Psalms 107:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:11 serves as a profound explanation for the distress and affliction described earlier in the chapter, particularly the plight of those "sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron." This verse pinpoints the root cause of their suffering: a deliberate and defiant rejection of God's revealed will and perfect wisdom. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth that human suffering can often be a direct consequence of active rebellion against divine authority and a scornful dismissal of the Almighty's counsel, setting the stage for the subsequent divine deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 107 is a majestic hymn of thanksgiving, structured around four distinct scenarios where individuals or groups experience severe distress, cry out to the Lord, and are miraculously delivered. These groups are wanderers lost in the wilderness ([Psalms 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4-9 "Psalms 107:4-9 - God Delivers the Lost")), prisoners in affliction ([Psalms 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10-16 "Psalms 107:10-16 - God Delivers the Captive")), the sick afflicted by their sin ([Psalms 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17-22 "Psalms 107:17-22 - God Delivers the Sick")), and mariners caught in a tempest ([Psalms 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23-32 "Psalms 107:23-32 - God Delivers from Storms")). Verse 11 specifically provides the *reason* for the plight of the second group, the prisoners. The preceding verse, [Psalms 107:10](/psalms/107-10 "Psalms 107:10 - The Plight of the Prisoners"), vividly describes their state of bondage, "sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron." Psalms 107:11 then immediately follows, beginning with "Because," explicitly stating that their dire circumstances were a direct consequence of their actions against God, thus establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship within the narrative flow of the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not specify a single historical event, the imagery of captivity, darkness, and iron bonds strongly resonates with the experiences of the Israelite people, particularly during periods of exile or oppression, such as the Babylonian captivity. The concept of suffering as a consequence of rebellion against God's covenant is a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, as detailed in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - Israel's Disobedience and the Cycle of Judges"). The "Most High" (Hebrew: `Elyon`) is an ancient and powerful title for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, exalted position, and ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs. To "contemn the counsel of the Most High" would have been understood as an act of profound hubris and spiritual treason against the very source of life and wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 107:11 is a pivotal verse that highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it directly links **human rebellion and disobedience** to negative consequences, demonstrating that choices have repercussions and that defying God's authority ultimately leads to affliction and bondage. This underscores the seriousness of sin, not merely as a moral failing but as an act of defiance against the divine King. Secondly, it emphasizes the **value and authority of God's Word and Counsel**. The "words of God" are not mere suggestions but divine commands and principles for living, while His "counsel" represents His perfect wisdom and strategic plan for humanity. To reject these is to reject the path to true flourishing, as seen in [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24-31 "Proverbs 1:24-31 - Wisdom's Call and Rejection"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to **God's justice and sovereignty**. While God is merciful and delivers those who cry out, He also allows the natural and just consequences of rebellion to unfold, affirming His righteous governance over the world. This balance between divine justice and steadfast love (Hebrew: `hesed`) is central to the psalm's message of deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** This verb (H4784) signifies a strong, deliberate act of defiance, open revolt, or stubborn resistance against authority. It's not merely passive disobedience but an active, willful turning away from what is commanded or expected. In biblical contexts, _mârâh_ often describes Israel's repeated acts of rebellion against Yahweh in the wilderness (e.g., [Numbers 20:10](/numbers/20-10 "Numbers 20:10 - Moses Strikes the Rock in Rebellion")). It implies a hardened heart and a refusal to submit to divine will, often leading to bitter consequences.
* **Contemned (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** This powerful verb (H5006) means to scorn, despise, spurn, or treat with contempt. It suggests a more intense and arrogant rejection than _mârâh_. To "contemn" God's counsel is to look down upon it, to regard it as worthless or foolish, and to dismiss it with disdain. This is an attitude of profound disrespect and spiritual arrogance that actively disdains God's perfect plan and understanding, often leading to blasphemy or provocation.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** This noun (H6098) refers to God's divine wisdom, strategic plan, and sovereign guidance. It encompasses His perfect foresight, His righteous decrees, and His benevolent intentions for humanity. The use of "Most High" (_ʻelyôwn_, H5945) emphasizes God's supreme authority and exalted position as the ultimate source of truth, wisdom, and governance, making the act of contemning His counsel an act of supreme folly and rebellion against the highest power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they rebelled against the words of God":** This clause establishes the primary reason for the affliction described in the preceding verse. The suffering of the prisoners is not random but a direct consequence of their active and willful defiance against God's revealed communication. "Words of God" (אִמְרֵי־אֵל - _imrei-El_, combining H561 `ʼêmer` and H410 `ʼêl`) refers to His specific pronouncements, commands, and revealed truth, which serve as the foundation for righteous living and covenant relationship. Their rebellion signifies a deliberate choice to disregard or actively oppose these divine instructions.
* **"and contemned the counsel of the most High":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, intensifying and elaborating on the nature of their rebellion. It's not just disobedience, but a scornful, arrogant dismissal of God's wisdom and guidance. To "contemn" implies a deep-seated disdain for God's perfect plan, viewing it as inferior or irrelevant to their own desires. The phrase "counsel of the Most High" underscores that the wisdom they rejected originates from the supreme, exalted, and all-knowing God, making their contempt an act of profound spiritual blindness and hubris against the ultimate authority.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses of the verse express the same idea in different words, reinforcing and intensifying the meaning. "Rebelled against the words of God" is paralleled by "contemned the counsel of the most High," both conveying the core concept of defiant rejection of divine authority. This repetition emphasizes the gravity and multifaceted nature of their sin, highlighting both active disobedience and scornful dismissal. The verse also functions as a clear statement of **Cause and Effect**, where the rebellion and contempt (the cause) directly lead to the affliction and bondage described in [Psalms 107:10](/psalms/107-10 "Psalms 107:10 - The Plight of the Prisoners") (the effect). This highlights the principle of divine justice and the inherent consequences of living contrary to God's design. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Personification**, as "words of God" and "counsel of the Most High" are treated as entities against which one can rebel or show contempt, underscoring their inherent authority, wisdom, and the personal nature of the offense against God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:11 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of humanity's relationship with God, particularly the themes of sin, divine justice, and the indispensable value of God's revelation. It articulates a foundational principle: when humanity rejects the divine blueprint for life—His revealed word and wise counsel—the natural and just consequence is often a descent into distress and bondage. This is not arbitrary punishment but the inevitable outcome of operating outside the divine order designed for human flourishing. The verse reminds us that God's commands are not burdensome restrictions but pathways to life, and to scorn them is to choose a path of self-destruction. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own character, which includes both steadfast love and righteous judgment, ensuring that rebellion does not go unaddressed, yet always leaves room for the cry for deliverance.
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24-31 "Proverbs 1:24-31 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - Suppression of Truth and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:11 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to humility and introspection for all believers. It challenges us to examine our own lives and discern if, perhaps subtly or overtly, we are "rebelling against the words of God" or "contemning the counsel of the Most High." In a world that often values self-autonomy and personal truth above all else, this verse reminds us that true freedom and flourishing are found not in defiance but in alignment with God's perfect will. It prompts us to diligently study and obey the Scriptures, understanding that God's ways are always for our good and that His wisdom far surpasses our own. When facing difficult circumstances, this verse encourages self-reflection: have we been receptive to God's voice, or have we, like those in the Psalm, neglected to seek His counsel and instead pursued our own rebellious paths? It calls us to cultivate a posture of reverence for God's Word and a deep desire to walk in His wisdom, trusting that His guidance is the only true path to lasting peace and deliverance from spiritual bondage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "rebelling against the words of God" or disregarding His principles?**
* **Am I truly valuing and actively seeking God's "counsel" in major decisions, or do I often rely solely on my own understanding and desires?**
* **How does this verse challenge my perspective on suffering, both personally and in the world, particularly regarding the role of human choices?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin or rebellion?**

Answer: While Psalms 107:11 clearly links the specific suffering of the "prisoners" to their rebellion against God's word and counsel, it does not imply that *all* suffering is a direct result of individual sin. The Bible presents a multifaceted understanding of suffering. For example, the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Attack on Job") powerfully demonstrates that righteous individuals can suffer without direct personal sin being the cause. Similarly, [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind") shows Jesus correcting the disciples' assumption that a man's blindness was due to his or his parents' sin. This verse in Psalms 107 highlights a *principle*—that rebellion against God's design often leads to negative consequences—but it is not an exhaustive explanation for every instance of human pain or affliction. It specifically addresses the cause of the distress of a particular group described in the psalm, emphasizing God's justice in allowing consequences for deliberate disobedience while acknowledging the broader complexities of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:11, with its stark portrayal of suffering stemming from rebellion against God's words and contempt for His counsel, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who perfectly lived a life of absolute obedience, never rebelling against the words of God but always doing what pleased the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Unlike humanity, who consistently contemned God's counsel, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and counsel, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). He is God's perfect Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate revelation against whom humanity rebelled and whom they ultimately crucified. Yet, through His sacrificial death, Jesus bore the full consequences of humanity's rebellion and contempt, offering deliverance from the spiritual bondage and "shadow of death" that sin brings ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims Freedom to the Captives")). Through faith in Him, those who were once bound by their own defiance can find forgiveness for their rebellion and receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, enabling them to walk in God's counsel and experience true freedom ([Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")). He is the pathway to reconciliation, transforming hearts of rebellion into hearts of humble obedience, leading to life rather than the affliction described in the psalm.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.