Psalms 107:11

Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

Because they rebelled {H4784} against the words {H561} of God {H410}, and contemned {H5006} the counsel {H6098} of the most High {H5945}:

because they defied God's word, scorned the counsel of the Most High.

because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

Because they rebelled against the words of God, And contemned the counsel of the Most High:

Psalm 107:11 explains the underlying reason for the distress and captivity experienced by those described earlier in the chapter, particularly those "sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron" (Psalm 107:10). This verse highlights a fundamental truth: human suffering often stems from a departure from God's divine will and wisdom.

Context

Psalm 107 is a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God's steadfast love and deliverance. It recounts four specific scenarios where people cry out to the Lord in their trouble and He rescues them: wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners, the sick, and mariners in a storm. Verse 11 specifically provides the cause for the plight of the prisoners, underscoring that their predicament was a direct consequence of their actions against God, demonstrating God's justice and sovereignty.

Key Themes

  • Rebellion Against God's Word: The verse explicitly states that their suffering was "Because they rebelled against the words of God." This emphasizes the serious nature of disobedience and defiance against divine authority. God's words are not merely suggestions but divine commands and principles for living.
  • Contempt for Divine Counsel: To "contemn the counsel of the most High" means to scorn, despise, or reject God's wisdom and guidance. It speaks to a willful and arrogant dismissal of His perfect plan and understanding. This attitude of contempt leads to disastrous outcomes, as seen in their captivity.
  • Consequences of Sin: This verse clearly links human sin and rebellion to negative consequences. It serves as a sober reminder that choices have repercussions, and defying God's authority ultimately leads to affliction and bondage. For more on the consequences of disobedience, consider Deuteronomy 28:15.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rebelled" is marah (מָרָה), which conveys a sense of stubborn defiance or open revolt. It's a strong term indicating a deliberate act against authority.
  • "Words of God" (אִמְרֵי־אֵל - imrei-El) refers to God's specific pronouncements, commands, or revealed truth.
  • "Contemned" comes from the Hebrew na'ats (נֵאָץ), meaning to spurn, despise, or treat with contempt. This suggests not just ignoring but actively disdaining God's guidance.
  • "Counsel of the most High" (עֲצַת עֶלְיוֹן - atzat Elyon) highlights God's wisdom and sovereign plan. The title "Most High" (Elyon) emphasizes His supreme authority and exalted position as the ultimate source of truth and guidance.

Practical Application

Psalm 107:11 serves as a timeless warning and a call to humility. It reminds us that ignoring or rejecting God's wisdom, as revealed in His Word, can lead to personal and societal distress. For Christians, this means diligently studying and obeying the Scriptures, understanding that God's ways are always for our good. It encourages us to value God's guidance above our own desires and to seek His counsel in all matters, rather than following our own rebellious paths. When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, this verse prompts self-reflection: have we been receptive to God's voice, or have we, like those in the Psalm, neglected to seek wisdom from God and instead rebelled against His words and contemned His counsel?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 106:43

    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

  • Romans 1:28

    And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

  • Proverbs 1:25

    But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

  • Psalms 78:40

    ¶ How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, [and] grieve him in the desert!

  • Luke 7:30

    But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

  • Psalms 73:24

    Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.

  • Proverbs 1:30

    They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

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