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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 107:10–16.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"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
Psalms 107:15 functions as a fervent, recurring refrain within a psalm of profound thanksgiving, serving as a passionate and universal call for humanity to acknowledge and celebrate God's inherent goodness and His awe-inspiring, miraculous interventions. It encapsulates the psalmist's deep desire for all people to respond with appropriate praise and gratitude to the Lord, recognizing His unwavering faithfulness and powerful deliverance demonstrated throughout the various scenarios of human distress detailed in the psalm.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 107 stands as a majestic hymn of thanksgiving, uniquely structured around four distinct scenarios of human distress and divine deliverance. Each scenario—wanderers lost in the wilderness, prisoners bound in darkness, the sick near death, and sailors tossed by storms—culminates in a desperate cry to the Lord, His subsequent rescue, and then the identical refrain: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" This powerful call to worship is found in Psalms 107:8, Psalms 107:15, Psalms 107:21, and Psalms 107:31. The specific instance of the refrain in Psalms 107:15 immediately follows the account of those "bound in affliction and iron" (Psalms 107:10) due to their rebellion against God's word and contempt for His counsel (Psalms 107:11). Despite their sin, when they cried out, God "brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder" (Psalms 107:14). This recurring pattern underscores God's sovereign mercy and His readiness to deliver even the rebellious when they turn to Him in their distress.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the precise historical setting of Psalm 107 is debated among scholars, it is widely suggested to reflect a post-exilic context, perhaps celebrating the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. The various scenarios—wandering in the wilderness, imprisonment, sickness, and perilous sea journeys—can be seen as powerful metaphors for the trials faced by Israel throughout its tumultuous history, particularly the national trauma of the exile and the subsequent miraculous return to the land. The psalm would have served as a communal liturgy, a corporate act of thanksgiving for God's providential care over His people, reminding them of His unwavering covenant faithfulness despite their wanderings and transgressions. The emphasis on God's "goodness" (חֶסֶד, chesed) resonates deeply with the covenant theology central to Israelite identity, highlighting God's loyal, steadfast love that endures through generations. The "wonderful works" (נִפְלָאוֹת, nifla'ot) would evoke powerful memories of foundational national deliverances, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, and other miraculous interventions, reinforcing God's active and mighty involvement in their national story and individual lives. Such a psalm would have been integral to Temple worship, fostering a culture of remembrance, gratitude, and communal adoration.
Key Themes
Psalm 107:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence is paramount, as God is consistently depicted as the active agent who hears cries, delivers from distress, and orchestrates events. Secondly, God's Steadfast Love (חֶסֶד) is presented as the foundational reason for praise; it is not merely His power, but His benevolent, enduring, and covenantal love that compels His intervention. This is beautifully articulated in the repeated phrase "for his goodness." Thirdly, the theme of Human Vulnerability and Dependence is evident in the detailed descriptions of suffering, highlighting humanity's utter helplessness apart from divine intervention. This vulnerability leads naturally to the fourth theme: the Necessity of Crying Out to God, as each scenario shows deliverance following a desperate plea. Finally, the central theme of Gratitude and Worship is powerfully expressed in the recurring call to "praise the LORD." This is presented as the fitting and natural response to experiencing God's deliverance and provision, emphasizing that remembering God's "wonderful works" (Psalms 107:24) should always lead to heartfelt adoration. The psalm's scope, addressing "the children of men," also underscores a Universal Call to Praise, suggesting God's care extends beyond Israel to all humanity.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from H3034, this Hebrew root literally means "to use (i.e., hold out) the hand," and by extension, "to throw" or "to confess." In the context of worship, it signifies an outward, active expression of gratitude, acknowledgment, and adoration, often involving outstretched hands or a public declaration. It is not merely an internal feeling but a deliberate, verbal, and often physical act of giving thanks for what God has done and who He is. The psalmist desires that humanity would actively and publicly acknowledge God's character and deeds.
This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament, commonly translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "mercy," or "covenant faithfulness." It denotes a love that is unwavering, committed, and active within the framework of a relationship. It signifies not just an emotion, but a fundamental quality of God's character that drives Him to act benevolently and faithfully towards His creation, particularly His covenant people. In Psalm 107, chêçêd is the underlying motivation for God's repeated acts of deliverance.
Derived from H6381, this root means "to be wonderful, extraordinary, difficult, or incomprehensible." When referring to God's "wonderful works" (nifla'ot), it speaks of His miraculous, astonishing, and awe-inspiring deeds. These are actions that transcend human capability and understanding, demonstrating God's unique power, majesty, and divine intervention in the world. The psalm recounts specific, tangible examples of these works—rescuing the lost, freeing the captive, healing the sick, calming the storm—all of which serve as irrefutable evidence of His active presence and power.
Verse Breakdown
"Oh that [men] would praise the LORD"
This opening phrase is a fervent exclamation, an earnest longing or desire on the part of the psalmist. The Hebrew particle lu (לוּ) expresses a strong wish or an ardent desire, conveying a sense of yearning for humanity to respond appropriately to God's actions. The inclusion of "[men]" (implied in the KJV translation, but the Hebrew simply has "they" or "people") broadens the scope to all humanity, emphasizing a universal call to worship Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. It is a passionate call for humanity to actively and publicly acknowledge God's inherent worth and His mighty deeds.
"[for] his goodness"
This clause provides the primary and foundational reason for the desired praise. God's "goodness" (חֶסֶד, chêçêd) refers to His inherent character of steadfast, loyal love and mercy. It is not merely about what God does, but fundamentally about who He is—a God whose very nature is benevolent and committed to His creation. This goodness is the wellspring from which all His saving acts flow, making it a foundational attribute worthy of endless adoration and thanksgiving.
"and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!"
This second clause offers a complementary reason for praise, focusing on the tangible manifestations of God's goodness. His "wonderful works" (נִפְלָאוֹת, nifla'ot, derived from H6381 pâlâʼ) are His extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring deeds of deliverance and provision. These are the concrete proofs of His active involvement in the world and His benevolent power. The phrase "to the children of men" (לִבְנֵי אָדָם, livnei adam, from H1121 bên and H120 ʼâdâm) explicitly states the beneficiaries of these works, emphasizing that God's benevolent actions extend to all humanity, not just a select group, making the call to praise universally applicable and profoundly relevant.
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:15 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its impact and message. The most prominent is Refrain, as this exact verse is repeated four times throughout the psalm (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31). This deliberate repetition serves to emphasize the central message of the psalm: the appropriate human response to God's consistent deliverance is unwavering praise. The refrain acts as a structural marker, punctuating each narrative section of distress and rescue, reinforcing the psalm's didactic purpose and driving home its core theological truth. The opening "Oh that..." functions as an Exclamation or Interjection, conveying the psalmist's fervent desire and passionate longing for humanity to respond with gratitude. This emotional appeal draws the reader into the psalmist's earnest plea, making the call to praise deeply personal and urgent. Furthermore, there is an implicit Parallelism between "his goodness" and "his wonderful works." While not a strict synonymous or antithetical parallelism, these two phrases work in conjunction, with "goodness" representing God's unchanging character and "wonderful works" representing the tangible, dynamic expressions of that character. This pairing provides a comprehensive and compelling reason for praise, encompassing both who God is and what He does. The entire psalm, including this verse, also serves a profound Didactic purpose, teaching the audience about God's faithfulness, humanity's dependence, and the proper, necessary response of gratitude and worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 107:15 powerfully encapsulates the core biblical truth that God's character is fundamentally good, and this goodness is actively demonstrated through His mighty deeds in the world. This verse connects to the broader theological theme of God's hesed (steadfast love) as the bedrock of His relationship with humanity, a love that is not passive but actively intervenes in human affairs. His "wonderful works" are not arbitrary displays of power but are always rooted in His benevolent nature, serving to deliver, preserve, and sustain. The call to praise, therefore, is not merely a suggestion but a theological imperative, the only fitting response to a God who is both inherently good and demonstrably active on behalf of "the children of men." This praise acknowledges His sovereignty, His compassion, and His redemptive purposes throughout history, inviting all creation to participate in declaring His glory.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 107:15 serves as a timeless summons for all people, across every generation, to cultivate a profound and active posture of gratitude towards God. In a world often consumed by complaint, anxiety, or forgetfulness, this verse redirects our focus to the undeniable reality of God's persistent goodness and His tangible interventions in our lives. It challenges us to move beyond a passive acknowledgment of blessings to a deliberate, heartfelt, and vocal declaration of praise. To truly live out this verse means to intentionally recognize God's hand in both the grand deliverances and the subtle daily provisions, to remember His faithfulness in past trials, and to anticipate His continued care. It calls us to make praise not just a reaction to good times, but a consistent spiritual discipline, a sacrifice of thanksgiving that acknowledges His worthiness above all else. By praising God for His goodness and wonderful works, we not only fulfill our created purpose but also strengthen our faith, deepen our relationship with Him, and bear witness to His unfailing love to a world in desperate need of hope.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this verse repeated four times in Psalm 107?
The repetition of Psalms 107:15 (and its identical counterparts in Psalms 107:8, Psalms 107:21, and Psalms 107:31) serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it acts as a structural marker, dividing the psalm into distinct sections, each detailing a different scenario of distress and deliverance. Secondly, it provides emphasis, underscoring the central message and the psalmist's fervent desire for praise. This repetition hammers home the point that regardless of the specific form of suffering or the nature of the deliverance, the appropriate and universal response is always gratitude and worship for God's goodness and works. It reinforces the didactic purpose of the psalm, teaching the community a consistent pattern of recognizing God's intervention and responding with thanksgiving.
What is the significance of "the children of men" in this verse?
The phrase "the children of men" (לִבְנֵי אָדָם, livnei adam) signifies the universal scope of God's goodness and wonderful works. While Psalm 107 often reflects the experiences of Israel, this phrase broadens the application to all humanity, transcending national or ethnic boundaries. It highlights that God's providential care, His capacity to deliver, and His inherent benevolence are not limited to a select group but extend to all people. This implies that all humanity has experienced, or is capable of experiencing, God's interventions, and therefore all are called to respond with praise. It foreshadows the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who came to save "the world" (John 3:16).
How does Psalm 107, and specifically this verse, relate to the experience of suffering?
Psalm 107 is profoundly relevant to the experience of suffering because it presents various forms of human distress (wandering, imprisonment, sickness, storms) and consistently demonstrates God's active intervention and deliverance. The psalm acknowledges that suffering can sometimes be a consequence of sin and rebellion (Psalms 107:11), but it primarily focuses on God's compassionate response when people cry out to Him in their trouble. Psalms 107:15, as a recurring refrain, teaches that even in the midst of or immediately following suffering, the appropriate response is to praise God. It shifts the focus from the pain of the experience to the faithfulness of the Deliverer, reminding us that God's goodness and His wonderful works are most clearly seen when He rescues us from our deepest troubles. It encourages a posture of grateful remembrance of God's past deliverances as an anchor for faith in present and future trials, transforming suffering into a catalyst for worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 107:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the supreme embodiment of God's "goodness" (chesed) and the most magnificent of His "wonderful works" (nifla'ot) "to the children of men." The steadfast love of God, so earnestly desired to be praised in the Old Testament, is perfectly revealed in the person and work of Christ. He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), through whom God's character of chesed is fully expressed. The "wonderful works" of God, which in Psalm 107 include freeing captives, healing the sick, and calming storms, are all powerfully demonstrated and surpassed in Christ's earthly ministry. He truly set the captives free from the bondage of sin and death (John 8:36), healed all manner of diseases and infirmities (Matthew 4:23), and commanded the winds and waves with a single word (Mark 4:39). His incarnation, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the greatest "wonderful works" ever performed for humanity, demonstrating God's boundless love and power to redeem. Therefore, the call to "praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men" finds its most compelling and eternal reason in the gospel, for it is through Christ that humanity experiences the fullness of God's saving grace and is brought into reconciliation with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Indeed, every act of God's goodness and every wonderful work ultimately points to the redemptive work accomplished in His Son, Jesus Christ, making Him the central object of our praise.