Psalms 107:20

Psalms 107:20 KJV Commentary

Context of Psalms 107:20

Psalm 107 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring mercy and faithfulness. It recounts four distinct groups of people who cried out to the Lord in their distress and were miraculously delivered: wanderers in the wilderness (verses 4-9), prisoners in darkness (verses 10-16), those afflicted by their own foolishness and sin (verses 17-22), and mariners caught in storms (verses 23-32). Verse 20 falls within the third section, describing individuals who were brought low by their transgressions and iniquities, to the point of near-death. Their suffering was a direct consequence of their actions, yet God, in His compassion, responded to their cry for help.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Efficacy of God's Word: The central message is the immense power and authority of God's word. It is not merely spoken sound but an active, life-giving force. When God "sent his word," it was an act of divine intervention, a command that brought about immediate results. This highlights that God's word is sufficient for any need, whether spiritual or physical.
• Divine Healing and Deliverance: The verse clearly states that God's word brought both healing and deliverance. "Healed them" implies restoration from physical sickness, spiritual brokenness, or the consequences of sin. "Delivered [them] from their destructions" speaks to rescue from perilous situations, ruin, or even the brink of death. It underscores God's ability to intervene directly in human suffering and bring about salvation.
• God's Compassion and Responsiveness: Despite the people's foolishness and sin, God responded to their distress. This verse beautifully illustrates God's character as a merciful and compassionate Father who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf, even when their troubles are self-inflicted.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "word" here is dabar (דָּבָר), which carries a much broader meaning than just a spoken utterance. It often refers to a matter, an affair, a decree, or even an event. In this context, it signifies God's active, powerful command that brings about a desired effect. It's not just information but a force. The word for "healed" is rapha (רָפָא), meaning to mend, cure, or restore. "Destructions" comes from shachath (שַׁחַת), which can mean corruption, ruin, or the pit, emphasizing the dire state from which God rescued them.

Related Scriptures

• The active power of God's word is a recurring biblical theme. Consider how Isaiah 55:11 declares that God's word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish His purpose.
• This verse also foreshadows the ultimate "Word" of God, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made and by whom healing and salvation are found. John 1:1 identifies Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God.
• For further insight into God as the divine healer, see Exodus 15:26, where God declares Himself as "the LORD that healeth thee."
• The concept of God delivering His people from danger and destruction is foundational to the biblical narrative. Paul speaks of God's deliverance from deadly peril in 2 Corinthians 1:10.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalms 107:20 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances—whether physical illness, spiritual brokenness from sin, or overwhelming life challenges—God's word remains the ultimate source of healing and deliverance. We are encouraged to cry out to Him in our distress, trusting in His compassionate nature and the inherent power of His word. This verse invites us to turn to Scripture not just for information, but as a living, active force that can bring about restoration and rescue in our lives. It reinforces the truth that true healing and salvation come from divine intervention, initiated by God's powerful command.