sin?
Answer: The immediate literary context of Psalms 107:14 explicitly links the "darkness," "shadow of death," and "bands" to personal sin and rebellion. Psalm 107:11-12 states, "Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help." This indicates that the captivity and suffering described are often the direct consequences of turning away from God's commands and wisdom. Thus, the "bands" can represent the self-imposed chains of sinful habits, the guilt and shame that accompany wrongdoing, or the natural consequences that result from choosing a path contrary to God's will. God's deliverance, in this context, is an act of grace that breaks the power of sin and its effects, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who repent and cry out to Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "He" who delivers humanity from the deepest "darkness and the shadow of death." As the Light of the World, Jesus came to dispel the spiritual darkness that enveloped humanity, a darkness caused by sin and separation from God. John 1:4-5 declares that "in him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." Through His death and resurrection, Christ confronted and conquered the very power of death, delivering those who were held in its "shadow." Hebrews 2:14-15 explains that He "partook of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Furthermore, Jesus is the one who "brake their bands in sunder." The "bands" that truly enslave humanity are not merely physical chains but the spiritual bondage of sin, guilt, and the law. Galatians 5:1 proclaims, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ paid the price for our sins, freeing us from the condemnation and power of sin, and transferring us from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13-14). Thus, Psalms 107:14 is a prophetic echo of the ultimate liberation accomplished by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who holds the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18), forever breaking the bonds that once held us captive.